Talk Heathen

Latest Episodes:

Talk Heathen 05.28 07-11-2021 with JMike and Matt Dillahunty Jul 11, 2021

Show notes

Greetings Heathens! Hope you are being safe during the ongoing pandemic (still, sigh.) We hope to be a sanctuary for you in this chaotic world. In today’s episode of Talk Heathen, JMike is joined by Matt Dillahunty.
Let’s get to calls! Mike in Ohio would like to discuss polytheism with JMike and Matt. Specifically the creation myth from the perspective of a polytheist.
Kevin in New York is up next, he asks if the hosts are well versed or have complete knowledge of the Bible and if we are prepared to speak upon it. Matt says that he does not and never will have complete knowledge of the Bible and that this complete knowledge doesn’t exist for anyone. He goes on to say that complete knowledge isn’t required to draw conclusions from it.
Jeff in California claims that God is more than just the Bible. He’s calling in to tell us about it. But first though; what’s your definition of God, Jeff?
Omar in California wants to talk about logical fallacies we’ve used in the past with theists. Has Matt been able to identify his own logical fallacies from previous debates and would he be willing to discuss them? (He is and does!) Later in the call, Omar ends up being a complete and utter disappointment when trying to say he has knowledge and confidence about the universe preceding the Big Bang and that we are perpetuating fallacies by saying ‘I don’t know.’ Hey Omar, here’s a protip, don’t be an angry and condescending dudebro while speaking to us, you’ll get more bees with honey.
That’s our show for this week, please continue to be safe in your area, wear your mask, and get vaccinated if you can. The world is better with you in it. See you next week!
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Talk Heathen 05.27 2021-07-04 with Lloyd Evans and Katy Montgomerie Jul 04, 2021

Show notes

Greetings Heathens! In today’s episode of the Talk Heathen, we have a special “Dependence Day” Special with Lloyd Evans and Katy Montgomerie.
First up we have Brian in Illinois who is comparing court testimony to the Bible’s testimony, and this is the only reliable testimony for belief. Maybe someone else’s religion is more reliable. How do we decide which religion offers reliable testimony? Simply calling something testimony does not mean we have to listen to it.
Gerald from Europe is being bullied by an internet online preacher that sounded nice and convincing at first, and used the Bible to back his arguments up, but turned out to be a bully. Some countries have harassment laws that cover online harassment. Sometimes if these types of people have a big enough platform, you will be able to call them out every time they say something ridiculous. Follow due process and see what options are available to record and report to authorities.
Christopher in AZ has experimental evidence showing that religious people are better off and do less of things like steal and use drugs. Confirmation bias may be the explanation for these studies. Looking at different data sets will show just the opposite of what the caller is stating. If the caller is correct, there is no need to use a pre-existing religion. We can just make up a new one with a whole new set of lies, and it can increase well being. How many lies do we need to accept to be happy?
Gregory in TN wants to look at the human brain when a person is convinced of something. Why would one person accept risk and another not? It may come down to brain chemistry. Different people will have different thresholds to acceptable propositions. Brain development and age will also be a factor in how a person is convinced.
Ryan in MN has a sister who is struggling with miscarriages. Due to the beliefs of life starting at conception, each of these is viewed as a death in the family and causing her to become more indoctrinated. Now she is getting into Q-conspiracy theories. Try and help your sister find a support group or professional health care and remember she is not to blame for this. Street epistemology could be one avenue to use but keep in mind you can only do what you can in situations that you have little control over.
Mike in OH is a Germanic Polytheist who states that the human body is too complex for random chance. Once you understand to a reasonable degree evolution, it is apparent how natural selection really works. The scale of time is so big that it can make a person think that design seems right. Chemicals can do so much more than what we may remember from science labs such as remembering information. Consult some of the science books on evolution to be better informed on how life can arise naturally.
Thank you essential workers for saving lives! Heathens and believers have a safe week!
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Talk Heathen 05.26 06-27-2021 with ObjectivelyDan and Jimmy Snow Jun 27, 2021

