The Thinking Atheist Podcast

Atheists hear this question constantly: How can you be moral without God (or religion)?Phil Zuckerman is a professor of sociology and secular studies, and he's author of the new book, "What it Means to be Moral: Why Religion is Not Necessary for Living an Ethical Life."Phil talks about morality far beyond the narrow religious boundaries, explaining in plain language why no religion is required or desired for humankind to be moral.

Margaret Atwood's famous book (and the smash HULU television series) paints a stark portrait of a dystopian future that brings the worst verses of the Old Testament - and the worst aspects of human nature - to life.The fictional story is laced with social commentary...warnings about theocratic regimes and the harm done in the name of God. But could it ever happen for real? We discuss.Support our sponsors:The Great Courses Plus: http://www.thegreatcoursesplus.com/sethBlinkist: http://www.blinkist.com/seth

Seth Andrews takes several listener calls from people struggling with religion's influence on their homes, families, careers, identities...their everyday lives. These conversations are a reminder that our lives, loves, values, and goals are not the property of another. LINK to Seth's book: Deconverted - Second Edition: https://amzn.to/2MAIcwl (NOTE: There's a pricing glitch on the Hardcover. Make sure you click the $21.95 option. Working to get it fixed.)Support our sponsor, and get your free Harry's trial set at http://www.harrys.com/thethinkingatheist

Rachel Oates is a Youtuber and activist whose diverse subjects range from Creationism to anti-vax to superhero makeup. She speaks about her recent online exchanges with Kent Hovind, "cancel culture," science, and the authentic self.Find Rachel online at http://www.racheloates.meVIDEO of this interview is at https://youtu.be/khRM9hB-tl0This show is made possible by your support at http://www.patreon.com/sethandrews

President Trump and many others are blaming violent video games for the American mass shooter phenomenon, citing the "moral decay" of our society (and often using religious language). Wal-Mart just banned violent imagery - but not guns - in its stores. And it seems that the whole planet is either desperate for a cause or scrambling for something to blame.We discuss video games and violence, with your calls and perspectives.Support our sponsor and get $80 off your first week of Hello Fresh at http://www.hellofresh.com/sethandrews80 (promo code: sethandrews80)

In the United States, the majority of states have made it illegal for terminally ill patients enduring great suffering to end their own lives on their terms. Most of the opposition is fueled by religion. In this broadcast, we explore Death With Dignity issues, we talk about various organizations assisting those who wish to take some control over their life and death, and we finish the show with special guest Dan Diaz, husband of the late Brittany Maynard, who's story (and partnership with http://www.compassionandchoices.org) gained international attention.Support our sponsors:Get a free trial of The Great Courses Plus via http://www.thegreatcoursesplus.com/sethGet a free 7-day Blinkist trial via http://www.blinkist.com/sethOther resources and links:http://www.deathwithdignity.orghttp://www.finalexitnetwork.org

This is a lighthearted show filled with anecdotes (and cautionary tales) about alcohol-related antics. We also get a little bit into the science of inebriation, so we can better understand why those who are drunk aren't really "thunk."Support our sponsor, Blinkist, with a free 7-day trial at http://www.blinkist.com/seth

Brian Dalton is a producer, satirist, and performer best known for his portrayal of Mr. Deity, a bumbling "God" whose literal interpretation of the Bible gets him into terrible trouble.Brian joins Seth for an exploration into Mr Deity, The Way of the Mister video series, and Brian's often hysterical responses to the videos of Prager U. Enjoy!Support our sponsor and get a free Harry's trial set via http://www.harrys.com/thethinkingatheistVIDEO of this conversation is on YouTube at https://youtu.be/za0HCsaaIt0

In this totally free, bonus podcast, Seth spends a half-hour shambling through his own sleep-deprived (and typically random) thoughts.

This is a largely caller-driven show, with an especially interesting segment exploring how people change in the various chapters of their lives. Lots of good stuff in this one. Enjoy.Patreon supporters get this early, and commercial-free. Become a patron today at http://www.patreon.com/sethandrews

Join former Christian broadcaster Seth Andrews for a wild romp through some of the most bizarre, tragic, and/or fascinating album covers and music clips from the archives of Contemporary Christian Music.Watch the VIDEO version of this at https://youtu.be/5yX9R-4L3WESupport our sponsors:Get a free trial at The Great Courses Plus via http://www.thegreatcoursesplus.com/sethGet a free 7-day trial at Blinkist via http://www.blinkist.com/seth

Sarah Haider was born in Pakistan. She is a former Muslim, co-founder of http://www.exmuslims.org, and a human rights activist. She speaks candidly with Seth Andrews about Islam, the hijab, atheism, extremism, and the critical need to regain our humanity in the examination of ideas.VIDEO of this conversation is at https://youtu.be/2i2BEx2DUBsSupport our sponsor and get a shaving trial set from Harry's at http://www.harrys.com/thethinkingatheist

The U.S. Supreme Court just handed down a sobering 7-2 decision to protect the Bladensburg, Maryland "Peace Cross," a 40-foot religious symbol erected as a memorial to the veterans of WWI.The Court's majority opinion declared that the cross' removal would constitute "hostility" to religion.Monica Miller is Senior Counsel at the American Humanist Association. She actually argued the case at the Supreme Court. She joins Seth Andrews to talk about the implications.Watch the VIDEO of our conversation here: https://youtu.be/m7Z2RYG2vAIMonica's links:www.americanhumanist.orgmmiller@americanhumanist.org@Mon_L_Miller @americnhumanist

The phenomenon is sweeping the planet, sending some into bliss, others into rage and escape. But what is ASMR, and how scientific is it? I discuss this with friend and ASMR fan Heath Enwright (co-host of God Awful Movies).VIDEO of this exchange is on YouTube at: https://youtu.be/ySGNVMGxxqI Support Seth's work on Patreon at http://www.patreon.com/sethandrews

Many evangelical Christians hold to an authoritarian model for patriotism. In their eyes, leaders (appointed by their God) should be followed and rarely - if ever - questioned. In this broadcast, we explore patriotism and protest, plus a potpourri of listener calls on whatever subjects they want to talk about.Support our sponsor, and get a free trial of The Great Courses Plus via http://www.thegreatcoursesplus.com/seth