Serious Inquiries Only

It’s with a heavy heart that I have to launch on another Tommentary. Pretty much every time there’s a horrible massacre, there are a number of things to react to. Here’s an article I talked about toward the end that was very interesting: http://aeon.co/magazine/philosophy/people-do-violence-because-their-moral-codes-demand-it/ The post AS147: Tommentary appeared first on Atheistically Speaking.

More discussion with Rondale. In part 2 we talk a bit more about being an atheist in the black community. The post AS146: Ex-Mormon, Rondale Part 2 appeared first on Atheistically Speaking.

This week’s guest is another ex-Mormon, but coming with yet another unique perspective. I’ll give you a hint, he wouldn’t have been allowed in the church before 1978. The post AS145: Ex-Mormon, Rondale appeared first on Atheistically Speaking.

Here’s the second half with Elijiah T! I’m liking the response to this. Keep those comments coming. The post AS144: Atheists Say the Darnedest Things, Part 2 appeared first on Atheistically Speaking.

Elijiah was a guest about a year ago, and now he’s back for another round! This time, we’re going to discuss what Elijiah alleges are bad arguments atheists make. It’s a really cool discussion and I had a great time. 2 episodes, filled to the brim! The post AS143: Atheists Say the Darnedest Things, with Elijiah T. appeared first on Atheistically Speaking.

Continuing the discussion from Monday, Jake and I go on to react to the CNN Anderson Cooper interview with the organizer of the obnoxious event. Also, I read most of this really well written response to the event: To the Bikers Who Plan to Protest in Arizona The post AS142: Armed Peaceful Protests, with Jake Farr-Wharton appeared first on Atheistically Speaking.

This week I have Jake on to discuss what is an actual case of Islamophobia. That is, the biker “protest” outside of an Arizona mosque where members wore t-shirts saying “F*** Islam” and carried weapons. The post AS141: Real Islamophobia, with Jake Farr-Wharton appeared first on Atheistically Speaking.

But not just any comments, really good comments! I go back over the Louis CK stuff from Monday in light of a few comments, and then I finally comment back at a comment on Christina Hoff Sommers. The post AS140: At Long Last, Listener Comments appeared first on Atheistically Speaking.

It’s a bit of a potpourri for today’s episode! What did Louis CK’s SNL monologue from the other week have to do with free will and determinism? Also, I saw Mad Max and felt the need to talk a bit about it and the intersection with feminism. The post AS139: Louis CK, Filters, Mad Max, MRAs… appeared first on Atheistically Speaking.

Continuing from Monday, we’re finishing up Of Miracles by Hume. It’s quite an important piece in skeptic history, and seeks to provide an argument against miracle testimony of many kinds. The post AS138: David Hume, Of Miracles Part 2 appeared first on Atheistically Speaking.

The Portable Atheist, part 6! Rather than claim I will come back to the Portable Atheist in a month and then wait like 4 months as I have previously, I decided to be proactive and get right to it! This time, it’s “Of Miracles” by David Hume, very important work for skepticism. This will be … Continue reading AS137: David Hume, Of Miracles → The post AS137: David Hume, Of Miracles appeared first on Atheistically Speaking.

Megan is back for part 2 about being raised as a female Mormon. It’s quite a bit different than as a male.. Also, NCMOs are real! Here’s some of the resources/links Megan mentioned: http://www.colleenkellypoplin.com/home/faith-the-privileges-and-responsibilities-of-sisters http://www.lds-mormon.com/poelman.shtml http://whitefieldseducational.org/ Also if you’d like to contact Megan, she was kind enough to offer her email at [email protected] Thanks for listening! The post AS136: Being Raised A Mormon Girl, Part 2 appeared first on Atheistically Speaking.

Some time ago I had two ex-Mormons, Bill and Gerald, on to discuss their experience with the church. After hearing that, Megan sent me a message asking if I wanted to get the female perspective on the Mormon experience. I said absolutely! So Megan is here to give us another side of the story. With … Continue reading AS135: Being Raised A Mormon Girl, with Megan → The post AS135: Being Raised A Mormon Girl, with Megan appeared first on Atheistically Speaking.

Much more with Jeffrey Jay Lowder! This time we get even deeper into the arguments, and I get to try out a couple of thoughts I’ve been having on Jeff. It was a real treat to have an expert on to be able to bounce some ideas off of. This is of course in addition … Continue reading AS134: Moral Arguments, with Jeffery Jay Lowder, Part 2 → The post AS134: Moral Arguments, with Jeffery Jay Lowder, Part 2 appeared first on Atheistically Speaking.

