Talk Heathen is a weekly call-in television show in Austin, Texas geared toward long-form and on-going dialogue with theists & atheists about religion, theism, & secularism. Call 1-512-686-0279 every Sunday from 1-2pm CDT. Talk Heathen is produced by the Atheist Community of Austin. The Atheist Com…
Listeners of Talk Heathen that love the show mention: encouraging and friendly discourse, atheist experience, community of austin, heathens, aca, call in show, ae, fundamentalist, atheism, eric, rings, jamie, callers, found you guys, co hosts, beliefs, rational, religion, arguments, logical.
The Talk Heathen podcast is a must-listen for anyone interested in philosophical tools and critical thinking. Hosted by Eric and Vi, this show encourages listeners and callers to question their beliefs using good philosophical tools. Whether you're an atheist or not, this podcast will challenge your thinking and help you examine your beliefs in new ways.
One of the best aspects of this podcast is the calm and respectful approach taken by the hosts. Eric has a soothing voice that helps relax listeners, especially when they are feeling agitated or overwhelmed. Vi's kindness and understanding make her relatable to people from all walks of life. The hosts are great at listening to what people have to say, challenging their ideas, and engaging in thoughtful conversation. They create an open and welcoming environment for discussion, regardless of one's ideology.
The worst aspects of this podcast are few and far between. Some listeners may find it less exciting or adversarial compared to other shows that tackle similar topics. While some may prefer a more confrontational style, Talk Heathen provides a refreshing change with its relaxed and compassionate approach.
In conclusion, The Talk Heathen podcast is a fantastic resource for anyone interested in open-minded thinking, critical analysis of arguments, and questioning beliefs. The hosts' intelligence and empathy shine through as they engage with callers from various backgrounds. Whether you're a long-time atheist or just starting to question your own beliefs, this podcast will challenge you to think critically and expand your understanding of the world around you.
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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.
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!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/talk-heathen--3195702/support.
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.
In today's episode of Talk Heathen, Dr. Ben and guest host Thomas Westbrook (Holy Kool-Aid) dismantle the boundaries of belief and biology! They explore the expanding circle of morality, the scientific reality of observed evolution, and the historical gaps in biblical manuscripts. Can critical thinking bridge the distance between ancient mythology and modern skepticism?Louis in NY asks why species membership limits moral concern. Thomas notes the expanding circle of morality, while Ben emphasizes prioritizing immediate human rights crises over ethical perfection. Is the pursuit of total purity a mental health trap?Lee in TX claims evolution is defeated since no one has observed speciation. Ben cites antibiotic resistance as proof of change, while Thomas details ring species and transitional fossils. Why do theists rely on rigid categories like "kinds" to deny biology?Zil Zone in NY questions if the universe's initial state is just atheist magic. Ben argues for scientific models over placeholders, and Thomas uses textual criticism to expose gaps in biblical reliability. Why prioritize 2,000-year-old stories over modern forensic data?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.
In today's episode of Talk Heathen, Jamie the Blind Limey and The Thinker tackle the complexities of working with religious allies for humanist goals! They investigate the ethical quagmire of biblical slavery and the impact of Christian nationalism on modern law. Can atheists and believers find a shared moral foundation, or do ancient texts create insurmountable walls? Dave on TikTok questions the origin of secular morals while defending biblical slavery. The hosts dismantle his excuses for prison labor and his refusal to support trans rights without using bigoted analogies. Why equate equality with bestiality?Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/talk-heathen--3195702/support.
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Show notes upon receipt.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/talk-heathen--3195702/support.
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In today's episode of Talk Heathen, Jimmy Jr. and Objectively Dan dismantle the tired propaganda linking atheism to communism! The hosts explore historical misconceptions, the "victim complex" of the religious right, and the distinct differences between economic theory and secular government. Is the fear of communism just a tool to preserve religious dominance in the West?Lisa in Canada asks if fundamentalist groups like Prager U deliberately conflate secularism with communism to manufacture a Christian persecution complex. Dan explains that branding a YouTube channel as a "University" is a propaganda tactic designed to confuse definitions and maintain the religious status quo. The hosts highlight how secularism actually protects religious freedom for everyone. Will unmasking these strategic misdefinitions help end the perceived war on Christianity?Anne in CA explores the definition of communism versus the Cold War authoritarianism she grew up with. Jimmy and Dan define dialectical materialism and the social contract, noting that true communism remains unrealized because political elites pervert the theory for power. They distinguish between socialized policies, like healthcare, and state ownership of production. Does understanding the nuances of political theory make the "communist" label less effective as a scare tactic?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.
