Life After God's tracks - TopPodcast.com

095 - Secular American Voices, feat. Juhem Navarro-Rivera Nov 08, 2020

In this episode Ryan shares a few thoughts about the victory of Joe Biden in the presidential election, followed by an interview with Juhem Navarro-Rivera of Socioanalítica Research about the political views and values of secular Americans as compared to all Americans. These results are revealed in a new report by Socioanalítica Research entitled, Secular Voices Survey.
LINKS
Download the Secular Voices Survey | https://secularvoices2020.socioanalitica.com
Socioanalítica Research website | https://socioanaliticaresearch.com
Friendly Atheist guest post | https://friendlyatheist.patheos.com/2020/10/08/pay-attention-democrats-research-shows-secular-americans-are-a-voting-bloc
"NoneDecision 2020" (The Humanist) | https://thehumanist.com/commentary/nonedecision-2020-secular-voters-disagree-on-more-than-candidates
Socioanalítica Blog (Medium) | https://medium.com/storias/how-secular-voters-can-decide-the-election-f45d72b0285f
Follow Juhem on Facebook and Instagram, @Socioanalitica
Follow Juhem on Twitter @JuhemNR

094 - Secular Day of the Dead, feat. Victoria de la Torre & Margaret Downey Oct 29, 2020

On this episode I speak with Victoria de la Torre and Margaret Downey about Secular Day of the Dead, a secularized celebration of an ancient pre-Columbian Mesoamerican celebration that goes back some 3,000 years.
This year the Freethought Society is hosting International Secular Day of the Dead on Zoom, due to the pandemic. All are invited to join in this celebration of the lives of our dead loved ones and pets.
Learn more about Secular Day of the Dead and register to attend at http://www.ftsociety.org.
Reserve a 3-5-minute time slot to speak in celebration of your dead loved one by sending an email to SecularDayoftheDead@FtSociety.org.
KPCC coverage of the first Secular Day of the Dead in 2018—https://www.scpr.org/news/2018/11/02/86926/angelenos-celebrate-first-secular-day-of-the-dead

093 - Finding Realness, Meaning, and Belonging in Our Digital Lives, feat. Chris Stedman Oct 19, 2020

On this episode I speak with Chris Stedman. Chris is a writer, speaker, and community organizer living in Minneapolis. His new book, out tomorrow from Broadleaf Books, is called "IRL: Finding Realness, Meaning, and Belonging in Our Digital Lives." The IRL in the title refers to the internet shorthand for “in real life,” in contrast to our online lives. But Chris thinks this designation is a mistake.
Much of the time, Chris says, we don’t think of our time on the internet as “real” and therefore don’t approach it with the same critical analysis that we might a different kind of engagement. How much thought do you put into an activity you don’t think is real? Chris argues that while our lives online are different than other relational spaces, it is no less real. As such he invites us to think deeply and critically about how we engage with the internet, how it is shaping us, and what it’s telling us about what is real and what is important.
::LINKS::
Visit Chris Stedman's website | https://chrisstedmanwriter.com
Buy the book | https://bookshop.org/books/irl-finding-realness-meaning-and-belonging-in-our-digital-lives/9781506463513
Follow Chris on Twitter | http://www.twitter.com/ChrisDStedman
Read “The Problem of Free Speech in an Age of Disinformation” | https://www.nytimes.com/2020/10/13/magazine/free-speech.html

092 - The Humanism of Albert Camus, feat. Jamie Lombardi Sep 20, 2020

On this episode I speak with Jamie Lombardi about the humanistic philosophy of Albert Camus against the backdrop of our contemporary political situation: pandemic, wildfires on the west coast, police violence against black people, and the impending election.
LINKS
Reading "The Plague" During a Plague, with Jamie Lombardi, Greg Epstein, and Ryan Bell
https://youtu.be/EF5rsNl5QnE
"The Best Books by Albert Camus," recommended by Jamie Lombardi (interview by Nigel Warburton)
https://fivebooks.com/best-books/albert-camus-jamie-lombardi
Follow Jamie Lombardi on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/euthyphro
Become a member of Life After God
http://www.patreon.com/lifeaftergod
Visit our website at http://www.lifeaftergod.org

091 - White Too Long, feat. Robert P. Jones Aug 17, 2020

On this episode I speak with Robert P. Jones, founder and CEO of Public Religion Research Institute (PRRI) about his new bombshell of a book, "White Too Long: The Legacy of White Supremacy in American Christianity."
Jones speaks about his growing up in the Southern Baptist Church in Texas and Mississippi, his growing awareness of the crisis festering within his faith community, and how he has come to understand the role that history and theology play in Christianity's support for white supremacy. Then he backs all that up by polling Americans about their attitudes about racial difference. What he found is not at all unexpected and yet somehow shocking all the same.
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LINKS
Buy "White Too Long" | https://www.indiebound.org/book/9781982122867
Visit PRRI's website | https://www.prri.org/
Read "Christianity Will Have Power" in the New York Times | https://www.nytimes.com/2020/08/09/us/evangelicals-trump-christianity.html

090 - We Are Not the Heroes, ft. Greg Epstein Jun 30, 2020

On this episode I speak to Greg Epstein, humanist chaplain at Harvard University and MIT. In this wide ranging conversation, Greg and I talk about his upbringing and some of the events that led to where he is today at two of the most prestigious universities in the United States, working to build meaningful community among the non-religious and ask difficult questions about the ethics of technology.
We recorded this conversation in the immediate aftermath of the murder of George Floyd and the uprisings for racial and economic justice around the United States.
Mentioned in the episode:
Greg's book, Good Without God. https://www.amazon.com/Good-Without-God-Billion-Nonreligious/dp/006167012X
Greg's writing for TechCrunch | https://techcrunch.com/author/greg-epstein/
Is this sadness or anger? Is there a difference? by Ryan Bell
https://medium.com/radical-humanism/is-this-sadness-or-anger-is-there-a-difference-67cea83e3ee
Secular Student Alliance virtual conference | https://secularstudents.org/2020conference/

089 - The Politics of Humanism with Justin Clark Jun 06, 2020

In this episode I speak with Justin Clark about the relationship between secularism, humanism, and socialism. We even talk a little about Marx and the current political climate in the US.

088 - Race in a Godless World with Nathan Alexander Feb 10, 2020

In this episode I speak with historian Dr. Nathan Alexander about his new book, Race in a Godless World: Atheism, Race, and Civilization, 1850-1914.
We talk about what Christianity and secularism have each done to engender and stem racist ideas and policies. We also discuss the peculiar resurgence of scientific racism in recent years, particularly among self-described atheists, skeptics, and freethinkers.
Please buy and read Dr. Alexander's book, Race in a Godless World. More info here: https://nyupress.org/9781479835003/race-in-a-godless-world/
If this podcast makes a positive contribution in your life, please consider becoming a supporter of the show. More information at www.patreon.com/lifeaftergod.
You can visit our website at www.lifeaftergod.org

087 - Ex-Files: A Conversation with Pat Green Jan 13, 2020

Today on the Ex-Files I speak with Pat Green.
Pat is a former Christian pastor and recovering evangelical. Pat’s claim to fame is that he is a the father of Dave. Pat has been a successful business person, a taxi cab driver, and is currently a writer and photographer, living in Chicago.
Pat was originally on the Life After God podcast back in 2015 when the I first started the show and I’m honored to have him back. This episode comes with a content notification. In the conversation that follows we discuss Pat’s recent suicide attempt, how he survived, and what he has learned about himself and what he wants from his life going forward. I want to express my deep gratitude to Pat for courageously sharing his story and courageously choosing life.
Pat writes a column for the Patheos website entitled “Transparent Expedition,” where he writes in his characteristic raw, honest way about being the father of a gender fluid child and his experience of being a recovering evangelical. Please follow his writing by going to the link in the show notes.
Please follow Pat's writing at www.patheos.com/blogs/transparentexpedition

086 - Ex-Files: A Conversation with Tim Hellmann Dec 28, 2019

On this episode of the podcast I speak with Tim Hellmann.
Tim is a former Christian who grew up fundamentalist in Bible Methodist and Pilgrim Holiness congregations. He tells me that he’s not very comfortable with labels but mostly closely identifies with agnostic. He has a bachelors degree in Sociology and Anthropology from Truman State University, and, most importantly, Tim is the father of two sons.
Tim is an honest, open-hearted, compassionate person whose commitment to authenticity keeps him learning and growing. I am endlessly inspired by his generosity of spirit and his fearless, whole-hearted approach to life. In this conversation, in addition to talking about his journey through Christian fundamentalism to where he is today, we talk about questions of healthy masculinity and where we might contribute to healing in our communities.
Tim lives in Oregon but I had the privilege of recording this conversation with him in person, in Pasadena, on a recent visit.
If you want to learn more about Tim and read this writings, please follow him on Facebook at www.facebook.com/SubversiveLens

085 - Black Freethinkers with Christopher Cameron Dec 16, 2019

On this episode of the podcast I speak with University of North Carolina history professor, Christopher Cameron, about his new book, Black Freethinkers: A History of African American Secularism.
Buy the book: http://www.nupress.northwestern.edu/content/black-freethinkers
Follow Chris on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ccamrun2
Visit Chris's website: https://pages.uncc.edu/christopher-cameron/
Dr. Christopher Cameron is an Associate Professor of History at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. He is also the founder and past president of the African American Intellectual History Society. He received his B.A. in History from Keene State College and his M.A. and Ph.D. in American History from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. His research and teaching interests include early American history, the history of slavery and abolition, and American religious and intellectual history. Cameron’s first book, entitled To Plead Our Own Cause: African Americans in Massachusetts and the Making of the Antislavery Movement, was published by Kent State University Press in 2014. His second book, Black Freethinkers: A History of African American Secularism, was published by Northwestern University Press in September 2019. His current book project, entitled Liberal Religion and Race in America, explores the intersection of race and liberal religion dating back to the mid-18th century and the varied ways that liberal theology has informed African American religion and politics in the 20th and 21st centuries.
Please support the podcast by becoming a patron - www.patreon.com/lifeaftergod

084 - Rethinking Religious Trauma with Brian Peck Nov 18, 2019

On this episode I speak with my friend Brian Peck about the importance of taking a trauma-informed approach to treating what he calls adverse religious experiences. Rather than merely pathologizing religion, Brian suggests that we recognize the reality of religious abuse and then focus on treating trauma using the best evidence-based practice. "Religious abuse is what happened to you," he says. "Trauma is your body's response to the abuse."
This is a conversation I've been wanting to have with Brian for months. It's finally here. Please let me know what you think by writing to me at ryan@lifeaftergod.org.
Brian earned a Master’s of Social Work degree from Boise State University and completed the required post-graduate supervision and training to gain clinical licensure. He is a member of the Association for Contextual Behavioral Science (ACBS) and serves on the steering committee for the Social Work and ACT Special Interest Group. He is an active member of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW), has served on the board of directors for the Idaho Chapter (NASW Idaho) for several terms as a branch chair, and has served as the chair for NASW Idaho’s Political Action for Candidate Election (IDA PACE) committee.
LINKS
Room to Thrive website - www.roomtothrive.com
Room to Thrive Facebook - www.facebook.com/RoomToThrive
Room to Thrive Instagram - www.instagram.com/roomtothrive
Room to Thrive Twitter - www.twitter.com/RoomToThrive
Support the Life After God podcast by joining today at www.patreon.com/lifeaftergod.

