Episodes

  • Talk Heathen 10.12 with Christy Powell and Ben Clodfelter

    Talk Heathen 10.12 with Christy Powell and Ben Clodfelter
    Mar 23 2026
    In today’s episode of Talk Heathen, Christy Powell and Ben Clodfelter explore the bizarre intersection of religion and reality TV. From the "propaganda" of the Duggars to the normalization of fundamentalist behavior, the hosts deconstruct how faith-based media masks accountability and shifts cultural norms. Can a secular perspective help us see through the clever editing of religious narratives?

    Jack in MA shares how living in a liberal, secularized area made his exit from Catholicism feel more like trivia than a tragedy. The hosts discuss the social pressures of the "God virus" and challenge Jack’s thought experiment about a scientifically accurate Bible. Does a book full of magic and talking donkeys lose its religious power if it starts making too much sense?

    Lisa in Canada is tired of hearing the classic "it’s a relationship, not a religion" platitude. Ben cites studies showing that "God’s opinion" often activates the same brain regions as personal opinion, suggesting believers are essentially talking to themselves. How can we distinguish between the Holy Spirit and the messy, physical sensations of our own intuition?

    Anne in CA wants to know why theists claim atheists have no moral grounding while ignoring the horrific ethics of the Bible. Ben explains that secular morality is rooted in empathy and well-being, which requires no supernatural foundation. Is the "objective morality" of theists just a mask for cherry-picking verses that suit their personal values?

    Thank you for joining us this week! We will see you next time!


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    1 hr and 28 mins
  • Talk Heathen 10.11 with Dr. Ben and Thomas Westbrook

    Talk Heathen 10.11 with Dr. Ben and Thomas Westbrook
    Mar 15 2026
    In today’s episode of Talk Heathen, Dr. Ben and guest host Thomas Westbrook (Holy Kool-Aid) dismantle the boundaries of belief and biology! They explore the expanding circle of morality, the scientific reality of observed evolution, and the historical gaps in biblical manuscripts. Can critical thinking bridge the distance between ancient mythology and modern skepticism?
    Louis in NY asks why species membership limits moral concern. Thomas notes the expanding circle of morality, while Ben emphasizes prioritizing immediate human rights crises over ethical perfection. Is the pursuit of total purity a mental health trap?
    Lee in TX claims evolution is defeated since no one has observed speciation. Ben cites antibiotic resistance as proof of change, while Thomas details ring species and transitional fossils. Why do theists rely on rigid categories like "kinds" to deny biology?
    Zil Zone in NY questions if the universe's initial state is just atheist magic. Ben argues for scientific models over placeholders, and Thomas uses textual criticism to expose gaps in biblical reliability. Why prioritize 2,000-year-old stories over modern forensic data?
    Thank you for joining us this week! We will see you next time!


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    1 hr and 34 mins
  • Talk Heathen 10.10 With Jamie The Blind Limey and Thinker

    Talk Heathen 10.10 With Jamie The Blind Limey and Thinker
    Mar 12 2026
    In today’s episode of Talk Heathen, Jamie the Blind Limey and The Thinker tackle the complexities of working with religious allies for humanist goals! They investigate the ethical quagmire of biblical slavery and the impact of Christian nationalism on modern law. Can atheists and believers find a shared moral foundation, or do ancient texts create insurmountable walls? Dave on TikTok questions the origin of secular morals while defending biblical slavery. The hosts dismantle his excuses for prison labor and his refusal to support trans rights without using bigoted analogies. Why equate equality with bestiality?

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    1 hr and 9 mins
  • Talk Heathen 10.09 with Richard Gilliver and Trust But Verify

    Talk Heathen 10.09 with Richard Gilliver and Trust But Verify
    Mar 1 2026
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    1 hr and 23 mins
  • Talk Heathen 10.08 with Dr. Ben and Christy Powell

    Talk Heathen 10.08 with Dr. Ben and Christy Powell
    Feb 22 2026
    Show notes upon receipt.

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    1 hr and 27 mins
  • Talk Heathen 10.07 with Sydney Davis Jr. Jr. and Scott Dickie

    Talk Heathen 10.07 with Sydney Davis Jr. Jr. and Scott Dickie
    Feb 15 2026
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    1 hr and 29 mins
  • Talk Heathen 10.06 with Jamie the Blind Limey and Aaron Jensen

    Talk Heathen 10.06 with Jamie the Blind Limey and Aaron Jensen
    Feb 8 2026
    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/talk-heathen--3195702/support.
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    1 hr and 20 mins
  • Talk Heathen 10.05 with Jimmy Jr. and ObjectivelyDan

    Talk Heathen 10.05 with Jimmy Jr. and ObjectivelyDan
    Feb 2 2026
    In today’s episode of Talk Heathen, Jimmy Jr. and Objectively Dan dismantle the tired propaganda linking atheism to communism! The hosts explore historical misconceptions, the "victim complex" of the religious right, and the distinct differences between economic theory and secular government. Is the fear of communism just a tool to preserve religious dominance in the West?

    Lisa in Canada asks if fundamentalist groups like Prager U deliberately conflate secularism with communism to manufacture a Christian persecution complex. Dan explains that branding a YouTube channel as a "University" is a propaganda tactic designed to confuse definitions and maintain the religious status quo. The hosts highlight how secularism actually protects religious freedom for everyone. Will unmasking these strategic misdefinitions help end the perceived war on Christianity?

    Anne in CA explores the definition of communism versus the Cold War authoritarianism she grew up with. Jimmy and Dan define dialectical materialism and the social contract, noting that true communism remains unrealized because political elites pervert the theory for power. They distinguish between socialized policies, like healthcare, and state ownership of production. Does understanding the nuances of political theory make the "communist" label less effective as a scare tactic?

    Thank you for joining us this week! We will see you next time!


    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/talk-heathen--3195702/support.
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    1 hr and 15 mins