Truth Wanted

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WHAT IS TRUTH WANTED? Truth Wanted is a show about getting to the bottom of beliefs, whether it’s karma or Christ, Bigfoot or crystals. Truth Wanted would like to know how you know it’s true. Hosted by ObjectivelyDan, Truth Wanted takes calls from the community (that means YOU!) and features new gu…

Atheist Community of Austin

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    • Jan 17, 2026 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekly NEW EPISODES
    • 1h 28m AVG DURATION
    • 357 EPISODES

    4.6 from 137 ratings Listeners of Truth Wanted that love the show mention: super entertaining, beliefs, believe, guests, fun, always, show, like, great.


    Ivy Insights

    The Truth Wanted podcast is an excellent addition to the lineup of shows from the Atheist Community of Austin (ACA). Hosted by ObjectivelyDan, this show offers a refreshing and less heated perspective compared to some of the other ACA shows. With its wide range of topics and Dan's excellent interview skills, The Truth Wanted podcast delves into the beliefs and reasons behind them, providing thought-provoking discussions for both atheists and believers alike.

    One of the best aspects of this podcast is ObjectivelyDan's ability to engage with his guests and callers. His interview skills are top-notch, allowing him to draw out the roots of their beliefs in a respectful manner. Whether it's exploring why people believe in God or examining beliefs in flat earth and UFOs, Dan consistently creates interesting conversations that delve deep into the subject matter. This approach not only provides fascinating content but also promotes understanding between differing viewpoints.

    Another positive aspect of The Truth Wanted podcast is its variety in topics. While other ACA shows may primarily focus on discussing Abrahamic religions, this podcast covers a broader range of subjects. From exploring skepticism to engaging in Street Epistemology, The Truth Wanted takes a more inclusive approach by inviting believers from all backgrounds to join the discussions. This diversity makes for enlightening conversations that challenge preconceived notions and promote critical thinking.

    However, one downside that some listeners have pointed out is the volume levels on the show. Some have found ObjectivelyDan's voice to be loud and overpowering at times, which can be a bit off-putting for those sensitive to noise levels or prefer a more balanced audio experience. While this may be a minor issue for some listeners, it could potentially detract from their overall enjoyment of the podcast.

    In conclusion, The Truth Wanted podcast delivers thought-provoking discussions with individuals holding diverse beliefs. ObjectivelyDan's expertise as a host shines through as he navigates these conversations with respect and curiosity. While there may be some technical aspects that could be improved, the overall content and approach of this show make it a valuable addition to the ACA lineup. Whether you're an atheist or curious about different belief systems, The Truth Wanted offers an engaging and enlightening listening experience.



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    Latest episodes from Truth Wanted

    Truth Wanted 09.02 01-16-2025 with ObjectivelyDan and Deconstruction Deacon

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 17, 2026 87:46 Transcription Available


    In today's episode of Truth Wanted, Objectively Dan and Deconstruction Deacon wrestle with the concept of free will before uncovering their own limitations of free will when it comes to deciding what species to consume over another. Salvatore in LA calls to continue a conversation had with the co-host, and defines free will as the ability for a moral agent to choose. What are your thoughts around the ability not to choose? The caller explains that free will is a mechanism used to explain the problem of evil. Deacon uses his Street Epistemology skills to ask the caller a series of thought provoking questions. What does the process of choice look like in the brain? What factors in life make a person more likely to choose one option over another? In what sense is "will" free? Our choices can't be truly free if we don't understand all the conscious and unconscious processes. How is it free will when we are coerced?Chase, calling from the USA, wants to talk about speciesism, discrimination against other beings for not being human. If this is a form of harm reduction, what happens when one species is starving and another is abundantly available for food? If this is maximizing well being, how does this play out when one species consumes another due to dietary and nutritional needs? What happens when it is in the best interest of a spider to continue to live in a house that is occupied by someone who is terrified by spiders? Why do we put some animals in the food category such as pigs, and not other animals like dogs? Thank you for joining us this week! Our back up host, Scott Dickie joins us to close out the show and remind us of the question of the week: What is the worst example of god's unconditional love?Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/truth-wanted--3195473/support.