I’m very pleased to have a special guest this week, Jeffery Jay Lowder! Jeff is one of the founders of Internet Infidels and the Secular Outpost. He’s also someone with a vast knowledge of apologetics and counter-apologetics, having studied at a christian university. One thing about Jeff Lowder though is that he’s very fair and … Continue reading AS133: Moral Arguments, with Jeffery Jay Lowder → The post AS133: Moral Arguments, with Jeffery Jay Lowder appeared first on Atheistically Speaking.

Lots of great comments on my last episode to discuss, but ALAS! There’s no time! We’re on to the Portable Atheist 5! I cannot believe how long it has been since I did this last. This edition is David Hume’s “The Natural History of Religion.” I promise to find a time to address these really … Continue reading AS132: The Portable Atheist, Part 5 → The post AS132: The Portable Atheist, Part 5 appeared first on Atheistically Speaking.

This week I want to take a break from interviews. I’ve absolutely loved the interviews I’ve been doing lately, but I recognize that some people come to my podcast for some commentary, or Tommentary, so today I’d like to do that. SO, I picked a doozy of a topic, which is Christina Hoff Sommers. She … Continue reading AS131: Hiding From Ideas → The post AS131: Hiding From Ideas appeared first on Atheistically Speaking.

Part 2 with Ben Bell. For a description and if you haven’t heard part one, refer here: http://atheisticallyspeaking.com/as129-reddit-toxicity/ The post AS130: Reddit Toxicity, with Ben Bell, part 2 appeared first on Atheistically Speaking.

Atheism’s Reddit Toxicity The company Idibon recently conducted a Reddit toxicity that made a lot of headlines. The study can be found here. Many subreddits reposted the study and reacted to their position. In a finding that might be relevant to the atheism community, r/atheism was found to be among the top in the Reddit … Continue reading AS129: Reddit Toxicity, with Idibon’s Ben Bell → The post AS129: Reddit Toxicity, with Idibon’s Ben Bell appeared first on Atheistically Speaking.

In part 2 we get to hear @secularlad Harley’s update and story. Then we get into some general stuff about Jehova’s Witnesses with Kenny Wyland. He can be found on twitter @kennywyland or at the awesome url of http://www.liberalgeek.com ! The post AS128: Ex-Witnesses Kenny and Harley, Part 2 appeared first on Atheistically Speaking.

Continuing a bit of a series on ex-religion, I have two ex-witnesses this week! You’ve heard @secularlad Harley before, but now we’ve got a brand new guest in Kenny Wyland! He can be found on twitter @kennywyland or at the awesome url of http://www.liberalgeek.com ! The post AS127: Ex-Witnesses Kenny and Harley appeared first on Atheistically Speaking.

In part two of our discussion, Eiynah breaks down the recent situation in Canada where a woman wants to be able to wear a niqab during the citizenship oath. Is it basic religious freedom to allow this? Or is it just as ridiculous as allowing a KKK mask during the oath? Thanks so much to … Continue reading AS126: Women in Bags, with Eiynah Nice Mangos → The post AS126: Women in Bags, with Eiynah Nice Mangos appeared first on Atheistically Speaking.

This week I’m joined by Pakistani-Canadian illustrator/blogger Eiynah! If you’re wondering, that’s not her real name. Why would she need to be anonymous? Well she used to be a Muslim, I wonder if that has anything to do with it… Anyway, in this first part, Eiynah talks about her background growing up in Saudi Arabia and … Continue reading AS125: Eiynah Nice Mangos → The post AS125: Eiynah Nice Mangos appeared first on Atheistically Speaking.

Back by popular demand is my alarmingly attractive fiance Lydia! In a follow up to the Jake and Marilee episode on secular weddings, we discuss our experiences planning a wedding. Well… Lydia’s experience planning a wedding. Lydia also has some unintentionally hilarious examples of religious wedding vows! It’s a raucous time. The post AS124: Our Secular Wedding, with Lydia appeared first on Atheistically Speaking.

Here’s the much anticipated interview with Ruby Rose Fox! Ruby is a really unique and talented musician who also happens to be an atheist. We discuss the role religion played in her life and still plays in her music. Also, we get an EXCLUSIVE look at two brand new songs not heard anywhere else! Check … Continue reading AS123: Religion and Music with Ruby Rose Fox → The post AS123: Religion and Music with Ruby Rose Fox appeared first on Atheistically Speaking.

In today’s episode I’m joined by Jake Farr-Wharton and Marilee to discuss secular wedding ceremonies! They can be a challenge, since religion has had a monopoly on weddings and other special occasions. Our guests have some insights on what go into a secular wedding! Catch Jake on the Imaginary Friends Show and of course on … Continue reading AS122: Secular Weddings, with Jake and Marilee → The post AS122: Secular Weddings, with Jake and Marilee appeared first on Atheistically Speaking.

