Talk Heathen

Latest Episodes:

Talk Heathen 10.21 w/ Jamie the Blind Limey and Doctor Ben May 24, 2026

Show notes

In today’s episode of Talk Heathen, Jamie the Blind Limey and Doctor Ben are joined by guest host Kelly Laughlin to navigate the intersection of medical ethics and ancient rituals! From the hilarity of Chick Tracts to the sobering reality of public health crises, the hosts challenge listeners to prioritize human safety over supernatural comfort. Can community exist without a pulpit, or are we all just seeking an invisible therapist?
Rebecca in CA asks how aid workers should balance religious burial customs with the prevention of Ebola outbreaks. Hosts discuss the tension between individual grieving rights and public health safety. Can logic save communities from faith?
Thank you for joining us this week! We will see you next time.
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Talk Heathen 10.20 with Richard Gilliver, ObjectivelyDan and Scott Dickie We Are Here Fundraiser Special May 21, 2026

Show notes

Special Episode: We Are Here 24 hour fundraiser! https://aca.show/wearehere
This episode was extracted from our 24hour fundraiser live stream on May 16-17. We apologize for the delayed posting!
In today’s episode of Talk Heathen, Richard Gilliver, ObjectivelyDan, and Scott Dickie join the second annual 24-hour live stream fundraiser! They explore the intersection of philosophy and science while dismantling claims of religious revivals and the psychological lures of modern astrology. Can critical thinking provide the ultimate shield against the encroaching tide of misinformation and ancient traditions?
Drew in TX asks why the religious right claims a Gen Z revival is happening. Hosts discuss how statistics are manipulated for morale and profit. They explore the link between capitalism and faith media. Can these narratives be easily debunked?
Drew K in TX critiques the resurgence of astrology. Scott explains evolutionary pattern seeking and type one errors. They analyze the profit motive in the billion-dollar industry. Is astrology just a safe way to have irrational beliefs?
Ann in CA asks if she has recovered from her Catholic past. Hosts discuss the extra-biblical origins of Saint Anne and the power of traditions like fish on Fridays. Can community needs keep people tethered to rituals long after faith ends?
Thank you for joining us this week! We will see you next time!
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Talk Heathen 10.19 with Doctor Ben and Robotgoat May 13, 2026

Show notes

In today’s episode of Talk Heathen, Doctor Ben and the incredible Robotgoat dismantle the top ten worst scientific lies pushed by religion! From faith healing fantasies to the biological absurdity of ribs and sperm, the hosts explore why critical thinking is the ultimate antidote to indoctrination. Can we bridge the gap between ancient myths and modern reality, or are some believers too invested in the "poetry jar" to count their own bones?
Luke in FL asks if mocking God speaking things into existence is a good argument. Ben warns against taking an impossible burden of proof. They discuss bear maulings and drowning babies. Is calling God a monster more effective than citing logic?
Billy the silly 27 from TikTok argues pastors edit the Bible for comfort. Robotgoat recalls a sermon on David that ignored child illness. Why do believers rely on authority over reading the text? Does the New Covenant mask ancient horrors?
Secular Cheese in Canada fears religious immigration. Robotgoat calls this racist propaganda. Ben argues that discriminating by religion violates human rights. Can secularism survive without resorting to the same tactics as theocratic regimes?
Kush from TikTok asks about deconstruction and family reactions. Robotgoat discusses shifting from scientific illiteracy, while Ben notes the "elephant in the room" of his past. How do we build a new community based on evidence?
Thank you for joining us this week! We will see you next time!
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Talk Heathen 10.18 with Christy Powell with Sara (@Leavingfaith) May 03, 2026

Show notes

In today’s episode of Talk Heathen, Christy Powell and guest host Sarah from Leaving Faith explore the dizzying flexibility of biblical interpretation and the biological "bad design" of the human body! Joined by Dr. Ben, the hosts tackle why reading the Bible cover-to-cover is often the fastest road to atheism and why a perfect creator would wrap the prostate around the urinary tract. Can we find logic in a text that justifies any worldview, or are we all just left with our own personal Jesus?
Charlie-TikTok is a hypnotherapist deconstructing from a monastery who clings to God for comfort. Hosts identify hypnotic techniques in worship and label wonder as natural. Why does the "problem of evil" create guilt? Can "I don't know" be a home?
Thank you for joining us this week! We will see you next time!
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Talk Heathen 10.17 with Scott Dickie and Coach Renz @CoachRenz33 Apr 26, 2026

Show notes

In today’s episode of Talk Heathen, Scott Dickie is joined by Coach Renz to explore the "mathematics of truth" and the power of family support during deconversion! They discuss how logic provides an essential framework for navigating faith-based assumptions and examine why a supportive environment is vital for exploring one's own identity outside of religious dogma.
Cliff in OH compares the moon landing to faith, arguing that answered prayers provide evidence for God. Scott and Coach Renz identify circular reasoning and post-hoc fallacies in his mundane examples. Can coincidences serve as proof for a deity?
Colton in PA discusses Biblical parallels to ancient flood and creation myths. Coach Renz highlights how oral traditions evolved into global legends and debates whether universal order is extrinsic or intrinsic. Why must order imply a designer?
Thank you for joining us this week! We will see you next time!
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Talk Heathen 10.16 with Richard Gilliver and Jamie the Blind Limey Apr 19, 2026