    Truth Wanted 09.02 with Eli Slack and Tracy Wilbert

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 10, 2026 79:32


    In today's episode of Truth Wanted, host Eli Slack and guest Tracy Wilbert kick off the ninth season by exploring the dangers of gaslighting and the potential for secular progress. They delve into the bicameral mind hypothesis and the bizarre reality of escaped monkeys in Missouri. The hosts challenge listeners to prioritize truth over convenient narratives as they set the stage for a season of critical thinking and skeptical inquiry.Michelle in NY asks if secular society can surpass religious ones. Eli argues religion causes novel harm, while Tracy compares dogma to a car boot preventing progress. The conversation shifts to the origins of animism and Michelle's personal pseudo-belief in a minimally powerful creator. The hosts challenge her 50/50 stance as a logical contradiction. How does one justify a deity while admitting there is no evidence? What happens when intuition clashes with reality?Thank you for joining us today! We will see you next week, and don't forget to add your answer to this week's We Want The Truth question: What is the worst lie you were caught in?Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/truth-wanted--3195473/support.

    Truth Wanted 9.01 Top 5 Calls of All Time Special

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 3, 2026 98:57 Transcription Available


    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/truth-wanted--3195473/support.

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    Truth Wanted 8.52 Top 5 Calls of 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 27, 2025 96:38 Transcription Available


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    Truth Wanted 08.51 with ObjectivelyDan, Kelley Laughlin, and Jon the Skeptick​

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 20, 2025 83:44 Transcription Available


    Show notes upon receipt.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/truth-wanted--3195473/support.

    Truth Wanted 08.49 12-12-2025 with ObjectivelyDan and @HowtoRuleanAsteroid

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 13, 2025 90:04


    Show notes will be posted when available.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/truth-wanted--3195473/support.

    Truth Wanted 08.48 with ObjectivelyDan and @CoachRenz33

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 6, 2025 92:08 Transcription Available


    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/truth-wanted--3195473/support.

    Truth Wanted 08.48 Thankful For Our Haters with ObjectivelyDan, Jon The Skeptick, and Kelley Laughlin

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 29, 2025 64:27 Transcription Available


    Welcome to our Thankful For Our Haters 2025 Thanksgiving Special. While we give the hosts and the crew some much deserved time off to spend with friends and family, we wanted you to have something to enjoy your holiday meal with. This year, because we were so outstanding, there weren't many hateful comments about us individually, so we decided to branch out and find out some of the hatful comments that were out there in general. Some of these you are undoubtedly familiar with, but we're hoping some of these will catch you by surprise. So enjoy!Attributions and references 1) George H.W. Bush https://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/George_H.WBushand_the_Atheists 2) John Locke https://constitutioncenter.org/the-constitution/historic-document-library/detail/john-locke-a-letter-concerning-toleration-1689-and-two-treatises-on-government-1690 3) Steve Harveyhttps://youtu.be/-dwwkWSyxUE?si=WgFCHBjU7CjH1MiM&t=813 4) Phil Robertsonhttps://time.com/3759113/duck-dynasty-star-atheists-controversy/ 5) Newt Gingrich2011 speech at the First Baptist Church of Dallas while promoting his book A Nation Like No Other: Why American Exceptionalism Matters (2011), Regnery Publishing. 6) Alice WalkerThe Globe and Mail (October 1, 2011) 7) Dinesh D'Souzahttps://www.csmonitor.com/2006/1121/p09s01-coop.html 8) Theodore RooseveltLadies' Home Journal (1917) 9) Oprah Winfreyhttps://youtu.be/iNhN9KHIi4o?si=66y_b14w6764HO1F&t=1661 10) Kevin Sorbohttps://www.podbean.com/site/EpisodeDownload/DIREE934C5CRJ49 11) Kirk CameronThe Way of the Master DVD Series, Living Waters 12) Rick Reillyhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K-Ji77dolmA 13) Tyson Furyhttps://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/oct/04/tyson-fury-cocaine-live-anymore-boxing 14) Mark Driscollhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gCmx2L-49Oc 15) Dolly PartonClose Up with Arthlene Rippy (January 2011) 16) Paul Walkerhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kf0qJanOnAM 17) John Hageehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vYA5Ypak7Ko 18) Ben Steinhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ExpelledNoIntelligence_Allowed 19) Kenneth Copelandhttps://www.govictory.com/show/believers-voice-of-victory-daily/ 20) Chuck Norrishttps://www.wnd.com/2006/11/38960/ 21) Dennis Pragerhttps://www.goodreads.com/quotes/9904955-while-an-ever-increasing-number-of-people-consider-themselves-agnostic-the#:~:text=While%20an%20ever%2Dincreasing%20number%20of%20people%20consider%20themselves%20agnostic,atheist%2C%20belief%2Din%2Dgod 22) Frank Turekhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0fd7bvruM8U 23) Ray Comforthttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BXLqDGL1FSgBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/truth-wanted--3195473/support.