083 - Ex-Files: A conversation with Kristi Kiger Upman Sep 30, 2019

In this episode I speak with Kristi Kiger Upman. For ten years Kristi worked for the Southeast White House, a ministry associated with The Family. She tells me about how she became a Christian, her experience working in evangelical Christian ministry, and how she ultimately left her faith.
Kristi was at the Southeast White House at the same time Jeff Sharlet was at Ivanwald. In episode 81 I speak with Jeff Sharlet so be sure to check that out as well.
Please support the podcast. Visit www.patreon.com/lifeaftergod today and become a member.

082 - This Life: Secular Faith and Spiritual Freedom with Martin Hägglund Aug 26, 2019

On this episode of the podcast I speak with Yale professor of comparative literature and humanities, Martin Hägglund, about his new book, "This Life: Secular Faith and Spiritual Freedom."
Unlike any book I've ever read before, Martin weaves together a secular understanding of life that is rooted in our necessarily fragile, temporal existence, with the logical outcome of this understanding of secular life in our social and political lives. In, "This Life," Hägglund argues that the social form of our life must embrace this fragility and move on to realize deeper emancipation for all.
Buy and read the book: https://www.amazon.com/This-Life-Secular-Spiritual-Freedom/dp/1101870400/
Follow Martin Hägglund on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/martinhaegglund
Read Jedediah Purdy's review in The New Republic: https://newrepublic.com/article/153024/spiritual-case-socialism-martin-hagglund-book-review
Become a supporter of the show: www.patreon.com/lifeaftergod
Visit the Life After God website: http://www.lifeaftergod.org
Follow up on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/ourlifeaftergod
Follow us on Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/ourlifeaftergod
Follow us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ourlifeaftergod

081 - The Fundamentalist Threat to American Democracy with Jeff Sharlet Aug 09, 2019

This week on the podcast I speak with Jeff Sharlet, the New York Times bestselling author of seven books, including The Family: The Secret Fundamentalism at the Heart of American Power and C Street: The Fundamentalist Threat to American Democracy. Today, Netflix released a five-part documentary series entitled, The Family, based upon Sharlet's stellar investigative reporting.
Watch the Netflix series: https://www.netflix.com/title/80063867
Buy Jeff Sharlet's books
The Family - https://www.amazon.com/Family-Secret-Fundamentalism-Heart-American/dp/0060560053
C Street - https://www.amazon.com/Street-Fundamentalist-American-Democracy-Readers/dp/0316091065/
Visit the Life After God website: http://www.lifeaftergod.org
Follow Life After God on...
Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/ourlifeaftergod
Instagram - http://www.instagram.com/ourlifeaftergod
Twitter - http://www.twitter.com/ourlifeaftergod

080 - Inciting Incident: A Conversation with Marissa and Bethany Jul 01, 2019

This week on the podcast I speak with Marissa Alexa McCool and Bethany Futrell, the co-hosts of Inciting Incident podcast.
Marissa is a podcaster, author, performer, speaker, and an LGBT rights and atheist activist. She is a trans woman, married, partnered, and a parent. She lives in St. Paul, Minnesota with her family. Marissa graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in 2017 with degrees in English, Cinema and Media Studies, and Anthropology, while also studying theatre, Shakespeare, and communication theory. She is a sought after speaker within the atheist and humanist community.
She is he author of 8 book, including, most recently, a collection of queer poetry entitled, Lesbian Purple Space Rainbow Mermaid Queen.
In February 2016, before she came out, she started the Inciting Incident Podcast which now includes co-host, Bethany Futrell. Marissa is also the co-host, with Ari Stillman, of The Cis Are Getting Out of Hand, a trans-specific show using humor and skits to talk about issues that the trans community faces specifically for a trans audience.
Bethany is a podcaster and atheist activist with Chicago Atheists. She is the host of She Talks Atheism, and co-host of Inciting Incident where she has been for two years.
Inciting Incident podcast on Facebook | www.facebook.com/IncitingIncidentPodcast/
The Cis Are Getting Out of Hand podcast on Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/Cisplaniology
Marissa's books | https://tinyurl.com/marissasbooks
She Talks Atheism podcast | https://directory.libsyn.com/shows/view/id/shetalksatheism
Follow Bethany on Twitter | https://twitter.com/BethanyLFutrell
Follow and support Life After God at www.patreon.com/lifeaftergod
Visit our website | www.lifeaftergod.org

078 - Post-Religious Mental Health: A Conversation with Suandria Hall Jun 17, 2019

Welcome to a special edition of the Life After God podcast. I'm excited to share conversations with you from a growing number of professionals who specialize in religious trauma, deconversion, and post-religious mental health. My goal with these conversations is to offer you a diverse range of perspectives, share practical insights you can use in your daily life, and introduce you to some amazing humans who are committed to helping others thrive after leaving religion.
My name is Brian Peck, and I'm a licensed clinical social worker in Boise Idaho specializing in religious trauma and mental health challenges related to the deconversion process.
Today I'm excited to introduce you to Suandria Hall who is a licensed mental health professional in the Denver area who also specializes in religious trauma and helping people navigate life transitions including support for leaving high-demand religious groups.
I met Suandria online through her Instagram account, My Choice My Power, which is also the name of her private practice in the Denver area. I was struck by her thoughtful reflections on mental health and her keen insight into the process of exiting religion. It's been a real honor to learn from her experience and hope you find this conversation as meaningful as I did.
My goal for these episodes is to expand the conversation about post-religious mental health that includes a range of clinical voices, therapy modalities, and practices you can incorporate into your healing process.
You may be surprised to learn that there's a growing number of mental health professionals out there already doing this work. As therapists, we often work with the individual, and what's said in the room stays in the room. These episodes are an opportunity to share what we're learning and to provide some psychoeducational content to support your journey.
Note, these conversations are intended to be educational in nature and are in no way a substitute for working with your own licensed mental health professional or healthcare provider.
As with any conversation that may reactivate past trauma, please put your needs first. This particular conversation is not graphic, but the topic and content may still be challenging for some nervous systems. Healing trauma is a dynamic process, and it's perfectly okay to step back and reengage once you have more resources available to you.
**SPECIAL OFFER**
Join the Life After God community as a Member between now and June 21, 2019, and receive a limited edition magnet. Visit www.patreon.com/lifeaftergod and join today!
Be a part of the next LIVE panel discussion, "Facing Grief & Loss After God," on Friday, June 28 at 6:00 pm Pacific Time. For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/events/1219812888177918/
Follow Suandria Hall on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mychoicemypowercounseling/
On the web - http://www.mychoicemypower.com/
Connect with Brian Peck on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/RoomToThrive/
On the web - https://www.roomtothrive.com/
Learn more about Life After God at our website - www.lifeaftergod.org

077 - Remembering George Tiller: A conversation with Gretchen Koch Jun 10, 2019

In this bonus episode I speak Gretchen Koch on the occasion of the 10-year anniversary of the murder of George Tiller, the famous abortion doctor from Wichita, Kansas, who was shot and killed during the worship service at the Reformation Lutheran Church. Gretchen's parents were members of the same church and in attendance that day. Gretchen herself was visiting her parents but was at home and heard what happened later that day.
Check out Gretchen's comic based on her parents' recollection of that day (https://giantif.com/comic/a-reflection-on-the-day-dr-george-tiller-was-assassinated-10-years-later). She also spoke about another comic related to abortion entailed, Snappy Answers to Stupid Questions, which I hope you'll check out (https://giantif.com/comic/snappy-answers-to-stupid-questions).
Please check out Gretchen's website, Giant If (https://giantif.com), follow her on Twitter (https://twitter.com/GretchenKoch), and support Gretchen's work on her Patreon page (https://www.patreon.com/bePatron?u=261718).
Please subscribe, rate and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/life-after-god/id1032909038) or wherever you get your podcasts. Follow Life After God on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/ourlifeaftergod), Twitter (https://twitter.com/ourlifeaftergod) and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/ourlifeaftergod), and support the show on our Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/lifeaftergod).

