Secular Hubcast

In this episode of The Secular Hubcast we welcome Chris Shelton: a podcaster (Sensibly Speaking), critical thinker, ex-Scientologist and friend of the show. Together we further develop the ideas examined in the first part of our Moral Landscaping series. During our discussion Chris provides some push back that helps to further clarify and hone the … Continue reading "Building a Moral Foundation: Moral Landscaping Part 2 Episode 73"

The Global Dispersal of Homo Sapiens and the Archaeology of Computational Complexity Dr. John Hoeffecker, from the Institute of Arctic and Alpine Research at the University of Colorado Boulder was November’s featured speaker for the science talk. The Hub specializes in creating moments and situations where folks representing diverse viewpoints and backgrounds mingle.  The exchange … Continue reading "Science @ the Hub: Human Evolution"

In this week’s episode your host Paul Schilling looks to set the foundation of a useful and functional moral code. In doing so he discusses the main cornerstones to a useful moral code: the subjective elements, the objective elements, the moral continuum and basic human rights. After listening to this episode you should have a … Continue reading "Building a Moral Foundation: Moral Landscaping Part 1 Episode 72"

From time to time we are lucky enough to experience a true cultural shift.  These shifts represent changes to the old ways of acting and thinking, and they can sweep away old, outdated ideas and replace them with the NEW. Today on the Secular Hubcast we are very proud to present an event which took … Continue reading "Satanic – Episode 71"

In this episode of the Secular Hubcast we interview two Secular Hub members to get their perspective on the recent Center for Inquiry’s conference held in Las Vegas. Becky and Ruth describe their experiences, tell us about the different speakers they saw and encourage us to attend such conferences ourselves.   HOST, EDITOR:  Paul Schilling … Continue reading "Episode 70: CFI Conference Interview featuring Becky and Ruth from the Hub"

Sundays are not so holy anymore.  Not if we have anything to say about it.  And so we have coffee and community, a place for nonbelievers to get together.  To share in that tradition and basic human need of community and togetherness is what brings us together. C & C is one of the Hub’s … Continue reading "Coffee and Community – Episode 69"

In this episode of the Secular Hubcast we dive further into the theist mindset to see if it holds up to secular morality. In it we discuss empathy, morality and work through some specific examples to see which world view wins out: the scientific world view or the theistic world view. Our guest Nathan Spears … Continue reading "Episode 68 – A Conversation with a Theist Part 2"

Podcast: Play in new window | Download Subscribe: Android | RSS In this episode of the Secular Hubcast we take a deep dive into the mind of a theist. Our special guest Nathan Spears discusses his problems with the scientific world view and attempts to demonstrate how science falls short in its search for truth, reality and consciousness. This is the … Continue reading "Episode 67 – A Conversation with a Theist"

Life is a constant process of things getting used up and then being renewed.  It’s true whether you’re talking about an individual, an organization, or an ecosystem. The Secular Hub goes through many changes and renews itself with infusions of fresh energy and ideas in the form of new members and volunteers.  It’s a hallmark … Continue reading "Welcome to the Stage – Episode 66"

On September 7, 2019 Andrew Seidel visited the Secular Hub and spoke to a packed house.  The Hubcast was on hand to catch his talk as well as the audience participation time afterward. Andrew Seidel has been working with Freedom From Religion Foundation for years and has come to be posted as the Director of … Continue reading "Andrew L. Seidel, Author and Attorney – Episode 65"

Some events at the Secular Hub are just an absolute delight to go to, and everyone who attends helps a worthy cause at the same time.  This week on the Secular Hub, Jesse attends the Hub’s annual chili cook-off and conducts a few casual interviews with some of the attendees.  It’s a slice of life … Continue reading "Oh, Are We Ready? – Episode 64"

In this episode of the Secular Hubcast we break down the El Paso Shooter’s manifesto fact checking its claims and critically examining its structure and conclusion to determine if they are correct. This is an exercise in critical thought and we use our tools of reason, evidence and logic to engage with the El Paso … Continue reading "Episode 62: El Paso Shooter Manifesto Part 2"

All hail the Volunteer Queen! Doesn’t it seem like it can be really hard to help sometimes?  Many of us have the impulse and desire to help but don’t know how to make a meaningful difference.  It’s common enough to look for a group, an organization already established to make it easier. Monique is our … Continue reading "Atheists Who Help – Episode 62"

In this episode of the Secular Hubcast we examine the El Paso shooter’s manifesto in detail. In it, we find his concerns, motivations and personal thoughts. Perhaps surprisingly we also find hints of his humanity.   HOST, EDITOR:  Paul Schilling Logo Design: Terry Kirkham The views and opinions expressed are those of their respective authors … Continue reading "Episode 61 – The El Paso Shooter’s Manifesto Part 1"

One great thing about the Secular Hub is that there is no religious affiliation to the group.  Just go there and you’re free from religion, dogma, indoctrination. But that doesn’t mean we’re totally cut off and removed from all the people out there who do practice.  In fact, many of our members came out of … Continue reading "Episode 60 – Interview with a Holy Man"

The Secular Hub interviews an american hero.