Show notes

Greetings Heathens! Hope you all are doing well out there! We hope to be a sanctuary for you in this chaotic world. In today’s episode of Talk Heathen, ObjectivelyDan is joined by Jimmy Snow.
Let’s get to calls! Adam in North Carolina would like to talk about Christian Apologetics and how they rehash the same arguments over and over again. Nothing has changed in 2,000 years and it seems any arguments they do come up with are getting stale.
David in South Carolina is up next, he asks about how atheists have certain viewpoints, how they tend to be activists, and usage of specific terms.
Returning caller Moldred in New York, is wondering about how the quantum universe is made up of collective consciousness from living beings. So you’re saying biocentrism. He follows with “Reality is what you can get away with.” Um ok? Lots of word salad in this call, weeeee.
Alfred in Florida has a couple claims they’d like to discuss with us. Basically saying that God is reality and all things are love. Jimmy goes on to say that what the caller is describing is the ‘God of Confirmation Bias’ and that this belief ONLY relates to them. Well put Jimmy!
CJ in Michigan is calling about how we defend scientific texts as though they are religious texts. He seems very flippant about our response to him. Wow CJ, way to elevate the conversation.
Christopher in Arizona is wondering about a fundamental problem he has encountered, what justification do we have to believe in our own beliefs. He follows with are we truly justified in believing in random cosmological events. Why does this matter and how does this prove any religion is true?
Up next, Kevin in New York would like to talk about UFOs and aliens and how this may prove otherworldly and immaterial beings. Oh Kevin, you fascinate me with all your claims (and calls!)
David in California would like to talk about the fundamental misinterpretation of science, specifically the Big Bang theory and the expansion of the cosmos. He seemed to enjoy saying that his life is better than any atheists’ life because of his faith. Ew David, NO! You don’t know me!
That’s our show for this week, please continue to be safe in your area, wear your mask, and get vaccinated if you can. The world is better with you in it. See you next week!
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/talk-heathen--3195702/support.

Talk Heathen 05.25 06-20-2021 with Johnny P Angel and JMike Jun 20, 2021

Show notes

Greetings Heathens! In today’s episode of Talk Heathen, Johnny P Angel is joined by Jmike. Johnny, keep growing that beard, it is the beard show you know. Just kidding,
Let’s get to calls! Michael from Canada asks if we think he is irrational for believing in a diety. He goes on to argue with Jmike about empirical evidence and the presup nonsense about being cut off when being held to task. Hey Michael don’t be passive aggressive, you are not being cut off or interrupted, Jmike is having an honest conversation with you.
Joe in Virginia is up next, he is curious about the design argument and how do we know if something is designed. Designed by what or who exactly? Jmike asks: Joe, have you ever seen a God design something?
Returning caller Otangelo in Brazil, wants to present his 4 premises that explain the fundamental forces of the universe (including the fine-tuning argument) and whether we accept them. Johnny responds with: Life, the universe, and everything. (The answer is 42!) Oooooh, fun with Otangelo. I look forward to hearing Jmike deconstruct these premises.
Laura in the UK is asking about how we get laws in place to avoid childhood indoctrination within religions and cults. A couple of the first things we can do is to educate ourselves, email and call political representatives, and contacting and volunteering with the Freedom from Religion Foundation. There is a grey area here though, as personal freedoms and limits can play a part in enacting a law if it is passed.
Micheal in California is wondering if religion provides a sound basis for people to overcome their shortcomings. Ok, how?? Please show your work with examples or evidence that this is the case.
CJ in California is wondering about the hosts’ beliefs, that there is a snake that surrounds the Earth, and how violence is increasing due to society’s turn from God. Interesting claim, can you back it up? And not from your personal video, we are not here to promote your channel dude.
That’s our show for this week, please continue to be safe in your area and please get vaccinated if you can. Things are starting to open up which is fantastic! The world is better with you in it. See you next week!
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/talk-heathen--3195702/support.