076 - Humanism & Our Political Commitments with James Croft Jun 03, 2019

In this episode I speak with James Croft, a leader at the Ethical Society of St. Louis where he has been for the past five years. James is a humanist educator, activist, and sought after speaker around the world. He earned an MA in Education from University of Cambridge and an Ed.D. from Harvard Graduate School of Education.
In this conversation we talk about briefly about the origins of the Ethical Society, his experience at the Ethical Society of St. Louis, his experience of the murder of Michael Brown in St. Louis just months after his arrival, and how humanist values translate into political commitments.
**SPECIAL OFFER**
Join the Life After God community as a Member between now and June 21, 2019, and receive a limited edition magnet. Visit www.patreon.com/lifeaftergod and join today!
Be a part of the next LIVE panel discussion, "Facing Grief & Loss After God," on Friday, June 28 at 6:00 pm Pacific Time. For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/events/1219812888177918/
Follow James Croft on Twitter (www.twitter.com/CroftSpeaks)
Ethical Society of St. Louis - https://ethicalstl.org/
Learn more about Life After God at our website - www.lifeaftergod.org

075 - Escaping from Jehovah's Witnesses with Lloyd Evans May 20, 2019

On this episode I speak with Lloyd Evans. Lloyd is the founder and senior editor of JWsurvey.org - a website that promotes freethought among Jehovah's Witnesses. He is also author of "The Reluctant Apostate," a book that chronicles his experiences growing up as a JW and his journey to freedom from Watchtower indoctrination. His "John Cedars" YouTube channel, which has nearly 50,000 subscribers, hosts a range of videos aimed at dissecting the various teachings of Jehovah's Witnesses, as well as new developments in the religion.
LINKS
Lloyd's YouTube channel | https://www.youtube.com/user/johncedars1929
Lloyd's books | https://www.amazon.com/Lloyd-Evans/e/B01N13QDU4?
A Secret Database of Child Abuse (The Atlantic) | https://www.theatlantic.com/family/archive/2019/03/the-secret-jehovahs-witness-database-of-child-molesters/584311/
Visit the Life After God website — www.lifeaftergod.org
Please support the show — www.patreon.com/lifeaftergod
Follow us on Twitter — www.twitter.com/ourlifeaftergod
Follow us on Facebook — www.facebook.com/ourlifeaftergod
Follow us on Instagram — www.instagram.com/ourlifeaftergod

074 - What do we do with grief? with Alana Carter and Garrett Price May 13, 2019

On this episode I speak with Alana Carter, a senior at Nazareth College, about her experience of loss and grief as a post-theist. Then I talk with Garrett Price, a mental health professional working in end-of-life care, about what is happening in grief and how to face it as an atheist.
The question I get more than any other is how to face death as an atheist. Whether it is the death of a loved one or ones own death, the prospect of mortality is one of the main things that keeps religion thriving in our world. Likewise, understanding grief and how to face it as an atheist is essential for a vibrant life after God.
Become of member of the Life After God community and help make this podcast possible. Join today at www.patreon.com/lifeaftergod
Visit our website at www.lifeaftergod.org
Follow us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/ourlifeaftergod), Twitter (www.twitter.com/ourlifeaftergod), and Instagram (www.instagram.com/ourlifeaftergod).

073 - Remembering Jean Vanier with Gretchen Meader May 08, 2019

On this special NEWS BRIEF edition of the Life After God podcast, host Ryan Bell speaks with Gretchen Meader about Jean Vanier who died today at the age of 90.
Jean Vanier was a Catholic philosopher, theologian, and humanitarian who in 1968 founded L'Arche, a community where people with disabilities live with those who care for them.
LINKS
Jean Vanier, Savior of People on the Margins, Dies at 90 (New York Times) | https://www.nytimes.com/2019/05/07/obituaries/jean-vanier-dead.html
Becoming Human, by Jean Vanier | https://www.amazon.com/Becoming-Human-10th-Anniversary-Vanier/dp/0809145871
L'Arche | https://www.larche.org
Jean Vanier on OnBeing with Krista Tippett | https://onbeing.org/programs/jean-vanier-the-wisdom-of-tenderness/

072 - Dying Out Loud with Dave Warnock Apr 18, 2019

On this episode, Ryan speaks with Dave Warnock. Dave is the father of two daughters and a son, a former evangelical pastor in the Foursquare Church, now an atheist, and a lover of life.
About six weeks ago Dave was diagnosed with ALS—Lou Gehrigs Disease—for which there is no treatment and life expectancy is between three and five years. As a result of this heavy news, Dave has chosen to live the remainder of his life very deliberately; to die out loud, as he says.
We talk about his conversion to Christianity, his ministry in the Foursquare Church, his departure from the church and his eventual atheism and its effect on his relationships. In the second half we talk about his ALS diagnosis, what the prospect of death means to him and what he is already learning on this journey.
Special thanks to Cass Midgley for his production and post-production assistance, and to Marie D'Elephant for helping me schedule Dave and for all her support along the way.
Our executive producer is Jeff Straka.
LINKS
Dave's website | http://www.everyonesagnostic.com/dave.html
Dave's Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/dwwarnock

071 - Ryan Becomes a Moral Realist: A Conversation with Aaron Rabinowitz Mar 31, 2019

In this episode of the podcast, Ryan speaks with Aaron Rabinowitz about ethics and the current context and conditions of moral and ethical formation today. It is a wide ranging conversation, at the end of which Ryan experiences a surprising conversion!
LINKS
Video of Aaron's presentation to Triangle Freethought Society | https://youtu.be/m2zw3ZSSnN4
Embrace the Void podcast | https://voidpod.com/podcasts
Philosophers in Space podcast | https://0gphilosophy.libsyn.com/
What is moral realism? (according to the IEP) | https://www.iep.utm.edu/moralrea/
Life After God website | http://www.lifeaftergod.org
Support this podcast by becoming a member | http://www.patreon.com/lifeaftergod
Follow Life After God on Twitter | http://www.twitter.com/ourlifeaftergod
Follow Ryan Bell on Twitter | http://www.twitter.com/ryanjbell

070 - Talking About Islam Without Being a Bigot with Eiynah Mar 22, 2019

In this episode I speak with Eiynah about the challenges of speaking about Islam and Muslims in our current political climate. We recorded this conversation on Wednesday evening, March 20, just five days after the horrific terrorist attack on two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand, that claimed the lives of 50 people.
How can we talk about Islam and Muslims without being a bigot? On the one hand, individuals absolutely have the right to challenge and criticize and type of ideology or belief, including Islam, especially in open, democratic societies. On the other hand, we cannot separate our criticism of religion from the social and political context in which we make those critiques. Timing and tone do matter. While all critiques may be permitted, not all comments are advisable at every moment if we care about the lives of those who are most effected.
Ideology has consequences, as we have seen with acts of terror that run the ideological spectrum from Nazism, to white nationalism and identitarianism (such as the ideology that animated the Christchurch, New Zealand terrorist), to Islamism and more. Islam is not a single thing or a unified way of seeing the world any more than Christianity is.
Eiynah is an ex-Muslim of Pakistani background who was raised in Saudi Arabia and now lives in Toronto, Canada. She is a prolific podcaster, blogger, and commentator at the intersection religion, politics, and human rights.
LINKS
Nice Mangos website | http://nicemangos.blogspot.com/
Polite Conversations podcast | https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/polite-conversations/id1086199663?mt=2
Follow Eiynah on Twitter | http://www.twitter.com/nicemangos
Life After God website | http://www.lifeaftergod.org
Support this podcast by becoming a member | http://www.patreon.com/lifeaftergod
Follow Life After God on Twitter | http://www.twitter.com/ourlifeaftergod
Follow Ryan Bell on Twitter | http://www.twitter.com/ryanjbell

069- #ChurchToo: Sexual Abuse in the Church with Emily Joy Mar 18, 2019

This week on the podcast I speak with Emily Joy about her experience leaving evangelicalism under a cloud of sexual abuse. Years later she and a friend started the #ChurchToo hashtag which has become a national phenomenon.
BIO
Emily is a spoken word poet, yoga teacher and activist living and working in Nashville, Tennessee. Her advocacy takes place at the intersection of faith, sexuality and healing, and her work has been featured in Time, Cosmopolitan, Jezebel, Mother Jones, The Huffington Post and more. Emily is the co-creator of the #ChurchToo hashtag, a #MeToo spinoff exposing sexual violence in Christian churches and other faith communities. She is also a sexuality education writer for the website Scarleteen and in her spare time, works at a church. More about Emily and her work can be found at emilyjoypoetry.com.
You can find Emily online on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook at the username, @EmilyJoyPoetry (links below).
LINKS
Emily Joy's website | http://www.emilyjoypoetry.com
As a Teen, Emily Joy Was Abused by a Church Youth Leader. Now She’s Leading a Movement to Change Evangelical America | https://www.motherjones.com/crime-justice/2018/05/evangelical-church-metoo-movement-abuse/
The #ChurchToo Movement Isn’t Just About Gender | https://jezebel.com/the-churchtoo-movement-isn-t-just-about-gender-1826431915
Inside the Scam of the "Purity" Movement | https://www.cosmopolitan.com/politics/a26026217/sexual-abstinence-joshua-harris-purity-movement-scam/
Sexual Abuse Happens In #ChurchToo — We’re Living Proof | https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/sexual-abuse-churchtoo_us_5a205b30e4b03350e0b53131
Abuse of Faith | https://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/investigations/article/Southern-Baptist-sexual-abuse-spreads-as-leaders-13588038.php
LIFE AFTER GOD
Website | http://www.lifeaftergod.org
Facebook | http://www.facebook.com/ourlifeaftergod
Twitter | http://www.twitter.com/ourlifeaftergod
Instagram | http://www.instagram.com/ourlifeaftergod
Support the production of this podcast and the work of Life After God by becoming a Patron
http://www.patreon.com/lifeaftergod

068 - What Atheism Can't Deliver with Christian Smith Mar 05, 2019

This week on the podcast I speak with author and sociologist, Christian Smith.
Christian Smith is the William R. Kenan, Jr. Professor of Sociology and Director of the Center for the Study of Religion and Society at the University of Notre Dame. Smith is well known for his research focused on religion, adolescents and emerging adults, and social theory. Smith received his MA and PhD from Harvard University in 1990 and his BA from Gordon College in 1983. He was a Professor of Sociology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill for 12 years before his move to Notre Dame. Christian is the author of at least 17 books including the extremely influential, "Divided by Faith: Evangelical Religion and the Problem of Race in America," published in 2000. His new book is entitled, "Atheist Overreach: What Atheism Can’t Deliver."
You might want to pair this conversation with episode 63: Seven Types of Atheism with John Gray
Have a thought about this episode that you'd like to share? Write to me at ryan@lifeaftergod.org and join the conversation at the Life After God Facebook Group (https://www.facebook.com/groups/lifeaftergodmembers)
LINKS
Buy "Atheist Overreach | https://goo.gl/KftdPs
Christian Smith's website | https://christiansmith.nd.edu/
Life After God website | http://www.lifeaftergod.org
Check out our friends at Embrace the Void | https://voidpod.com/podcasts
Become a member of the Life After God community and join the conversation on the Facebook page | www.patreon.com/lifeaftergod