    Truth Wanted 08.47 11-21-2025 with ObjectivelyDan and Trust But Verify

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 22, 2025 85:06 Transcription Available


    Show notes will be posted when available.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/truth-wanted--3195473/support.

    Truth Wanted 08.46 with ObjectivelyDan and Fe

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 15, 2025 73:37


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    Truth Wanted 08.45 11-07-2025 with ObjectivelyDan and Justin Frechette

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 8, 2025 84:53 Transcription Available


    Show notes will be posted when available.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/truth-wanted--3195473/support.

    Truth Wanted 08.42 with Kelley Laughlin and Flabbergasted

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 25, 2025 84:09 Transcription Available


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    Truth Wanted 08.42 with ObjectivelyDan and Christina Carol

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 18, 2025 82:58 Transcription Available


    In today's episode of Truth Wanted, Objectively Dan and Christina Carroll tackle calls that challenge the basis of reality, from the cosmological origins of the universe to social phenomena and personal relationships. Christina, who is actively deconstructing, discusses how Christian influence is pervasive, like the fat marbled throughout Wagyu beef, requiring critical self-evaluation beyond theological concepts alone. The hosts are dedicated to addressing supernatural, pseudoscientific, and spiritual claims with critical thinking and compassion.Levi in GA presents the fine-tuning argument, citing the universe's precise laws and the astronomical improbability of abiogenesis as proof of an intelligent designer. Dan counters that this is a self-referential argument, as physical constants cannot be evaluated without existing within them, and questions why God is exempt from needing a creator. Christina critiques Levi's belief system, which grants God glory whether prayers are answered or not, rendering the claim unfalsifiable. The hosts reference the Great Prayer Study and suggest Levi investigate current abiogenesis research for natural explanations.Lane in LA theorizes that mysterious drone sightings around coastal cities last year were local governments searching for a lost nuclear weapon, noting increased no-fly zones during that period. Dan posits the phenomenon was more likely mass hysteria fueled by social media, coupled with increased public awareness of drone technology and surveillance. Lane suggests it is, at minimum, evidence of mass surveillance, which leads Dan to discuss the concept of "dead internet theory" and the difficulty of discerning real versus automated content online.John in Canada, who is deconstructing, struggles to conceptually grasp same-sex attraction, insisting that attraction requires a male and female coming together for natural function. Christina explains that attraction is not something he is required to understand, and Dan notes that homosexual behavior is widely observed across the animal kingdom. The conversation shifts drastically when John asserts that the man should be the head of the house and the leader because he is "the strong one". Christina and Dan strongly reject this view, identifying it as misogynistic patriarchy implicitly enforced by Christianity, which must be deconstructed along with theology.Thank you for tuning in this week! We will see you next time! and don't forget to add your answer to this week's We Want The Truth question: What is the best sci fi religion and why.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/truth-wanted--3195473/support.

    Truth Wanted 08.41 10-10-2025 with ObjectivelyDan and Thinker

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 11, 2025 100:44


    Show notes will be posted upon receipt.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/truth-wanted--3195473/support.