Colorado Secular Conference 2019 CSC 19 brought together hundreds of atheists and freethinkers from around the nation, as well as dozens of groups and vendors.  It was a special opportunity for community, camaraderie, and support as well as the vital exchange of ideas and lived experience on a large scale. The Secular Hubcast was on … Continue reading "What is a Secular Conference? – Episode 58"

Once again we at the Hubcast delve into the news.  It never stops flowing and by paying attention over time we hope to learn and grow more, and possibly achieve some kind of wisdom and familiarity with the world. First we discuss the testimony of Robert Mueller before Congress.  We also look at developments in … Continue reading "Episode 57 – Feeding on the News 3"

Join us for this diverse episode featuring Jesse Gilbertson, Chris Shelton and Melissa Shelton as we walk the rocky path of guns, gun ownership and the Second Amendment. In this episode we talk straight about gun rights, the moral implications of guns and what we think are the best solutions for how to solve our … Continue reading "Episode 56 – Guns and the 2nd Amendment: Carving a Path Through"

Liberty is a tricky subject to talk about.  It’s complex and personal and in some ways lends itself to magical thinking.  It’s as if it somehow pervades the universe or we’re endowed by some creator. But really it’s just a concept.  Can we think about it scientifically?  Can we analyse a sample in a petri … Continue reading "Episode 55 – Increase Your Liberty"

There were 20 candidates going into the first round of debates! Join Chauncey and Paul as we cut the candidates we thought shouldn’t make it to round two while we discuss their performances, strengths, weaknesses and look to the future of the Democratic party. While Chauncey was still undecided, Paul picks his winner for the … Continue reading "Episode 54 – Democratic Presidential Debates 2020: The First Cut"

One lovely thing about becoming a Hub member is meeting all the folks who are visiting the Hub for the first time.  It can be refreshing/renewing as an atheist to talk with those for whom atheist community is a new thing. The fear, confusion, rejection these folks are going through can be new and raw.  … Continue reading "Episode 53 – Interview With a Noobie"

DENVER PRIDE Secular Hub has been a proud supporter and participant in Denver’s annual celebration for several years.  The outreach and volunteerism has been growing and it is because Pride is such a special and brilliant event. We’re greatly looking forward to next year and looking forward to carrying the spirit and principles of PRIDE … Continue reading "Episode 52 – Love"

Some say we are born atheist and religion is placed on us only after we are old enough to absorb it.  That may be true, yet why do so many atheists need to leave a faith community?  It what ways can it be simple or difficult? Describing one’s deconversion story can be a powerful way … Continue reading "Episode 51 – Becoming Atheist"

Learn the little things you can use to help stop climate change. In today’s climate its easy to freak out and feel like there is nothing you can do to help save the planet. Luckily, there are lots of little things you can do that make a big difference. In this episode of The Secular … Continue reading "Episode 50 – Climate Change and How You Can Save the World"

The topic of abortion is never far from the news.  It’s a subject that affects many very deeply and it tends to bring forth strong, powerful emotions and opinions. For this episode the Secular Hubcast turns to two of its female members to help explain, first the dramatic new law banning abortions in the state … Continue reading "Episode 49 – Abortion Rights. Right?"

The injury to the integrity of the justice system is the same regardless of whether a person committed an underlying wrong Welcome back to the thrilling conclusion, Volume II of the Special Report!  In this episode the team discusses the special counsel investigation into potentially obstructive behavior on the part of the President of the … Continue reading "Episode 48 – It’s Mueller Time! part 2, final"

The Mueller Report is vast and complex.  Any telling of it will be limited.  Even a full reading of it would be inadequate, since the report is but a condensed version of a nearly two year investigation. We have read the report and that’s today’s story.  As a nation we need to understand what has … Continue reading "Episode 47 – We Read the Mueller Report! part 1"

“There’s no magic and there’s no magical punishments for not believing” Like any subculture, Atheism develops it’s own art and culture which is meaningful to those within it.  It’s usually the coolest people within the group who do the work to create that art so it’s nice to be able to sit down with someone … Continue reading "Episode 46 – Atheist Culture"

A Safe Place to Talk about Death The Death Duo, Heili and Stephanie, join us for a delightful discussion about death and dying.  This can be a very difficult topic to discuss, but it is very important to give thought and attention to what may happen to us before it is too late. As painful … Continue reading "Episode 45 – Death Cafe"