067 - Thrive After Religion with Curiosity Feb 25, 2019

Brian Peck here with a bonus episode of the Life After God podcast. Max Tang and I recently hosted a webinar where we explored how curiosity can help you thrive after religion. I'm excited to share that conversation with you today.
Several years after leaving the church I grew up in, I discovered that while the content of my beliefs had changed, I was still viewing the world through old ways of thinking. This realization began a personal and professional quest to find effective antidotes to fundamentalism.
Over the years I've discovered evidence-based clinical practices, conducted my own personal experiments, and learned a lot from the collective wisdom of others who have effectively undermined the influence of fundamentalism in their lives.
Max Tang has been on a similar journey and is exploring the many ways curiosity can help us thrive after religion through her speaking and writing. You can find more about her work at https://www.maxgetscurious.com/.
In the podcast, we reference the work of Todd Kashdan's research lab but didn't have time to fully explore the 5 dimensions of curiosity so I just want to note those here.
1. Joyous Exploration - this is the prototype of curiosity – the recognition and desire to seek out new knowledge and information, and the subsequent joy of learning and growing.
2. Deprivation Sensitivity - this dimension has a distinct emotional tone, with anxiety and tension being more prominent than joy – pondering abstract or complex ideas, trying to solve problems, and seeking to reduce gaps in knowledge.
3. Stress Tolerance - this dimension is about the willingness to embrace the doubt, confusion, anxiety, and other forms of distress that arise from exploring new, unexpected, complex, mysterious, or obscure events.
4. Social Curiosity - wanting to know what other people are thinking and doing by observing, talking, or listening in to conversations.
5. Thrill Seeking - the willingness to take physical, social, and financial risks to acquire varied, complex, and intense experiences.
Learn more about the five dimensions of curiosity and discover what type of curious person you are here: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/curious/201801/what-are-the-five-dimensions-curiosity
One of the fascinating findings in the research is how we can be more intentional and expand our perspectives through social curiosity. Being part of a community that values curiosity and openness can increase your own curiosity in ways you couldn't achieve on your own.
The value of social curiosity is not a new idea but now science is making a stronger case for the types of communities we are creating at Life After God. If you would like to cultivate your curiosity with others in a community that values the open and honest exploration of ideas, consider the value of joining the Life After God members group.
Links:
Visit Max Tang's website | https://www.maxgetscurious.com
Visit Brian Peck's website | https://www.roomtothrive.com
Learn more about Todd Kashdan's curiosity research | https://www.toddkashdan.com/articles/curiosity-and-creativity/
Visit the Life After God website | http://www.lifeaftergod.org
Like and follow our Facebook page | https://www.facebook.com/ourlifeaftergod
Follow us on Twitter | http://www.twitter.com/ourlifeaftergod
...and Instagram | https://instagram.com/ourlifeaftergod
To become a member of Life After God and access to the Life After God Facebook Group, please visit the Patreon page (http://www.patreon.com/lifeaftergod) and subscribe at the Member ($5/mo) level.

066 - A Crisis of Compassion with Alix Jules Feb 18, 2019

On this episode I speak with Alix Jules about his journey of faith and humanism. We also talk about the state of politics in America as secular humanists who care about marginalized groups. At one point in the conversation Alix said, "we have a crisis of compassion" in this country and what we need to realize is that "we're all in this together."
Alix is a writer, activist, and social commentator who typically discusses race, religion, and politics in culture. He’s been featured in Ebony Magazine, Time Magazine Online, and is a contributor to various books and articles on science, tech, and the impact of religion in the African American community.
His activism includes building bridges for humans through discourse, and finding literal safe spaces for Nonbelievers, LGBT Youth, and recovery programs for survivors of abuse.
He’s an academic nomad whose graduate studies range from Computing and Data interpretation from Columbia University and Northwestern - to challenging the ideas of the mind with studies in Psychology at Harvard. He activism involves him with many different non profit organizations, including Black Non-Believers, Center for Inquiry’s African American for Humanism, and the American Humanists Association’s Black Humanists Alliance.
You can find Alix on Twitter (http://www.twitter.com/alix331) and Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/alix.jules).
To become a member of Life After God and access to the Life After God Facebook Group, please visit the Patreon page (http://www.patreon.com/lifeaftergod) and subscribe at the Member ($5/mo) level.

065 - When I Spoke in Tongues with Jessica Wilbanks Feb 04, 2019

On this episode I speak with Jessica Wilbanks, author of the new memoir, When I Spoke In Tongues: A Story of Faith and Its Loss. Jessica received her MFA in creative nonfiction from the University of Houston, where she served as nonfiction editor for Gulf Coast. An active member of the literary community in Houston, Jessica frequently teaches writing workshops for Inprint, Writespace, Grackle & Grackle, Writers’ League of Texas, and Boldface, the University of Houston’s annual conference for emerging writers.
Visit Jessica's website | https://jessicawilbanks.com
Buy her book | https://www.amazon.com/When-Spoke-Tongues-Story-Faith/dp/0807092231
Become a member of Life After God today | http://www.patreon.com/lifeaftergod
Visit the Life After God website | http://www.lifeaftergod.org
Like and follow our Facebook page | https://www.facebook.com/ourlifeaftergod
Follow us on Twitter | http://www.twitter.com/ourlifeaftergod
...and Instagram | https://instagram.com/ourlifeaftergod
Also, don't forget to check out the Secular Student Alliance podcast, Secular Student Life.

064 - Ex-Files: Surviving "Christian Education" with Alexis Record Jan 21, 2019

Content Advisory: religious trauma, physical and sexual abuse
Today on The Ex-Files I speak with Alexis Record. Alexis is a former Christian, raised in a fundamentalist home. In our conversation she recounts her experiences of profound loss, her harrowing encounters with fundamentalism in Christian missions, brushes with death, extreme shaming, and misadventures in Christian education.
Today, Alexis the mother of two remarkable children, a volunteer leader at Sunday Assembly San Diego, an the author of the chapter, Women v. Indoctrination, in the book, Women v. Religion: The Case Against Faith—and for Freedom, edited by Karen Garst, and published by Pitchstone Publishing.
Elements of Alexis’ story are being told here for the very first time and may be difficult listening, especially if you have survived abuse of any kind, but especially religious abuse.
Women v. Religion, edited by Karen Garst | https://goo.gl/gcoiX6
#Exvangelical
#ExposeChristianSchools

063 - Seven Types of Atheism with John Gray Jan 07, 2019

On this episode I speak with philosopher and author, John Gray, about humanism, secular utopianism, and his new book, Seven Types of Atheism.
Professor Gray is the author of numerous books, including False Dawn: The Delusions of Global Capitalism, Straw Dogs: Thoughts on Humans and Other Animals, Black Mass: Apocalyptic Religion and the Death of Utopia, and, most recently, Seven Types of Atheism, which is not so much a strict typology of atheism. Indeed, what would such a project entail since atheism is one thing and one thing only. Rather, it’s a fascinating, enlightening, sometimes irritating survey of the various schools of thought into which atheists have fallen in the past several centuries.
LINKS
Order "Seven Types of Atheism" | https://us.macmillan.com/books/9780374261092
Book review by Terry Eagleton | https://www.theguardian.com/books/2018/apr/11/seven-types-atheism-john-gray-review-atheist-believer-material-world
Book review in New Humanist by Ralph Jones | https://newhumanist.org.uk/articles/5328/book-review-seven-types-of-atheism
Book review in The Humanist by Peter C. Grosvenor | https://thehumanist.com/magazine/january-february-2019/arts_entertainment/seven-types-of-atheism
Support the Life After God podcast at www.patreon.com/lifeaftergod
Life After God website | www.lifeaftergod.org
Ryan Bell's Twitter | www.twitter.com/ryanjbell
Life After God's Twitter | www.twitter.com/ourlifeaftergod

062 - New Years Eve Special - 2018 Dec 31, 2018

The podcast launches a news season with this short New Year's Eve reflection. In this episode, host Ryan Bell looks ahead to the new year and his hopes and dreams for the Life After God community.
Support the Life After God community on Patreon: www.patreon.com/lifeaftergod
Visit the website: www.lifeaftergod.org

061 - #Exvangelical with Christopher Stroop May 10, 2018

On this episode I speak with scholar and writer, Christopher Stroop. As an ex-evangelical himself, Chris has been instrumental in galvanizing the ex-evangelical voice online with the hashtags #EmptyThePews, #Exvangelical, and #HowToEvangelical. His mission is to foster community for those harmed by and alienated from conservative religious communities. His recent writing has appeared in Religion Dispatches and Playboy.
LINKS
Chris's website | www.chrisstroop.com
Chris's Twitter | www.twitter.com/C_Stroop
#Exvangelical Twitter hashtag | www.twitter.com/search/?q=%23exvangelicals
#EmptyThePews Twitter hashtag | www.twitter.com/search/?q=%23emptythepews
Why I Am Not an Atheist | www.chrisstroop.com/2018/02/11/why-i-am-not-an-atheist/
The Spectacular Nadir of American Evangelicalism | www.playboy.com/read/the-spectacular-nadir-of-american-evangelicism-1
Support the Life After God podcast at www.patreon.com/lifeaftergod
Life After God website | www.lifeaftergod.org

060 - How And Why We Believe [part 2] Apr 19, 2018

Brian Peck, Carolyn Golden, and James Connelly explore how beliefs impact the deconversion process and create challenges for relationships.
This episode is part two of a conversation recorded on March 13, 2018. You can listen to part one here:
http://www.lifeaftergod.org/059-how-and-why-we-believe-part-1/
or read the transcript here:
https://www.roomtothrive.com/blog/2018/3/24/how-and-why-we-believe
In this episode, James talks about going through a deconversion when your partner is still a believer. Mixed-faith relationships are common and can be maintained but they often test the strongest of bonds as a couple renegotiates the essential elements of their relationship.
By focusing on HOW we believe we can more easily unite around the shared human experience of living with a believing brain. Of course, WHAT we believe will continue to be important but perhaps understanding the HOW and WHY will allow us to relax our grip a little bit on the WHAT.
In addition to discussing how divergent beliefs impact relationships, the guests offer practical things you can do to support more meaningful human connections.
_____
Brian Peck, LCSW is a clinical social worker who specializes in religious-based trauma in his private practice and guides individuals through their deconversions with evidence-based practices online. Brian loves discovering and adopting new and healthier ways to be human on the other side of religious belief.
Carolyn Golden, Psy.D. is a clinical psychologist, who, in addition to her clinical practice, teaches psychology at Boise State University. Carolyn’s interest in how we create and maintain beliefs resulted in her developing and teaching The Psychology of Belief.
James Connelly, Psy.D. is a clinical psychologist with and an infectious curiosity about how our brains work and a fascination with WHY and HOW we believe. James is currently writing a book in which he explores the psychology of religious belief through the lens of his LDS background.
LINKS
Room to Thrive | https://www.roomtothrive.com