We have the thrilling conclusion of our Chris Shelton trilogy! Today we find out what led Chris out of the cult of Scientology, and how he dealt with leaving the religion that was his life for 27 years. Thanks again to Chris and check him out at http://mncriticalthinker.com The post AS121: Leaving Scientology, with Chris Shelton appeared first on Atheistically Speaking.

Prior to the scientology segment, I briefly discuss some rather odd things Patton Oswalt had to say of atheism in this article: http://www.salon.com/2015/03/11/salons_patton_oswalt_peace_summit/ With that brief aside, aside, though, we move onto part 2/3 with Chris Shelton and his life inside the cult of Scientology. This time we learn where and how all that 27 years … Continue reading AS120: 27 Years In Scientology, with Chris Shelton → The post AS120: 27 Years In Scientology, with Chris Shelton appeared first on Atheistically Speaking.

Hello Thetans! In this episode we’ll be learning a ton about Scientology. Chris Shelton is an ex-Scientologist who will be taking us through the basics. I would go on more about Chris, but I actually don’t want to spoil any of his story because we are going to learn all about it in the next … Continue reading AS119: Guide to Scientology, with Chris Shelton → The post AS119: Guide to Scientology, with Chris Shelton appeared first on Atheistically Speaking.

We continue the very fascinating conversation with Bill and Gerald. Find out how their stories continued and how they got to where they are today! The post AS118: Two Ex-Mormon Stories, Part 2 appeared first on Atheistically Speaking.

This week I’m very pleased to be joined by two ex-Mormons, Bill and Gerald. Their stories are similar in many ways, but also diverge at a few key points. Get a glimpse into what it’s like to grow up as a Mormon; the missions, the creepy corporate feel of the church, the very firm expectations. … Continue reading AS117: Two Ex-Mormon Stories, Part 1 → The post AS117: Two Ex-Mormon Stories, Part 1 appeared first on Atheistically Speaking.

We continue our discussion with Noah and Heath. https://www.facebook.com/skepticrat The post AS116: Politics With The Skepticrat, Part 2 appeared first on Atheistically Speaking.

We’re joined by none other than Noah Lugeons and Heath Enwright! After becoming famous for being Scathing Atheists, the guys are now branching out to politics with their new podcast, The Skepticrat! It’s taking the iTunes by storm, peaking at #51 of all podcasts ever, in any category. Quite impressive! Check out the show by … Continue reading AS115: Politics, With The Skepticrat → The post AS115: Politics, With The Skepticrat appeared first on Atheistically Speaking.

Previous guest and awesome Patron Michael, AKA Bangs Naughty Bits, joins me to talk about free speech. In particular, we’re discussing a very interesting article which I read aloud on the show: http://reason.com/archives/2015/02/18/after-copenhagen-the-myth-of-civilized-c Are hate speech laws on the same spectrum as shooting people for drawing Mohammed? That is the allegation of the author, and it’s … Continue reading AS114: Hate Speech Laws, with Michael → The post AS114: Hate Speech Laws, with Michael appeared first on Atheistically Speaking.

… And CJ Werleman doesn’t have it. In this 24 hours late episode, my voice is still sounding a little rough, but better than it did. I had a few interactions with the infamous CJ Werleman, and it has now hit a critical mass with me. In this episode I identify 3 times that CJ … Continue reading AS113: Intellectual Honesty Is Important → The post AS113: Intellectual Honesty Is Important appeared first on Atheistically Speaking.

It’s Justin Schieber, part 2! Justin Schieber is back for a discussion on apologetics! Justin is an accomplished debater, and a refreshingly clear thinker regarding apologetics. Justin gives the arguments a very fair shake, and avoids straw men like the plague. Great qualities for an Atheistically Speaking guest! Check out his site http://www.justinsweh.com/ for his upcoming … Continue reading AS112: Justin Schieber Returns, Part 2! → The post AS112: Justin Schieber Returns, Part 2! appeared first on Atheistically Speaking.

Justin Schieber is back for a discussion on apologetics! Justin is an accomplished debater, and a refreshingly clear thinker regarding apologetics. Justin gives the arguments a very fair shake, and avoids straw men like the plague. Great qualities for an Atheistically Speaking guest! Check out his site http://www.justinsweh.com/ for his upcoming debates! Find him on Twitter … Continue reading AS111: Justin Schieber Returns! → The post AS111: Justin Schieber Returns! appeared first on Atheistically Speaking.