Talk Heathen 05.24 06-13-2021 with Kenneth Leonard and Arden of Eden Jun 13, 2021

Show notes

Hello everyone, and welcome to another amazing episode of Talk Heathen. This week, please welcome our hosts Kenneth Leonard and Arden of Eden.
First up this afternoon is David from CA who wants to talk about evidence for an omniscient Jesus. The Bible isn’t evidence for the claims in the Bible. The Bible is made up of a series of claims, some of which can be demonstrated to be true, some of which have been demonstrated to be not true, and other claims we just don’t have sufficient evidence to support either position.
Our next caller is Justyn from Canada. They are an atheist and are concerned about the reactions from religious family members during their wedding. This is your day, and anyone else’s expectations for how the ceremony is performed do not matter in the long run.
Next is Chris from GA who wants advice for how to have conversations with religious family members. The hosts suggest DEAR MAN as a communication technique that will both help the caller understand what they want out of a conversation with their family, and in the long run will help find common ground with the aforementioned family members.
Up next is Joe from VA who wants to talk about the standard of evidence that atheists use for their own “atheist” beliefs. The caller attempts to pin the hosts with questions, but won’t get to the point.
Next is Kevin from NY. They are calling to draw a connection between dreams and the modal ontological argument.
Our next caller is Moldred from NY with a story about apparitions that appeared to them of the people who built the house they were in.
Well that’s it for this week everyone! Thank you all so much for watching today's episode! As always, the world is better with you in it, so please continue to follow the Covid guidelines relevant to your area. See you next week!
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/talk-heathen--3195702/support.

Talk Heathen 05.23 06-06-2021 with Rudy Bee and Lloyd Evans Jun 06, 2021

Show notes

Greetings Heathens! In today’s episode of Talk Heathen, our absolutely fabulous Rudy Bee is joined by the very endearing Lloyd Evans.
Let’s get to calls! Ashley from Colorado has a neighbor and friend who is studying with Jehovah’s Witnesses and is wondering how to best approach her and help her get away from them. She is also wondering how long she has before her friend is fully indoctrinated and ceases communicating with her.
John in California is up next, he converted somewhat recently to theism from a non-theistic life and would like to talk about his beliefs. The reasons he converted were from profound experiences and he was convinced by them. But are these experiences demonstrable and prove a God exists? No? Ok, moving on...
Paul in the UK is wondering about how when arguing for the Kalam Cosmological argument it requires a transcendent cause and an intelligent beginning. He goes on to talk about the actual authors of the Gospels. Oh really, please explain further and provide specific examples. Here’s an idea, call back when JMike is on.
Joshua in Portugal is calling about how to explain atheism to a religious friend or family member. Perhaps explain that atheists don’t have a doctrine to follow and a lack of religion or religious beliefs.
Jim in Canada would like to discuss an experience he had as a believer, he was praying and had a sense of calmness and euphoria. Lloyd and Rudy break it down for him, provide their perspectives, and how the brain reacts to possible experiences that are euphoric.
Jessie in New York is wondering about what causes someone to turn to and are susceptible to extreme religious experiences. Lloyd says the fundamentalist and these extreme religions tend to be a little more pushy and claim to have all the answers.
Laura in the UK is curious about what were the hosts' experiences with the JWs, their reasons for leaving, and the consequences surrounding their leaving that religion.
Richard in the UK is calling in wondering the difference between a mainstream religion and cults. What is the difference between the two? First of all, not all religions are cults! Branding religions as cults also don’t advance the conversation and can put others on the defensive.
That’s our show for this week, please continue to be safe in your area, wear your mask, and get vaccinated if you can. The world is better with you in it. See you next week!
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/talk-heathen--3195702/support.