059 - How And Why We Believe [part 1] Mar 21, 2018

Guest host, Brian Peck, shares a fascinating conversation about HOW and WHY we believe. Not surprisingly, we humans care a great deal about WHAT we believe but we're often unaware of the underlying conditions and psychological processes that give rise to our beliefs.
On this episode, Brian talks with two of his close friends and trusted colleagues about how beliefs are formed and how they function for us individually and within relationships.
A former Catholic, an ex-Mormon, and a post-Evangelical walk into a bar...
...and geek out about psychology and the human experience.
Carolyn Golden, Psy.D. is a clinical psychologist, who, in addition to her clinical practice, teaches psychology at Boise State University. Carolyn's interest in how we create and maintain beliefs resulted in her developing and teaching The Psychology of Belief.
James Connelly, Psy.D. is a clinical psychologist with and an infectious curiosity about how our brains work and a fascination with WHY and HOW we believe. James is currently writing a book in which he explores the psychology of religious belief through the lens of his LDS background.
Brian Peck, LCSW is a clinical social worker who specializes in religious-based trauma in his private practice and guides individuals through their deconversions with evidence-based practices online. Brian loves discovering and adopting new and healthier ways to be human on the other side of religious belief.
You will not want to miss PART 2 of our conversation where we discuss how divergent beliefs impact relationships and offer practical things we can do to support more meaningful human connections.
TRANSCRIPT:
https://www.roomtothrive.com/blog/2018/3/24/how-and-why-we-believe
LINKS:
Room to Thrive | https://www.roomtothrive.com
Life After God website | https://www.lifeaftergod.org
Life After God Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/ourlifeaftergod/
Life After God Twitter | https://twitter.com/ourlifeaftergod

058 - Religious Abuse and the Problem of Forgiveness Feb 16, 2018

*Content advisory: sexual abuse, rape, and violence*
On this episode I speak with Anais Chartschenko about her experience of extreme abuse in the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Her experience is tragic but not uncommon. In the second chapter I speak with Brian Peck and Gretchen Meader about the subject of forgiveness. Those of us who grew up in the church know that forgiveness is a central virtue. But post-Christianity, Christian appears much more sinister. Building on my conversation with Anais, I ask Gretchen and Brian to reflect on the subject of forgiveness from their personal experience and expertise as therapists.
LINKS
Room to Thrive | www.roomtothrive.com
Books by Anais Chartschenko | www.amazon.com/Anais-Chartschenko/e/B00J4QSO7C
Life After God website | www.lifeaftergod.org
#metoo #churchtoo

057 - Varun Soni - Hindu Buddhist Humanist Feb 02, 2018

On this episode I speak with Dean of Religious Life at University of Southern California, Dr. Varun Soni. Varun's rich and varied background and experience growing up in Southern California as child of one Hindu parent and one Buddhist parent makes him a unique voice in the academic and interreligious spheres.
LINKS
Learn more about Varun Soni and his work at his personal website: www.varunsoni.com.
Office of Religious Life at USC: www.orl.usc.edu
Room to Thrive: https://www.roomtothrive.com/

056 - Ex-Files: Your Atheist Pastor with Luke King Jan 18, 2018

On this episode I speak with former pastor and fellow podcaster, Luke King, about his deconversion and future plans to cultivate community for former Christians. You can hear Luke's podcast and learn more about his community at www.youratheistpastor.org
Learn more about Life After God at www.lifeaftergod.org
Support the Life After God at www.patreon.com/lifeaftergod

055 - Emancipation of a Black Atheist with Dauv Evans Jan 03, 2018

On this episode I speak with author and leadership coach, Dauv Evans, about his book, Emancipation of a Black Atheist.
Learn more about Life After God: www.lifeaftergod.org
Support the Life After God: www.patreon.com/lifeaftergod
Buy the book here: http://amzn.to/2CuahAD

054 - A Better Life with Chris Johnson May 12, 2017

On this episode I speak with photographer and filmmaker, Chris Johnson, about his book and documentary project, A Better Life, which tells the stories of 100 atheists who have found joy and meaning in a world without God.
Chris is just completing a long season of touring with the film. You can learn more the links below.
Learn more about Life After God: www.lifeaftergod.org
Support the Life After God: www.patreon.com/lifeaftergod
Mentioned in this episode
A Better Life website: www.theatheistbook.com
Chris Johnson Twitter: www.twitter.com/theatheistbook

053 - Escaping Quiverfull with Brooke Arnold Apr 27, 2017

On this episode I speak with comedian and survivor of the Quiverfull cult, Brooke Arnold.
Mentioned in this episode:
Brooke Arnold's website || www.brookearnold.com
I could've been a Duggar wife (Salon) || https://goo.gl/dl787l
Kurt Metzger || https://www.facebook.com/KurtMetzgerComedy

052 - Ex-Files: Matthew Faraday Apr 13, 2017

On this episode of The Ex-Files I speak to Matthew Faraday.
Matthew lives with in Michigan with his wife and two kids. He is a nurse, an avid cyclist, and a lover of craft beer. Unbeknownst to either of us, Matthew and I started a journey to get to the bottom of the claims of Christianity around the same time. We began corresponding in Nov 2014. We finally talked about our overlapping experiences.

051 - The Big Picture with Sean Carroll Apr 06, 2017

This week I speak with theoretical physicist (Caltech), Sean Carroll. We talk about his new book entitled, The Big Picture: On the Origins of Life, Meaning, and the Universe Itself. The author of two previous books on physics for popular audiences (From Eternity to Here, The Particle at the End of the Universe), Sean now turns his attention to questions of meaning, purpose and ethics, weaving this subjects together with his understanding of physics.
Mentioned in this episode:
Sean Carroll's Website: www.preposterousuniverse.com
Sean Carroll's Twitter: www.twitter.com/seanmcarroll
The Big Picture, by Sean Carroll
http://amzn.to/2nMb1pj
Scale, by Geoffrey West
http://amzn.to/2oDHIJA

050 - Confessions of a Lapsed Podcaster Mar 27, 2017

In this episode, Ryan returns from a 6 month hiatus and explains where he's been and what's next.
Mentioned in this episode:
--Mary Oliver, *Upstream: Selected Essays*
--Room to Thrive, the coaching and counseling practice of Brian Peck, LCSW (http://www.roomtothrive.com)

049 - Talking Faith and Deconversion with Andy Stanley Nov 08, 2016

This week I speak to Andy Stanley, senior pastor of North Point Community Church in Atlanta, Georgia. Andy founded the church over 20 years ago and today it is the largest congregation in America, according to Outreach Magazine.
I talk to Andy about his experience growing up Christian, his interest in people's stories, including deconversion stories, and how Christians can be their own worst enemies. We even chat for a minute about politics and how evangelicals might be able to salvage their integrity after this election.
While we differ on many issues, we agree that serving the needs of humanity is paramount and something religious and non-religious people can engage in together.
LINKS
Personal website | www.andystanley.com
North Point Community Church | www.northpoint.org
Help me replace my computer | https://funds.gofundme.com/dashboard/help-replace-my-computer/
Life After God | www.lifeaftergod.org
Facebook | www.facebook.com/ourlifeaftergod
Instagram | www.instagram.com/ourlifeaftergod
Twitter | www.twitter.com/ourlifeaftergod

048 - Finding God in the Waves with Mike McHargue Sep 14, 2016

This week I speak with speaker and podcaster, Mike McHargue, about his first book, "Finding God in the Waves: How I Lost My Faith and Found It Again Through Science," which came out yesterday.
In both his book and this episode, Mike tells of his journey from fundamentalist Christianity to atheism to what he calls mystical Christianity. Mike is the host of two popular podcasts: Ask Science Mike and The Liturgists, which he co-hosts with musician, Michael Gungor.
LINKS
Buy Mike's book: http://amzn.to/2cs8Y6n
Visit Mike's website: www.mikemchargue.com
Ask Science Mike Podcast: http://mikemchargue.com/ask-science-mike
The Liturgists Podcast: http://www.theliturgists.com

047 - SPECIAL UPDATE with Gretta Vosper Sep 13, 2016

In this special update I speak with Gretta Vosper about the decision that just came down last week, declaring that she is "unfit for ministry in the United Church of Canada." This decision has come after a year and half of investigation into Gretta's beliefs after she said publicly that she does not believe in a theistic God.
For more background on Vosper's work at West Hill United Church in Toronto and the United Church of Canada's investigation into her fitness for ministry, please listen to Episode 2: http://www.spreaker.com/user/lifeaftergod/2-interview-with-gretta-vosper
"Flock sticks with atheist United Church minister," Toronto Star, Sept. 11, 2016
https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2016/09/11/flock-sticks-with-atheist-united-church-minister.html
Gretta's personal website: http://www.grettavosper.ca
West Hill United Church's website: http://www.westhill.net

046 - Ex-Files: Ciera Ramirez and Facing Depression Sep 05, 2016

On this episode of The Ex-Files, I speak Cierra Ramirez.
Ciera is was born and raised in New Mexico but for the past couple of years has called Austin, Texas, her home. As you’ll see, she’s a thoughtful and articulate woman. She’s a theater actor currently puppeteering in a local puppet opera production! She loves hiking, kayaking, going to the movies, and good beer.
We begin our conversation talking about Ciera’s early religious experiences, her conversation to Christianity, and her eventual growth out of religion.
Ciera also speaks vulnerably about her lifelong struggle with depression. She’s recently taken some courageous steps toward her own well-being. I’m honored she was willing to share her story with all of us.

