Central Valley Alliance of Atheists and Skeptics

In this edition of Rational Horizon, Mark Boyd interviews Jess and Jordan Fitzpatrick, and their friend Rain Chamberlain about issues important to the Transgender and Transsexual community. Jess and Jordan are speakers at this year’s 9th Annual Heretic’s Barbecue.  You can find their printed biography on the event web page. In this episode of Rational … Continue reading "Rational Horizon 06 – The “T” in LGBT – Transgender & Transsexual issues. Justice for All!"

In this podcast CVAAS presents Brian Dunning at the 5th Annual Heretic’s Barbecue, held October 7th, 2012. Mr. Dunning gives his skeptical presentation of 5 different miracles or miraculous events.  These events include: The Incorruptible Monk – a monk who died in 1927, and whose body has never degraded. The Angels of Mons – a … Continue reading "CVAAS Lecture Series – 03 – Brian Dunning – “Five Miracles”"

Mark and Sean talk about their experiences at the Reason Rally and the SkeptiCal Conference. Special musical appearance by singer bassist Joey Fabian.

In April 2008, the New Covenant Church of Fresno held a debate and symposium they called, “In Defense of Faith”.  This program was created by New Covenant in order to help its membership, “Explore (religious and secular) issues in depth and gain valuable skills in defending your faith in God and His plan for salvation.” … Continue reading "Moderated table discussion between CVAAS and New Covenant church at the “Defense of Faith” symposium"

Christianity in the California Central Valley gets a lot of attention.  In this August 2009 program Terry Phillips interviews guests with different perspectives.   These guests include Reverend Kurt Rye of the Fresno Buddhist Temple; Amanda Peterson, President, Board of Trustees of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Fresno; and Mark Boyd, President & Co/Founder of the Central … Continue reading "“Religious Philosophy” Mark Boyd interviewed on KVPR"

On March 7th, 2011, CVAAS member David Costa was invited by University of Phoenix professor Ken West to give a presentation about atheism in his course on Western Religions.

Announcements – 2nd Annual Heretic’s Barbecue is advertised, Rational Horizon is on iTunes.  Atheist & Skeptic podcasts. We discuss formal arguments.  In logic and philosophy an argument is more than just an angry exchange of opposing viewpoints.  Instead, it is a more formal method of using language as a way to persuade someone that a … Continue reading "Rational Horizon 04 – Formal arguments, logical fallacies, inductive vs deductive reasoning"

Kathy Griffin was awarded an Emmy for Outstanding Reality Program for her show, “My Life on the D-List”. This show is an autobiographical comedy of Griffin’s life as a stand-up comedienne and television bit player. During Griffin’s acceptance speech at the September 2007 Emmy awards show, Griffin said, “A lot of people come up here … Continue reading "Rational Horizon 03 – Kathy Griffin! Also, is religious experience evidence of God?"

Mark Boyd discusses a very brief visit to a disappointing homeopathic clinic in Fresno California. Apparently a homeopathic clinic also doubles as a real estate sales office!   Also, images of the Virgin Mary and of Jesus have been identified as appearing on the sides of buildings and other various places. We discuss the image … Continue reading "Rational Horizon 02 – The problem with homeopathy. Also, pattern matching and pareidolia."

This episode took a skeptical look at claims made by Richard Gage, founder of Architects and Engineers for 9/11 Truth. We deconstruct his interview on Great Day, a morning television show in the Central Valley, and discuss his evidence for a 9/11 conspiracy.   Richard Gage is a San Francisco architect who founded “Architects & Engineers … Continue reading "Rational Horizon 01 – A discussion of claims made by Richard Gage about a 9/11 conspiracy"