In today's episode of Talk Heathen, hosts Christy Powell and Sidney Davis Jr. examine the correlation between education and religiosity, questioning if universities are truly "atheist factories." They explore how exposure to diverse ideas and the accessibility of the internet challenge traditional faith bubbles and foster skepticism. Mark in Toronto disconnected before they could take his call, but asks if critical thinking inevitably results in atheism. The hosts suggest it ideally should but note that many trade traditional religion for nebulous spirituality. They discuss how practicing academic skills like citing sources can implicitly build reasoning that challenges faith. Is it enough to just learn the tools of research, or must one apply them specifically to theology?Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/talk-heathen--3195702/support.
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Show notes upon receipt. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/talk-heathen--3195702/support.
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Show notes upon receipt. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/talk-heathen--3195702/support.
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In today's episode of Talk Heathen, hosts Jimmy Jr. and Scott Dickie open by discussing the hazards of reading the Bible, delve into complex philosophical arguments concerning contingency and prescriptive laws, and debate strategies for maintaining productive dialogue with theists who rely on defense mechanisms.Donald, a regular caller, attempts to prove universal laws (like non-contradiction) are prescriptive, arguing their necessity means they must exist outside the universe. Hosts Scott and Jimmy Jr. press him on the modal scope issue, asserting that logically necessary laws (things that *will* happen) are distinct from prescriptive laws (things that *must* happen due to enforcement/intent). Donald fails to show a detectable difference between these two forms of necessity. Can philosophical arguments alone bridge the gap between description and prescription?Lisa, a religious studies major, struggles to have productive dialogue because theists dismiss atheism as "God-hating" rather than disbelief. The hosts assert this is a deliberate tactic to demonize non-believers, protect dogma, and avoid critical questioning. Scott advises setting conversational boundaries early and asking the interlocutor to commit to a productive discussion, calling out deflections as face-saving psychological defense mechanisms. Should atheists try to engage people who are unwilling to be honest interlocutors?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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Show notes upon receipt. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/talk-heathen--3195702/support.
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In this episode of Talk Heathen, Jimmy Jr. and Godless Engineer dissect another failed rapture prediction before diving deep into calls about humanism, historical syncretism, and whether a historical Jesus can even be found!Chloe in MD questions if God's existence matters, exploring post-theism. As a Norse pagan whose faith is based on “vibes,” she wonders if she is any different from rapture believers. The hosts challenge this reasoning, suggesting that while introspection is healthy, beliefs based on feelings rather than evidence can be problematic. Where does this path of deconstruction lead?Anton in WV asks if Christianity copied Mithraism. Godless Engineer explains it's not copying but **syncretism**, where different belief systems merge, clarifying Mithraism came first. Anton then pivots to simulation theory, but how does that philosophical dead-end impact our investigation of reality? Does it matter if we are in a simulation?Josh in GA argues that figures named Jesus in Josephus's work support a historical Jesus. The hosts agree the name was common but contest the biblical version, highlighting that the earliest sources like Paul rely on revelation, not history. The gospels only add more supernatural claims over time. So what's left of the original man?Thank you for joining us this week! We will see you next time!00:00 Intro04:20 Chloe-MD | Perspectives On Transtheim 40:09 Anton-WV | Who Copied Who?01:11:14 Josh-GA | A Historical Jesus ExistedDo you believe in God? Call and tell us why!Call the show on Sundays 1:00pm-2:30pm CDT, tell us what you believe and why!-Use your ☎ and call 1-512-991-9242-Or use your
Show notes upon receipt.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/talk-heathen--3195702/support.
Show notes upon receipt.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/talk-heathen--3195702/support.
Show notes will be posted upon receipt.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/talk-heathen--3195702/support.
Show notes will be posted upon receipt.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/talk-heathen--3195702/support.
Show notes upon receipt.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/talk-heathen--3195702/support.
Show notes upon receipt. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/talk-heathen--3195702/support.
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