045 - One Year Anniversary of the Podcast with Brian Peck Aug 24, 2016

On the occasion of the one-year anniversary of the podcast I had the opportunity to visit with Brian Peck. Though Brian and I had never met until last weekend, we have become good friends over the past year. He has been volunteering for Life After God, making the thoughtful memes you see on Facebook and Twitter, and generally running our social media accounts.
In this episode Brian and I talk briefly about some of our plans for the upcoming year, including new resources we plan to create as well as a new plan for brining on a few new coaches and expanding our coaching services significantly.
We also run down the top 10 most listened to podcasts at the one-year mark. Here they are, in case you'd like to see them in print:
10 — Ep 37 - Everyone's Agnostic with Cass Midgley
9 — Ep 03 - Interview with David Hayward
8 — Ep 19 - Interview with Bart Campolo
7 — Ep 05 - Give Me Sex Jesus
6 — Ep 01 - Introduction with Ryan Bell
5 — Ep 30 - Jesus Before the Gospels: A Conversation with Bart Ehrman
4 — Ep 02 - Interview with Gretta Vosper
3 — Ep 40 - Excommunicating the Church with Jeremy Runnells
2 — Ep 22 - Mormon Stories with John Dehlin
1 — Ep 41 - The Ex-Files: Rachael Gunderson

044 - Interview an Atheist at Church with Kile Jones Aug 17, 2016

This week I speak with Kile Jones, founder of Interview an Atheist at Church Day and activist at the intersection of atheism and progressive religion.
LINKS
Interview an Atheist at Church website | https://interviewatheists.wordpress.com
Kile's YouTube channel | https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFk9VtCmdM7wHFR2mrRN__Q
Interview an Atheist at Church Facebook Page | https://www.facebook.com/InterviewAnAtheistAtChurchDay
Unbelievable? with Justin Brierley | http://www.premierchristianradio.com/Shows/Saturday/Unbelievable

043 - Getting High with Kester Brewin Aug 06, 2016

This week I speak with highly acclaimed author and speaker, Kester Brewin. Kester recently spent two weeks in Los Angeles, speaking to various audiences about his new book, Getting High: A Savage Journey to the Heart of the Dream of Flight. We recorded this conversation LIVE on Saturday, August 6, at the Level Ground Headquarters in Pasadena California.

042 - Humanist Service Corp with Conor Robinson Jul 27, 2016

This week I speak with Conor Robinson about the Humanist Service Corp that he created and directs as a part of the Foundation Beyond Belief
LINKS
Donate to support Humanist Service Corps | https://foundationbeyondbelief.org/humanistservicecorps/donate
Foundation Beyond Belief | www.foundationbeyondbelief.org
Humanist Service Corp | www.humanistservicecorps.org
HSC Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/humanistsinaction/
Songtaba Facebook | www.facebook.com/songtaba/
The Danger of a Single Story, by Chimamanda Adichie (YouTube) | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D9Ihs241zeg
American Grace, by Robert D. Putman and David E. Campbell | https://www.amazon.com/American-Grace-Religion-Divides-Unites/dp/1416566732/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1469604225&sr=8-1&keywords=american+grace

041 - The Ex-Files: Rachael Gunderson Jul 13, 2016

This week on The Ex-Files I speak with Rachael Gunderson. Rachael courageously shares her harrowing experience of being ensnared in a modern-day cult and how she eventually escaped.
LINKS
Eva's Eden http://www.evaseden.org
Is There a Cult in Columbia, TN? https://www.facebook.com/IsThereACultInColumbiaTN
To learn more about Life After God please visit the website at www.lifeaftergod.org.
If you appreciate this podcast please consider supporting our work by going to www.patreon.com/lifeaftergod.

040 - Excommunicating the Church with Jeremy Runnells Jun 15, 2016

This week I speak with ex-Mormon and author of the viral CES Letter, Jeremy Runnells. In April, the leadership of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints held a heresy trial which Jeremy describes as a kangaroo court. In the end, he held a press conference and ex-communicated the church from his life.
In our conversation we talk about his upbringing in the church, the genesis of his questions and doubts, and the process by which he came to be an ex-Mormon and an atheist.
LINKS
Read the CES letter at www.cesletter.org.
FOX News coverage of Jeremy Runnells' disciplinary counsel and press conference: http://fox13now.com/2016/04/17/author-of-letter-to-a-ces-director-leaves-lds-church-after-disciplinary-council/

039 - Power with Gabby and Ronen Gordon May 26, 2016

This week I speak with musicians Gabby and Ronen Gordon. Gabby is Danish-American singer/songwriter based in Los Angeles who, along with her husband and drummer, Ronen Gordon, make music together and travel the world performing.
I first met Gabby and Ronen at Sunday Assembly Los Angeles in February 2014. At that event Gabby performed her original song, Power. I was deeply moved by it and I'm thrilled to introduce you to Gabby and Ronen, and their song, Power.
Visit www.gabbygordon.com to hear more of Gabby's music.
To learn more about Life After God, please visit www.lifeaftergod.org.

038 - Across Rivers Wide with Galen Broaddus May 18, 2016

This week I speak with blogger, secular celebrant and activist, Galen Broaddus. Galen was raised in various Baptist churches in rural Illinois and was involved in music ministry in his 20s. A course at a Christian college, however, sparked an interest in philosophy and theology, and that began a journey of introspection and study which would ultimately lead him to reject Christianity and theism.
His blog, Across Rivers Wide (http://patheos.com/blogs/rivers), describes his journey out of faith and the new waters he has navigated as an atheist as well as exploring avenues for dialogue across multiple perspectives.
To learn more about Life After God, please visit www.lifeaftergod.org.

037 - Everyone's Agnostic with Cass Midgley May 04, 2016

This week I speak with my dear friend and fellow podcaster, Cass Midgley. Cass is the host of the Everyone's Agnostic podcast, along with his co-host, Bob Pondillo. After 40 years of being a Christian and nearly 20 in ministry, today Cass is an atheist and a Humanist Chaplain in Tennessee.
Check out the Everyone's Agnostic Podcast at http://everyonesagnostic.libsyn.com
For more information about Life After God, please visit our website at www.lifeaftergod.org.
If you appreciate this show, please make a monthly contribution to keep it going. Visit www.patreon.com/lifeaftergod.

036 - The Ex-Files: Nate Cartel Apr 29, 2016

This week on The Ex-Files I speak with Nathan Cartel. Nathan, along with is wife, Sarah, and their five children was a pastor and church planter in their native Massachusetts before losing his faith in seminary. Nathan describes his Christian upbringing, his secular university education, and his eventual turn to Reformed evangelicalism and the Acts 29 Network founded by Mark Driscoll.
Today, Nathan is a chef who owns his own business called Haven Foods which he describes as "paleo fine dining delivered to your door."
I also check in with his wife to get her perspective on this very tumultuous time in their family's life.
To learn more about Life After God please visit the website at www.lifeaftergod.org.
If you appreciate this podcast please consider supporting our work by going to www.patreon.com/lifeaftergod.

035 - The Ex-Files: Marcia Wickham Apr 22, 2016

**CN: Sexual Abuse**
On this episode of The Ex-Files I speak to Marcia Wickham about her upbringing in a fundamentalist form of Christianity and how faith cloaked years of neglect and abuse. Marcia speaks frankly about her experience, the trauma she experience and the path to freedom and healing that she has been walking the past many years.
Subscribe to the podcast on iTunes or Spreaker!
If you appreciate the Life After God podcast and would like to support our work, please visit our Patreon page at www.patreon.com/lifeaftergod

034 - Apocalypse Later with Zeke Piestrup Apr 13, 2016

This week speak with documentary filmmaker, Zeke Piestrup. His 2014 film following the last days of earth's history—at least according to fundamentalist Christian, radio personality, and serial apocalypse predictor, Harold Camping. In 2011, Zeke was hired by Mr. Camping to create daily videos, chronicling the countdown to Armageddon. When the end of the world didn't come, Zeke turned these videos, and interview with scholars of religion and Biblical Studies, into a feature documentary.
RECOMMENDED LINKS
Watch the trailer for "Apocalypse Later: Harold Camping vs. the End of the World”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A-_iUWLcwV8
Watch “Apocalypse Later: Harold Camping vs. the End of the World” on...
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/movies/details/Apocalypse_Later_Harold_Camping_vs_The_End_of_the?id=t6TnNGXUHgY
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/movie/apocalypse-later-harold-camping/id845689011
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Apocalypse-Later-Harold-Camping-World/dp/B00K2PLJ4Y/
Facebook page for Apocalypse Later: https://www.facebook.com/ApocalypseLaterHaroldCamping/
Follow Zeke Piestrup on Twitter: https://twitter.com/harold_camping

033 - The Ex-Files: Tim Richardson Apr 08, 2016

On this inaugural episode of The Ex-Files I speak with Tim Richardson about his experiences of Pentecostal Christian faith, the doubts that gradually undermined that faith, and the lessons he's learned along the way about love, marriage, wonder, and the important of thinking for himself.
Music provided by Ian Gordon. Learn more about Ian and his music at www.iangordon.bandcamp.com.
To be considered as a guest for a future episode of Ex-Files, click here and fill out the form: www.lifeaftergod.org/exfiles
Become a partner in the work of Life After God. Learn more at www.patreon.com/lifeaftergod

032 - Recovering from Religion with Marlene Winell Apr 07, 2016

This week I speak with Dr. Marlene Winell about the trauma many people experience in their religious experience and what it takes to heal from those wounds.
Visit Marlene's website, Journey Free, at www.journeyfree.org
Also, a teaser for the inaugural Ex-Files show and ways you can help us at at Life After God.
The transition music for the Ex-Files segment is gracious provided by Ian Gordon. The song is called, "The Truth is Out There." Learn more about Ian and his music at iangordon.bandcamp.com.
Visit the Life After God website at www.lifeaftergod.org.
Become a support of the show at www.patreon.com/lifeaftergod

031 - The Story of God with Brandon Fibbs Mar 30, 2016

This week I speak with documentary film producer, science enthusiast, and friend, Brandon Fibbs. Brandon was raised in a fundamentalist Christian home but as he entered adulthood, questions haunted him.
We talk about his friendship with Neil deGrasse Tyson, his deconversion, his sense of wonder at his place in the universe and how awe replaced faith in his life. We also talk about his work on the 2014 reboot of Cosmos and the brand new 6-part series, "The Story of God with Morgan Freeman," which airs on Sunday, April 3.
Learn about "The Story of God with Morgan Freeman" at http://channel.nationalgeographic.com/the-story-of-god-with-morgan-freeman/
Visit Brandon's YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/user/Fibbs1701/featured
Read Brandon's article, "Carl Sagan Took My Faith — and Gave Me Awe," at http://www.faithstreet.com/onfaith/2014/03/10/carl-sagan-took-my-faith-and-gave-me-awe/31220
Learn more about Life After God at www.lifeaftergod.org