Talk Heathen 05.22 05-30-2021 with JMike and Christy Powell May 30, 2021

Show notes

Greetings Heathens! Hope you all are continuing to be safe! Things are looking up though, to help us get out of the pandemic, please look into getting vaccinated if you can. In today’s episode of Talk Heathen, JMike is joined by the always wonderful Christy Powell.
Let’s get to calls! Gaither from North Carolina would like to provide something and to help others like him. He was raised Evangelical Christian with the fear of Hell beaten into him at a young age. He is calling to give his deconversion story and give those on the fence some things to think about.
Johnny in Texas is up next, he has a question for Christy, when you’ve got a client who is coming to you with religious trauma, but they haven’t recognized it as such, how do you broach that topic with them? Interesting question and Christy has the best answer for it.
Returning caller Kevin in New York, yes THAT Kevin, is wondering about dire messages, predictions, and parables in the Bible and whether or not they hold any truth/water/what have you. Why use parables and poems that require interpretation and deciphering to provide messages to us. Why not be direct and to the point? I don’t get it Kevin!
Moldred in New York is saying his path to philosophy is different than most others, having grown up in a household of secular Jews and the enjoyment of science fiction. He goes on to explain his epistemology and how it relates to his understanding of philosophy.
Eddie in Illinois is a brand new atheist and wants to share a couple things that keeps him negating the idea of the supernatural. Is the supernatural falsifiable? If it is not, then you can’t prove it is true. It is not arrogant nor irrational to not accept something you don’t understand. Ignorance is not a valid excuse for accepting something as possible.
That’s our show for this week, please continue to be safe in your area, wear your mask, get vaccinated if you can. The world is better with you in it. See you next week!
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/talk-heathen--3195702/support.

Talk Heathen 05.21 05-23-2021 with ObjectivelyDan and Jmike May 23, 2021

Show notes

Greetings Heathens! In today’s episode of Truth Wanted… Oh wait, this is Talk Heathen! Today we welcome ObjectivelyDan and Jmike to the hosts chairs! This should be a great show!
Before we get to calls, we get to learn more about ObjectivelyDan and Jmike. As you know, Dan is the host for another ACA call in show called Truth Wanted (It’s one of the show notes writer’s favorites!) Jmike is joining the host roster and really “enjoys” talking to presups. Welcome Jmike!
Let’s get to calls! Kevin from New York (yes, that Kevin) would like to discuss the ‘Eternal Now’ philosophy and according to him, why a God is involved in it. Either Jmike scared him away with his fantastic questions or he just dropped, I’m going to say he got a bit scared. Bye Kevin!
Joe in Virginia is up next, he is wanting to challenge us on our disbelief by asking a series of questions. At one point asking about beliefs in God and Jmike asks for a definition of God based on the belief of this claim. Joe keeps repeating that the question didn’t go anywhere, maybe that’s because you got an answer you didn’t want. Asking for proof of a claim isn’t a bad thing and the burden of proof lies on the one making the claim.
Vincent in the UK is wondering about faith healing and watching evangelical religious shows on telly in the US. Dan breaks it down for him, the US is made up of a lot of conmen and cynical money grabbers, but seriously. There is an industry of this and quite a history of this here in the US.
Guy in Georgia is asking about life after death and seeing loved ones. He thinks this is what keeps people religious which is a tragedy and a huge disservice to everyone.
Alison in Canada is calling about folks with aphantasia which is the inability to voluntarily create mental images in one's mind and if they could see images eventually. She asks, if someone has this and then all of the sudden can see images within her mind, would this be a sign of a God?
Paul in the UK is calling in about the Kalam Cosmological argument and has a bit of an adjustment to it. He’d like to run through the premises with Jmike and Dan and see where we all end up with it.
That’s our show for this week, please continue to be safe in your area, get vaccinated if you can, and continue to wear your mask. The world is better with you in it. See you next week!
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/talk-heathen--3195702/support.