Show notes

In today’s episode of Talk Heathen, Richard Gilliver and Jamie the Blind Limey tackle the bottom feeders of the philosophy world and the perceived persecution of majority religions! They explore the distinction between academic philosophy and rhetorical trickery, the reality of global religious oppression, and why a loss of privilege is often mistaken for a lack of fairness. Can critical thinking dismantle the defensive shields of the "Phil bros"?
Lisa in Canada asks how to critique religions without appearing bigoted. Jamie separates ideas from people, while Richard notes systemic abuse in Buddhism. Should consistency be the shield against prejudice?
Michelle discusses how spirituality helps her process horrific childhood trauma. The hosts empathize but warn against using magical thinking as a security blanket. Can evidence-based healing replace supernatural hope?
Thank you for joining us this week! We will see you next time!
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Talk Heathen 10.15 with Sofia Spina and Scott Dickie Apr 13, 2026

Show notes

In today’s episode of Talk Heathen, Sofia Spina and Scott Dickie delve into the delicate balance of secular parenting and setting boundaries with religious family! From wedding stress to the trauma of "all stick, no carrot" Catholic discipline, the hosts explore how to navigate interpersonal relationships when ancient dogmas clash with modern autonomy.
Brittany in Canada seeks advice on wedding planning with manipulative Catholic parents. Sofia and Scott suggest reframing boundaries as expectations of respect and discuss intergenerational family therapy as a tool for autonomy. They emphasize that establishing independence now protects the future of her new family unit. Will the desire for inclusion be worth the stress of the celebration?
Anne in CA shares her traumatic Catholic upbringing versus her son’s secular freedom. Hosts argue that religious corporal punishment destroys curiosity and trust while critiquing the "broken spirit" model of faith. They discuss the God model of parenting as a system of absolute obedience that often forces a performance of belief. Is breaking a child's spirit ever a moral act?
Thank you for joining us this week! We will see you next time!
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/talk-heathen--3195702/support.

Talk Heathen 10.14 with Dr. Ben and Deconstruction Deacon Apr 05, 2026

Show notes

In today’s episode of Talk Heathen, Dr. Ben and Deconstruction Deacon celebrate Easter Sunday by examining the boundaries of belief and the psychological power of ritual! They explore the historical validity of religious artifacts, the nuances of modern paganism, and the lasting impact of Catholic upbringing.
Jolly Guy from TikTok rejects evolution for a literal Adam and Eve. Hosts identify his straw man arguments and challenge his reliance on the Shroud of Turin. If artifacts are sought only to confirm bias, can they ever be reliable?
Chloe Tartt from TikTok discusses Norse paganism and gender euphoria. She explains her practice as an agnostic theist who values ritual over literal truth. Can rituals offer stability without requiring acceptance of supernatural dogma?
Anne from CA reflects on her Catholic upbringing and the difficulty of shedding the fear of hell. Hosts critique the Vatican’s wealth and the manipulative
nature of salvation. Does church fundraising reveal a focus on self-interest?
Thank you for joining us this week! We will see you next time!
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/talk-heathen--3195702/support.

Talk Heathen 10.13 with Sydney Davis Jr. Jr. and ObjectivelyDan Mar 29, 2026

Show notes

In today’s episode of Talk Heathen, Objectively Dan and Sidney Davis Jr. Jr. explore the blurry lines between organized religion and cult mentality. From the "American identity" to the ethical complexities of veganism, the hosts challenge listeners to examine the structures that demand their loyalty and silence their questions. Is there a safe way to belong to a community without losing one’s critical edge?
Jamie the Blind Limey in TX asks if secular groups like the ACA can develop cult-like behaviors. Hosts discuss how hierarchy and groupthink are risks for any group, requiring internal critique and democracy. Can any organization remain truly objective?
Lee in Canada compares leaving Catholicism to questioning American patriotism. Hosts argue national identity often mimics religious indoctrination through pledges and the demonization of dissent. Is national pride just a secular cult?
Niyanth in India argues veganism extends human rights to all sentient beings. Hosts and guest Flabbergasted debate whether eating meat is inherently immoral or a matter of production. Does the line at humanity hold up under logic?
notj186 on TikTok claims patriotism means questioning leadership, then critiques veganism as hypocritical. Hosts explain veganism seeks practical harm reduction over total purity. Where is the line between sustainable living and perfection?
Thank you for joining us this week! We will see you next time!
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Talk Heathen 10.12 with Christy Powell and Ben Clodfelter Mar 23, 2026

Show notes

In today’s episode of Talk Heathen, Christy Powell and Ben Clodfelter explore the bizarre intersection of religion and reality TV. From the "propaganda" of the Duggars to the normalization of fundamentalist behavior, the hosts deconstruct how faith-based media masks accountability and shifts cultural norms. Can a secular perspective help us see through the clever editing of religious narratives?
Jack in MA shares how living in a liberal, secularized area made his exit from Catholicism feel more like trivia than a tragedy. The hosts discuss the social pressures of the "God virus" and challenge Jack’s thought experiment about a scientifically accurate Bible. Does a book full of magic and talking donkeys lose its religious power if it starts making too much sense?
Lisa in Canada is tired of hearing the classic "it’s a relationship, not a religion" platitude. Ben cites studies showing that "God’s opinion" often activates the same brain regions as personal opinion, suggesting believers are essentially talking to themselves. How can we distinguish between the Holy Spirit and the messy, physical sensations of our own intuition?
Anne in CA wants to know why theists claim atheists have no moral grounding while ignoring the horrific ethics of the Bible. Ben explains that secular morality is rooted in empathy and well-being, which requires no supernatural foundation. Is the "objective morality" of theists just a mask for cherry-picking verses that suit their personal values?
Thank you for joining us this week! We will see you next time!
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/talk-heathen--3195702/support.

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