030 - Jesus Before the Gospels: A Conversation with Bart Ehrman Mar 23, 2016

This week I speak with renown Biblical scholar, Bart D. Ehrman, about his new book, "Jesus Before the Gospels: How the Earliest Christians Remembered, Changed, and Invented Their Stories of the Savior." We talk about his research into memory and how the stories about Jesus were passed along orally in the 6+ decades before they were written down. We also talk about the role the Bible plays in American public discourse and what can be done about it.
I also check in with Gretta Vosper and Helen Stringer about some new developments at the West Hill congregation.
*LINKS*
West Hill United Church | www.westhill.net
Oasis Network | www.peoplearemoreimportant.org
MICAH Project Recovering from Religion Conference | http://www.micahprays.org/events/conferences.htm
To learn more about Life After God, visit www.lifeaftergod.org.
Please support this show by visiting www.patreon.com/lifeaftergod

029 - Black Nonbelievers with Mandisa Thomas Mar 09, 2016

This week I speak to Mandisa Thomas, founder and President of Black Nonbelievers. Based in Atlanta, Mandisa works to create communities that welcome nonbelievers from the black community—a demographic dominated by Christianity. We talk about race, religion, and the way the black atheist experience often differs from that of the majority white population.
Mandisa also shares why Black Nonbelievers was founded, what they've accomplished in the past 5 years and how she's seen the secular landscape change in that amount of time.
*LINKS*
Black Nonbelievers, Inc | https://blacknonbelievers.wordpress.com
Black Nonbelievers YouTube channel | https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1mxD1utNjQd2-Ia_bWdDwA
CBS Special featuring Mandisa Thomas |
http://www.cbsnews.com/news/atheists-in-godlessness-we-trust/
"Contradiction" film, by Jeremiah Camara
http://www.jeremiahcamara.com
To learn more about Life After God, visit www.lifeaftergod.org

028 - Where does morality come from? with Dan Fincke Mar 02, 2016

This week I speak with popular blogger and philosopher, Daniel Fincke. Daniel received his Ph.D. in Philosophy from Fordham University in 2010 and currently teaches classes online to anyone who is interested in expanding their critical thinking skills as well as their knowledge of philosophy.
In this episode Dan and I talk about the origins of human ethics and morality, the question of whether a divine being is required as a basis for right and wrong, what constitutes a life well lived, and how we know. We even touch on some contemporary issues of social justice.
Check out Dan's popular blog, Camels with Hammers at http://www.patheos.com/blogs/camelswithhammers/
Dan is preparing to teach some new classes in the coming weeks. To learn more about Dan's classes and how to join them, visit http://danielfincke.com/dr-daniel-finckes-philosophy-classes-welcome-page-a/
Specific classes include:
Virtue, Value, and Meaning in Life | http://danielfincke.com/virtues-values-and-meaning-in-life-a/
Philosophy for Atheists | http://danielfincke.com/philosophy-for-atheists-a/
To learn more about Life After God visit www.lifeaftergod.org
If you find this podcast helpful in your life and you'd like to help support it, please visit www.patreon.com/lifeaftergod.

027 - Gender, Sexuality and Belief from the Level Ground Festival Feb 27, 2016

In this special LIVE broadcast, I speak to Bea Esperanza Fonseca and Geri-Lynn Ceasr about the confluence of gender, sexuality, and belief. Bea is a community organizer for economic and trans* justice and Geri-Lynn works at the Los Angeles LGBT Center. We discussed their very unique spiritual and religious journeys, their activism, and their experience of being a gender-queer couple (Geri-Lynn identifies as bisexual and Bea as a trans Latina woman). Don’t miss this important conversation!
Special thanks to Level Ground for hosting the live podcast event. For more about Level Ground please visit, www.onlevelground.org.

026 - What is Conversion? with Susan Jacoby Feb 24, 2016

This week I speak with author and public intellectual, Susan Jacoby, about her new book, "Strange Gods: A Secular History of Conversion." Jacoby explains how stories of famous conversions throughout history are almost always accompanied significant social turmoil and compulsion of one kind or another. Even today, religious conversion is often heavily influenced by socio-political factors.
We talk about how the experience of "deconversion" is similar and different from what we usually mean by conversion and whether that is the right word to describe the process.
Buy "Strange Gods: A Secular History of Conversion" here: http://amzn.to/1T5CY8w

025 - Reimagining God: An Interview with Lloyd Geering Feb 17, 2016

This week I speak with Sir Lloyd Geering, New Zealand theologian and pioneering Christian post-theist. In 1967, Geering was charged with heresy by the Presbyterian Church in New Zealand. He successfully withstood this challenge and has continued writing and speaking about religion and holy texts as a human constructions and words like "God" and "faith" as referents of human self-understanding and growth. He is the author of many books and articles, a few of which can be found in the links below.
Lloyd Geering: God and Me (ABC Radio, transcript)
http://www.abc.net.au/religion/stories/s1333339.htm
Reimagining God: The Faith Journey of a Modern Heretic
http://amzn.to/216Ke54
From the Big Bang to God: Our Awe-Inspiring Journey of Evolution
http://amzn.to/1SvoApC
Christianity Without God
http://amzn.to/1LrJJcN

024 - You are stardust and to stardust you will return Feb 11, 2016

This week Ryan shares personally about how the Christian practice of Lent can have meaning, even for atheists and secular humanists and announces an upcoming new segment on the show called, "Ex-Files: Stories of Life After God."
Read Ryan's article, "You are stardust and to stardust you will return: Lent for atheists" | http://www.patheos.com/blogs/yearwithoutgod/2014/03/05/you-are-stardust-and-to-stardust-you-will-return-lent-for-atheists/
Read "A Religious Ritual Attracts Even Nonbelievers" (New York Times, March 15, 2013) | http://www.nytimes.com/2013/03/16/us/a-ritual-of-lent-attracts-nonbelievers.html
Nominate yourself or someone else to be a guest on "Ex-Files" >> http://www.lifeaftergod.org/exfiles

023 - Understanding Humanism with Dr. Anthony Pinn Feb 03, 2016

This week I speak with Dr. Anthony Pinn, Agnes Cullen Arnold Professor of the Humanities at Rice University. I ask Dr. Pinn about his religious autobiography and his take on humanist and atheist movements vis a vis racial and economic justice. We also discuss the current efforts to create humanist rituals and communities and what, in his view, is still needed.
Learn more about Anthony Pinn at his website, www.anthonypinn.com
Check out his books:
Writing God's Obituary: How a Good Methodist Became a Better Atheist (http://amzn.to/23JsFdE)
Humanism: Essays on Race, Religion, and Popular Culture (http://amzn.to/23JsJdj)
The End of God-Talk: An African-American Humanist Theology (http://amzn.to/1nO0gTg)

022 - Mormon Stories with John Dehlin Jan 27, 2016

This week I speak with psychologist and podcaster, John Dehlin. For the past 10 years John has been hosting the very popular show, Mormon Stories. In 2015 he was excommunicated from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for heresy. He recently completed his Ph.D. in Clinical and Counseling Psychology with an emphasis on the intersection of religion and mental health.
Check out Mormon Stories at www.mormonstories.org
To learn more about John's research as well as his faith crisis and religious transitions coaching practice, visit www.johndehlin.com.
Watch John's TEDx talk on YouTube at www.youtube.com/watch?v=0MxCXjfAunk

021 - Life After Faith: The Case for Secular Humanism Jan 20, 2016

This week I speak with author and professor of Philosophy, Philip Kitcher, about his new book, Life After Faith. Professor Kitcher is the John Dewey Professor of Philosophy at Columbia University where he has taught since 1998. In this conversation we discuss his religious journey, the philosophical basis of humanism and the challenges facing the development of a strong secular humanist community.
Buy Philip's book, Life After Faith >> http://amzn.to/1UaAouS
Visit the Life After God website >> www.lifeaftergod.org
Support the podcast!
www.patreon.com/lifeaftergod

020 - How to Survive Climate Change: a conversation with LeRon Shults Jan 13, 2016

This week I welcome back to the show, professor of theology and philosophy at the University of Agder, Norway, LeRon Shults. In this conversation we discuss an email he recently received from a concerned former student about Shults' recent deconversion and his new book, Theology After the Birth of God. We also discuss a new paper penned by Shults entitled, "How to Survive the Anthropocene: Adaptive Atheism and the Evolution of Homo deiparensis" about the role of religious biases in preventing people from accepting and acting upon the scientific consensus regarding climate change and it's remedies.
LINKS:
"How to Survive the Anthropocene: Adaptive Atheism and the Evolution of Homo deiparensis" | http://www.mdpi.com/2077-1444/6/2/724
Theology After the Birth of God | http://amzn.to/1SNYtZY
LeRon Shults' website | www.leronshults.com
For information about Celebration of Life, by Muslims for Progressive Values, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/celebration-of-life-tickets-19459380531
To make a financial contribution towards Life After God being a sponsor of this event, email me at ryan@lifeaftergod.org.

019 - Interview with Bart Campolo Jan 06, 2016

This week I speak with Humanist Chaplain, Bart Campolo. I first encountered Bart in the late 1990s when he was speaking on campuses around the United States creating authentic community and spurring young people on to good works. That hasn't changed for him, though he is no longer a supernaturalist, as he calls it. He gradually left his religious faith behind and has become a secular humanist.
Today he works with students at USC in Los Angeles, helping them develop meaningful relationships and habits of goodness and justice. He is a loyal friend, loving husband and father, and all-around fantastic human being.
To learn more about Bart and his work, visit his website, bartcampolo.org.