Talk Heathen 05.20 05-16-2021 with Johnny P Angel and Kenneth Leonard May 16, 2021

Show notes

It’s Sunday folks, it’s time for some atheist church, and our favorite ACA show Talk Heathen! We start today with a brand new intro, neat! In today’s episode, Johnny P. Angel is joined by Kenneth Leonard.
Let’s get to calls! Leo from Wisconsin would like to talk about how he moved to a more conservative area for work and is seeking advice on how to find like-minded people in his new city. He is also curious about how to speak to his new coworkers and new friends.
Levi in Colorado is up next, he asks if there is a growing “othering” happening surrounding the acceptance of the COVID vaccine and the conversations surrounding why people get the vaccine. Specifically with vaccinated people creating social barriers to the unvaccinated and how people are hesitant to be social with those that are unvaccinated. Someone in livechat said this and it resonated with me: "I should have the autonomy to reject a vaccine, but you should not have the autonomy to not hang out with me"? EXACTLY!
Guy in Georgia is wondering about letting go of heaven after death and coming to grips with there being nothing after we pass away. You’re a good guy Guy, call us back and regale us with stories about growing up with a Southern Baptist pastor for a dad. We are very interested to hear about you.
Tineshe in New York is asking about how to find purpose in life after deconverting and how to let go of old theist beliefs. Good luck Tineshe, call us back and let us know how things are going.
Jose in California believes that souls and spirits do exist and is very convinced of this. He has seen this for himself and is calling us to explain his experiences. Hmmmm…. Sounds like sleep paralysis hallucinations or lucid dreaming though.
Jessica in New York is calling about Christians claiming “mysterious ways” when she asks about why an omnipotent God would allow abuse of children to occur. They dismiss the experiences of these children in favor of a “loving God.” She goes on to ask if she is being unreasonable when she gets upset and angry about this. You are NOT being unreasonable at all! We appreciate your work Jessica and we are glad to have you in our community.
That’s our show for this week, please continue to be safe in your area, wear your mask, and get vaccinated when you can. The world is better with you in it. See you next week!
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/talk-heathen--3195702/support.

Talk Heathen 05.19 05-09-2021 with Jim Barrows and Rudy Bee May 09, 2021

Show notes

Greetings Heathens! Happy Mother’s day to all those moms out there, we hope you have a great Sunday. For all you kids out there, call your mom, she’d probably enjoy talking with you. In today’s episode of Talk Heathen, Jim Barrows is joined by Rudy Bee.
Let’s get to calls! Chad in Michigan has a few things to talk about. He was recently kicked out of his dad’s home over the weekend due to listening to an atheist podcast around his younger siblings. He is now wondering how to approach and repair his relationship with his dad.
Mike in Washington is up next, he is wondering about death and loss as a secular person. He offers some words of wisdom and provides a good deal of how he personally approaches these life events as a secular person.
Kevin in New York is calling about the debate about morality and suffering. Yes, it’s THE Kevin in NY and yes he is all over the place with his questions and responses. Rudy finally asks him, “What’s your point here?” And “What made Jesus the authority on morality and suffering?”
Gary in England is asking about what Christians and atheists can collaborate on as far as social and societal problems. Oh yes! We absolutely can and should work together to make a better world.
Olena in Arizona is calling about finding religion (Buddhism) after being an atheist. They are finding great comfort in Buddhism mentally. Can you be a Buddhist and an atheist at the same time?
Jose in California is wondering if it is really necessary to provide evidence for theism. If you’re trying to convince or explain your beliefs to others, yes. If you are keeping your beliefs to yourself, no.
Up next, Carpe Diem in Colorado what does redemption and forgiveness in the secular community look like and how does it look like when we make alliances with someone who later does something hurtful and toxic without knowing it. Interesting question, Rudy has an amazing take on this.
Schell in Arizona would like to talk about her brother’s evangelical Christian family and how she can help teach the kids to stay curious and use critical thinking when they are older. Despite your well intentions, sadly it is not up to you to teach them. There isn’t anything you can ethically and respectfully do to really teach them. Maybe purchase science books for them and do fun experiments with them when you can see them.
That’s our show for this week, please continue to be safe in your area, wear your mask, and get vaccinated. The world is better with you in it. See you next week!
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/talk-heathen--3195702/support.

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