    Truth Wanted 08.40 with ObjectivelyDan and Chris Mallard

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 4, 2025 75:21 Transcription Available


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    Truth Wanted 08.39 with Jon the Skeptick and UnquestionableCal_edited

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 27, 2025 79:38 Transcription Available


    In this week's episode of Truth Wanted, Jon the Skeptick and special guest Calvin Smith (@UnquestionableCal) navigate a failed rapture prediction, challenge the notion of modern martyrdom, and explore whether the concept of god can exist without language.Michelle in NY, a theist, calls to argue that all religion should be abolished due to the harm and division it causes. The hosts explore this contradiction, questioning how her personal beliefs might still influence her actions despite her wanting to keep them private. If one recognizes the danger in religious systems, what keeps them tethered to the core belief?Jon in Canada believes the late Charlie Kirk was a hero who died for his beliefs and should be viewed as a martyr. Jon and Calvin strongly push back, clarifying that while his murder was tragic, it does not erase the racist and bigoted statements he made. When does honoring the deceased cross the line into sanitizing a harmful legacy?Derek in TX proposes that god concepts are entirely dependent on human language and asks for advice on engaging with theists productively. The hosts recommend Street Epistemology, focusing on asking questions rather than making assertions to avoid defensiveness. Could this method be the key to more fruitful discussions across belief divides?Thank you for tuning in this week, and we will see you next time, and don't forget to add your answer to this week's We Want The Truth question: Wrong answers only: Why didn't the rapture happen this time?.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/truth-wanted--3195473/support.

    Truth Wanted 08.38 09-19-2025 with ObjectivelyDan and Jimmy Jr

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 20, 2025 101:13 Transcription Available


    Show notes will be posted upon receipt.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/truth-wanted--3195473/support.

    Truth Wanted 08.37 09-12-2025 with Kelley Laughlin and The Cross Examiner

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 13, 2025 85:03 Transcription Available


    In today's episode of Truth Wanted, Kelley Laughlin and The Cross Examiner unravel some helpful points about a recent event before taking a caller who was not wearing his big boy pants. Jon in Canada, says that now is not the time to talk about the political stance of Charlie Kirk, people should not be saying he deserved to be shot, and we should be mourning him. As good humans, we can all condemn what happened, however, not everyone needs to grieve about it. One can care about the action and the outcome of the action, and at the same time be apathetic about the individual. If this is not the time to discuss the political stance of Charlie Kirk, when would be a better time to reflect on this? Is it cool to talk about his politics for people who agree with him, or does this rule only apply to those who oppose his views? What is the proposed solution for controversial figures being targets? How do we talk about politics without living in fear? Even when someone advocates for violence, nobody deserves what happened to Charlie Kirk. If you are a horrible person who is considering political violence, don't do it because you will be creating a martyr. Catholic Traditionalist in Paris asks the hosts to define god, tries to shift the burden of proof with a bit of snark, and states that if the hosts answer his questions, it will prove god exists. To make sure that we don't make false conclusions, we don't start with an assumption and work backwards. Instead of complaining and claiming repression, why don't you provide refutable proof that god exists? When you don't call to have a conversation, and prefer to whine and complain instead, you are wasting time and you get dropped. Sorry we are not on your script, man. Thank you for hanging out with us tonight! Godless Engineer, our back up host closes out the show with us and shares the question of the week: What is a job you can get in heaven?Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/truth-wanted--3195473/support.

    Truth Wanted 08.36 09-05-2025 with Kelley Laughlin and @mikebrigandi_

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 6, 2025 66:22 Transcription Available


    In today's episode of Truth Wanted, Kelley Laughlin and Mike Brigandi sort through nihilism and the utility of spiritualism. How would this life be different if our inherent and objective purpose is only to believe in things that are untrue?Michelle in NY has some thoughts on the utility of god and spirituality; the earth exists because god wants us to feel good and if something is beautiful, it is true. How do we explain cancer in children based on this hypothesis? What is the difference between a cursed world and a natural world that has things you don't like? The belief in unicorns and leprechauns may also help people feel good. How important is it that these things are true? How can untruthful statements that make you feel good, affect your life in negative ways? Tucker in IA is skeptical of nihilism and believes we have an inherent purpose to make this world a little bit better before we are gone. How do we know what our own inherent purpose is? If the purpose is to leave this world without regrets, how do we explain serial killers fulfilling their purpose? If purpose is not subjective, how can this objective purpose be linked with us?Thank you for tuning in this week! Eli Slack, our back up host joins us to review the calls and remind us of the question of the week: Name a time believers don't mind playing god. We will see you next week!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/truth-wanted--3195473/support.