018 - Interview with Leslie Foster Dec 30, 2015

This week I speak with artist and filmmaker, Leslie Foster, about his upbringing in the Seventh-day Adventist Church, his current religious and spiritual views, and his new project, Ritual Cycle, co-created with Scott Arany and Heather Dappolonia. Leslie is a long-time personal friend, so it was an honor to catch up with him and share a bit of his life with you.
Watch a trailer, see the gorgeous images, donate to support the project, and learn more about Ritual Cycle at www.ritualcycle.com.
In this episode I also share my recap of 2015 with several "top" lists, including top podcasts, top books, and top experiences of the year.
To see the entire archive of podcasts, visit www.spreaker.com/lifeaftergod
My top 5 books this year
(You can support this podcast by buying these books using the links provided below)
5. Between the World and Me, by Ta-Nehisi Coates (http://amzn.to/1ZANyVb)
4. Theology After the Birth of God, by LeRon Shults (http://amzn.to/1SlNZAF)
3. Islam and the Future of Tolerance, by Sam Harris & Maajid Nawaz (http://amzn.to/1ZAOqt1)
2. Everybody is Wrong About God, by James Lindsay (http://amzn.to/1SlOg6E)
1. Life After Faith: The Case for Secular Humanism, by Philip Kitcher (http://amzn.to/1SlOgUr)
Learn more about Life After God at our website - www.lifeaftergod.org

017 - Winter Solstice with Raymond Arnold Dec 23, 2015

This week I speak with Raymond Arnold, singer/songwriter and author of the popular Winter Solstice service being used around the country. You'll also hear one of his songs, "Brighter Than Today," and comments from listeners about how they're celebrating the holidays "after God."
To learn more about Ray's work with the Winter Solstice serve and to hear his music, visit www.humanistculture.com.
To learn more about Life After God, visit www.lifeaftergod.org

016 - Interview with Diana Butler Bass Dec 16, 2015

This week I speak with Diana Butler Bass about her new book, "Grounded: Finding God in the World, a Spiritual Revolution," and the gradual evolution of her religious and spiritual convictions. We discuss her current mysticism, panentheism, and why she still finds value in theism and the Christian faith.
You can buy her book here: http://www.amazon.com/dp/0062328549/
Learn more about Diana Butler Bass at her website, www.dianabutlerbass.com.
Learn more about Life after God at www.lifeaftergod.org.

015 - Interview with Sincere Kirabo Dec 09, 2015

This week I talk with Sincere Kirabo about the challenges of pursuing social justice in our divided society, the progress that is still needed in the secular and freethought community, and false dichotomy between safe spaces and freedom of speech.
Visit Sincere Kirabo's blog at www.patheos.com/blogs/notesfromanapostate/
Read Sincere's recent article at The Humanist at www.thehumanist.com/commentary/more-than-words-humanists-should-stand-for-secular-social-justice
Learn more about the Secular Social Justice Conference at www.secularsocialjustice.com

014 - Interview with Tad DeLay Dec 02, 2015

This week I speak with Tad DeLay, author of God Is Unconscious: Psychoanalysis and Theology. Tad is a Ph.D. student in Philosophy of Religion at Claremont Graduate University.
Learn more about Tad's work at his website--www.taddelay.com.
You can buy Tad's book, God Is Unconscious here: http://www.amazon.com/God-Unconscious-Psychoanalysis-Tad-DeLay/dp/1498208495/
Learn more about Life After God at www.lifeaftergod.org

013 - Interview with Ani Zonneveld Nov 18, 2015

This week I speak with singer/songwriter and progressive Muslim activist, Ani Zonneveld. She is the Founder and President of Muslims for Progressive Values. She speaks to me from Malaysia where they just concluded a national conference about the attacks in France, Lebanon, and Iraq as well as the desperate challenge of violence in the Muslim community.
Learn more about Muslims for Progressive Values at www.mpvusa.org.
Read Ani's latest article in The Huffington Post, "The Governance of ISIS and of Much of the Muslim World Are Uncomfortably Similar," at http://www.huffingtonpost.com/ani-zonneveld/isis-muslim-world-similar_b_7998418.html

012 - Interview with Jennifer Michael Hecht Nov 11, 2015

This week I speak with author and historian of science, Jennifer Michael Hecht. She lives in Brooklyn, blocks from where her great-grandmother Jenny Belinsky lived, and is the author of four books of history and philosophy and three books of poetry, including, Doubt: A History, and Stay: A History of Suicide and the Arguments Against It. She earned her Ph.D. from Columbia University in the History of Science and European Cultural History.
Visit her website at www.jennifermichaelhecht.com, where you can find links to all her books, articles and information about her speaking appearances.
For more on Life After God, visit our website at www.lifeaftergod.org.
Support this podcast by making a monthly recurring contribution at www.patreon.com/lifeaftergod.

011 - Interview with LeRon Shults Nov 04, 2015

This week I speak with philosopher and theologian, LeRon Shults, about why and how gods are born and borne in human cultures throughout history.
LeRon is Professor of Theology and Philosophy at the University of Agder, Norway, the author of Theology After the Birth of God: Atheist Conceptions in Cognition and Culture, and a Senior Research Fellow at the Institute for the Bio-Cultural Study of Religion.
Visit LeRon's website, www.leronshults.com, for more information about his work, links to his books for sale, and several papers which he has written, available for free under "Free Downloads."
Read LeRon's paper, "How to Survive the Anthropocene: Adaptive Atheism and the Evolution of Homo deiparensis," here:
http://www.mdpi.com/2077-1444/6/2/724
For more about Life After God, visit www.lifeaftergod.org.
If you find this podcast helpful and enjoyable, please support us financially at www.patreon.com/lifeaftergod.

010 - Interview with Jeremy McKeen Oct 29, 2015

This week I speak with columnist and editor at The Good Men Project, high school English teacher, soccer coach, and 2016 Presidential candidate, Jeremy McKeen.
After you listen to this show, please check out Jeremy's work at the following sites.
Bergamot Ink at The Good Men Project: http://goodmenproject.com/author/jeremy-mckeen/
Jeremy's Presidential Campaign page: https://www.facebook.com/mckeenthedream2016
Twitter: www.twitter.com/mckeenish
-----
To learn more about Life After God, visit www.lifeaftergod.org and follow up on Twitter (@ourlifeaftergod).
Please help keep Life After God going by making a contribution at www.patreon.com/lifeaftergod

009b - The God Debacle pre-game conversation, part 2 Oct 22, 2015

009a - The God Debacle pre-game conversation, part 1 Oct 22, 2015

Test LIVE broadcast Oct 20, 2015

A quick introduction to The God Debacle tomorrow night.
Register now to attend in person or receive the FREE live stream link.
http://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-god-debacle-with-philip-clayton-and-leron-shults-tickets-18502387138?aff=es2

008 - Interview with Lori Fazzino Oct 14, 2015

Lori Fazzino is a sociologist working on her Ph.D. dissertation at the University of Nevada Las Vegas, researching deconversion and embodied practices in post-theistic and humanist communities. She is a consultant with the Openly Secular campaign and the Secular Student Alliance.
Support Life After God in two ways!
Make a monthly contribution at www.patreon.com/lifeaftergod
Make a one-time contribution at www.gofundme.com/lifeaftergod

007 - Interview with Catherine Dunphy Sep 30, 2015

Catherine is the author of a new book, From Apostle to Apostate: The Story of the Clergy Project, and an original member of The Clergy Project.
Buy the book | http://goo.gl/FUM6XA
Visit the website | http://www.apostletoapostate.com
Support Life After God in two ways!
Monthly contribution at www.patreon.com/lifeaftergod
One-time contribution at www.gofundme.com/lifeaftergod
Other items mentioned on this show
Islam and the Future of Tolerance, by Sam Harris and Maajid Nawaz | http://goo.gl/E0PXcq
Rethinking 'Hitler's Pope:' A Q&A with Mark Riebling |
http://www.samharris.org/blog/item/rethinking-hitlers-pope

006 - Interview with Trav Mamone Sep 23, 2015

Trav Mamone is a bisexual, genderqueer, humanist and the author of the Bi Any Means blog and podcast.
Bi Any Means | www.bianymeans.com
Can a Humanist Partner with Religious People for Activism? by Trav Mamone | queereka.com/2015/09/07/can-a-humanist-partner-with-religious-people-for-activism
Please support this podcast by making a donation at my Patreon page: www.patreon.com/lifeaftergod
Visit our website at www.lifeaftergod.org

005 - Give Me Sex Jesus Sep 16, 2015

In this episode of the Life After God podcast Ryan Bell speaks with Matt Barber and Brittany Machado about sex, masturbation, evangelical purity culture, and their new film.
Matt and Brittany are Director and Producer, respectively, of the documentary feature, Give Me Sex Jesus, which premiers in Los Angeles on Thursday, September 17 at 7:00 pm.
Give Me Sex Jesus | www.givemesexjesus.com
FREE tickets for the LA Premier | http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/2259999
Please support this podcast by making a monthly contribution at my Patreon page: www.patreon.com/lifeaftergod
Web | www.lifeaftergod.org
Twitter | www.twitter.com/ourlifeaftergod
Facebook | www.facebook.com/ourlifeaftergod

004 - Interview with Pat Green Sep 09, 2015

Pat Green is a former pastor, Chicago cabbie, and the author of a new book entitled, Night Moves: an Ex-Preacher's Journey to Hell in a Taxi.
Buy Pat's new book on Kindle: http://goo.gl/ibEaZ1
SPECIAL OFFER: For the first 25 people to email Ryan at ryan@lifeaftergod.org—
For $30 you will receive an autographed copy of Night Moves AND a limited edition print of one of Pat's photographs of the night from the cab. Ten dollars will go to support Life After God and this podcast.
Please support this podcast by making a donation at my Patreon page: www.patreon.com/lifeaftergod
Visit our website at www.lifeaftergod.org

003 - Interview with David Hayward Sep 02, 2015

David Hayward is a former pastor, leader of an online community called, The Lasting Supper, and the author of a new book entitled, Questions Are the Answer.
David's new book: http://goo.gl/TrHuiM
David's website: www.nakedpastor.com
The Lasting Supper: www.thelastingsupper.com
Please support this podcast by making a donation at my Patreon page: www.patreon.com/lifeaftergod
Visit our website at www.lifeaftergod.org

002 - Interview with Gretta Vosper Aug 26, 2015

Gretta Vosper has been the minister of West Hill United Church of Canada for the past 18 years. She now faces expulsion from the denomination if they determine she is unsuitable for ministry based on her belief that God does not exist.
::Links::
Life After God | www.lifeaftergod.org
Gretta Vosper | www.grettavosper.ca
West Hill United Church | www.westhill.net
Huge thanks to these amazing folks...
I Doubt It with Dollemore podcast | www.dollemore.com
Caitlyn Mayers design | http://caitlynmayers.com

001 - Introduction Aug 21, 2015

Ryan introduces the new podcast and explains Life After God
Please support this show at my Patreon page:
www.patreon.com/lifeaftergod
www.lifeaftergod.org
www.yearwithoutgod.com
Write to me at ryan@lifeaftergod.org

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