I finish up the Spinoza reading from the Portable Atheist, and then I talk about the awful shooting deaths of three Muslims in Chapel Hill. Is atheism to blame? The post AS110: Chapel Hill Shootings appeared first on Atheistically Speaking.

It’s finally time for another edition of the Portable Atheist! This time it’s Benedict de Spinoza! The post AS109: Portable Atheist 4 appeared first on Atheistically Speaking.

Well you’ve no doubt heard what’s in the news. ISIS is terrible. I discuss some difficult questions involved. Then, since we all went through that ordeal, I give us a nice easy issue: Huckabee’s take on gay marriage! It’s pretty horrendous. The post AS108: ISIS; Huckabee’s Brilliance appeared first on Atheistically Speaking.

Joining me in today’s episode is Anonymous Steve, who you might remember from a previous episode. Steve was oddly sentenced to Catholic Mass by a crazy judge in the UK. You may have seen the story making the rounds lately, retweeted by even Ricky Gervais and Richard Dawkins. Here are some links from the show, … Continue reading AS107: Dr. Steve Sentenced to Catholic Mass → The post AS107: Dr. Steve Sentenced to Catholic Mass appeared first on Atheistically Speaking.

I have a few loose ends to tie up with Charlie Hebdo stuff, and then we have a great Patron of the week! This week’s Patron is Wes, and he works in intelligence, which sounds way cooler than it is! Or maybe it is that cool.. The post AS106: A Few Thoughts; Patron of the Week appeared first on Atheistically Speaking.

I forgot to announce last week, it has been a year since Atheistically Speaking started! How cool is that! Thanks for everyone’s support and here’s to another great year! Also, second half of the parent panel discussion. Lots more interesting stuff. If anyone has another idea for a panel topic, feel free to throw it … Continue reading AS105: The Secular Parent Panel, Part 2 → The post AS105: The Secular Parent Panel, Part 2 appeared first on Atheistically Speaking.

At last, it’s here! The secular parent panel we’ve all heard so much about! This was a ton of fun, and I really appreciate the three panelists coming on to share their experiences as atheist parents in a not so atheist world. Questions we considered were, should we raise our kids with the Santa myth? … Continue reading AS104: Secular Parent Panel, Part 1 → The post AS104: Secular Parent Panel, Part 1 appeared first on Atheistically Speaking.

I’m very privileged to have listeners all over the world, and one such listener is Stephane, who lives in a small town just outside Paris. Stephane and I discussed Charlie Hebdo from beginning to end, and he taught me a ton about French culture and the mindset behind anti-Burqa laws and other such things in France. … Continue reading AS103: French Atheist Stephane on Charlie Hebdo → The post AS103: French Atheist Stephane on Charlie Hebdo appeared first on Atheistically Speaking.

Today I have some quick thoughts on your comments from the last episode, and then a great Patron of the Week, Adrian! Also, I talked about the terrible stuff that happened with Noah of Scathing Atheist. Here’s the link to the page to donate to the people who helped salvage the situation: http://www.fcnmhp.org/how-to-help/donate/ The post AS102: Charlie; Patron of the Week Adrian appeared first on Atheistically Speaking.

This week was supposed to be the Parenting Panel, but given recent events, I am electing to delay those episodes by a week. In this episode I wade into the mess that is the popular response to the Charlie Hebdo shooting. I take a look at the range of responses and have some thoughts on … Continue reading AS101: Je Suis Ahmed → The post AS101: Je Suis Ahmed appeared first on Atheistically Speaking.

For the second half of our episode 100 spectacular, Tom, Cecil and I discuss this article: https://ca.news.yahoo.com/dalhousie-dentistry-scandal-free-speech-101406801.html This turned out to be quite a contentious debate on free speech. Please let me know what you think of the arguments! The post AS100: Episode 100 with Cog Dis!! appeared first on Atheistically Speaking.

This week I have Tom and Cecil, two of my absolute top 100 favorite guests, on to celebrate 100 episodes of Atheistically Speaking! In today’s episode we discuss a variety of impromptu topics, and then on Thursday we’ll have an interesting discussion on free speech. These guys are the best! Thank you all for 100 … Continue reading AS99: 100 Episodes Celebration Week, with Cog Dis! → The post AS99: 100 Episodes Celebration Week, with Cog Dis! appeared first on Atheistically Speaking.

The bulk of this show was actually a very fun Patron of the Week interview, but I also had some thoughts on the suicide of Leelah Alcorn. Her death is incredibly sad, but I hope her words may help others. Clearly we still have a long way to go regarding transgender acceptance, but if you’re … Continue reading AS98: Transgender Acceptance; Patron of the Week → The post AS98: Transgender Acceptance; Patron of the Week appeared first on Atheistically Speaking.