    Truth Wanted 08.35 with ObjectivelyDan and Kelley Laughlin

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 30, 2025 76:17 Transcription Available


    Truth Wanted 08.34 with Kelley Laughlin and @SkepticSpin

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 23, 2025 86:31 Transcription Available


    In today's episode of the Truth Wanted, Kelley Laughlin and Justin Frechette (Skeptic Spinn), work through some topics of veganism, fire balls, and contradictory Christian beliefs. Nick asks if a decent person should take the lives of vulnerable, love capable beings for their own convenience. At what point is it wrong to use an animal as a means to an end? How would your perspective change if the industry were different and the animals were treated well? Where is the line drawn between sentient consciousness and non-sentient consciousness?Robert in CA, describes seeing two fireballs that moved together when he was working outside, and when it happened the next night, he recorded them. How can we tell the difference between this and a meteorite? What is your hypothesis of what this could be? How do we know for sure that these balls are going in and out of reality, and the light is not just turning on and off? What are some normal and mundane explanations for this? Post your videos for what they are and leave them there. Jon in Canada, is skeptical about ghosts, and finds it weird that Christians will not believe in spirits of the deceased but will believe in the ultimate supernatural force. There are explanations for what people think are miracles and how they have these beliefs. Thank you for tuning in this week! Justin's great dane joins us to close us out along with Scott Dickie to remind us of the question of the week: What would Jesus' podcast be named?Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/truth-wanted--3195473/support.

    Truth Wanted 08.33 08-15-2025 with ObjectivelyDan and Bat Cruise Guests

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 18, 2025 85:46 Transcription Available


    Objectively Dan hosts our in-studio live show for Truth Wanted today with multiple guest hosts who traveled in from multiple places to attend the annual Bat Cruise!Kelley Laughlin, Jonathon Roudabus, Helen Greene, Eli Slack, Jamie the Blind Limey, Ben Clodfelter join Dan to receive both audience questions and calls.Jon from Canada does not think that an actor should be chosen for a role for “woke” reasons just because they are black or Latino. Being woke is aware of the institutional prejudices that are present and is recognizing real problems that need to be discussed. How do we address the past injustices of certain groups of people? When you are talking from a point of privilege about things you have not experienced yourself, you are lacking emotional and intellectual honesty on the subject. How does a black or Latino person getting a fictional role affect you? Please show us where the “woke” hurt you. Lucy Spina in TX wants to talk about the intersectionality between Catholicism, rural New Finland, and ghosts. There were 106 people who died in these five mines that contribute to the myth of the area being haunted. What determines the degree and intensity of the haunting of a location? How does Catholicism contribute to the belief in ghosts? When we have a culture of superstition, it can contribute to the marketing value of places that are believed to be haunted. Thank you for joining us this week! All our shows this weekend are live and we hope to see you for the Bat Cruise!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/truth-wanted--3195473/support.

    Truth Wanted 08.32 08-08-2025 with Kelley Laughlin and Eli Slack

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 9, 2025 85:00 Transcription Available


    In today's episode of Truth Wanted, Kelley Laughlin and Eli Slack, work through indoctrination before relaxing into some ghost encountering sleep paralysis. Just try to “free will” yourself out of that state!Adrian, a believer in CA, uses a concordance to support claims of prophecies that have been fulfilled such as the book of Zechariah mentioning piercing. How can you tell the difference between a narrative and a prophecy? How do we know this reference point can be used to get to the truth when there is the potential of bias? How do you prove that something in the Old Testament points to Jesus? Remember, the Bible is not proof of anything; it is just a series of books that make a bunch of claims. It is important to dig deep to discover why and when you started to believe these things. If you were born in India or Arabia, would you still be a Christian? Question the evidence of your beliefs and look for other sources for Christianity besides the Bible. The same standards used to determine if other religious scriptures are real need to be applied to the Bible. Why would you settle for anything less than 100% of prayers being answered? Cynthia in IL, describes an encounter with a ghost while experiencing sleep paralysis in an old dormitory that was thought to be haunted. How do you think perception shaped this experience? Looking back at things with skepticism can be an excellent tool for these things. The brain can do some freaky things! Stephen in Australia asks about free will and rather we truly have it. Where do you think decision making takes place, within the self or outside of the self? You can do what you want, but you can't will what you want. There is a difference between free choice and free will. Backup host, Jon the Skeptic, joins us to share the question of the week: What is the possible fallout of Jesus turning water into wine at the wedding? Thank you for joining us and we will see you next time!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/truth-wanted--3195473/support.

    Truth Wanted 08.31 08-01-2025 with ObjectivelyDan and @blitzphd

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 2, 2025 78:19


    Show notes will be posted upon receipt.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/truth-wanted--3195473/support.

    Truth Wanted 08.30 07-25-2025 with R Kelley Laughlin and Jimmy Jr

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 26, 2025 58:48


    Show notes will be posted upon receipt.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/truth-wanted--3195473/support.

    Truth Wanted 08.29 07-18-2025 with ObjectivelyDan and Cynthia McDonald

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 19, 2025 83:25


    Show notes will be posted upon receipt.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/truth-wanted--3195473/support.

    Truth Wanted 08.27 with ObjectivelyDan and Chris Mallard

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 12, 2025 78:22


    Truth Wanted with ObjectivelyDan and Jon the Skeptick 08 26

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 28, 2025 90:27


    Truth Wanted 08.25 06-20-2025 with ObjectivelyDan and Jamie the Blind Limey

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 21, 2025 91:37


    Show notes will be posted upon receipt.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/truth-wanted--3195473/support.

    Truth Wanted 08.24 with ObjectivelyDan and @JLWarren 2025-06-13

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 14, 2025 95:20


    In today's episode of Truth Wanted, Objectively Dan and JL Warren go back into the womb to discuss whether or not we want the truth and what it would take to get us to believe in god. Maggie in Canada, asks for some advice on how to respond to a variation of Pascal's Wager that involves two babies discussing the possibility of something more than just the womb. The problem with this wager is it ignores all other gods and afterlifes. The minute you start asking questions about the details, this argument falls apart. Where does the one baby that believes there is more get the information from? Al in CA watched a movie and now wants to know if the truth is really wanted. Knowing true things helps a person make rational, more informed decisions and increases the odds of survival. People who have problems with evolution because of their god concept will reduce their ability to believe true things and can show intellectual dishonesty. To prevent this dishonestly, allow yourself to ask questions. When wanting to know true things, think of Alder's Razor that suggests that a claim is not worth debating if it can't be settled through observation or experimentation. Daniel in Australia wants to know what would change the hosts' position about their god beliefs. This depends on the god claim; some god claims are different from others. We need a predictive model that utilizes the god concept to make better and more accurate descriptions about reality other than the ones we currently employ. What is the difference between a god action and a non-god action? Why do miracles that are supposed to come from god fall apart every time we investigate them? The god evaluation needs to stand on its own merit and be independent of Biblical prophecies. Rather than thinking the hosts owe you something, try to listen to the questions they are asking you if you are sincerely interested in what they have to say. Thank you for tuning in this week! Kelley Laughlin joins us to close out the show and state the question of the week: What would the title of Jesus' autobiography be?Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/truth-wanted--3195473/support.

    Truth Wanted 08.23 with Kelley Laughlin and Aaron Jensen 2025-06-06

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 7, 2025 70:14


    In today's episode of the Truth Wanted, Aaron Jenson and Kelley Laughlin, discuss modern views of expertise, the importance of curiosity, and strategies to find facts. Choe in MI calls to explain why she does not think that expertise is overrated and asks about the show opening. Aaron explains how disheartening it is to see people use Google search over the expertise of people who have dedicated their lives to subjects. Kelley describes how it is important not to gatekeep knowledge. How does having a sense of curiosity play into the desire to learn true things? When the curiosity of children does not align with the religious beliefs of the church, how does that affect the church's opinion of experts?Eric in CO believes that it is more difficult to discern fake from real in today's world because of the lack of source citing internet. Sometimes we must pay for good information that is accurately sourced. How trustworthy are the top search returns on a subject? What are the advantages to using Wikipedia to gain a high level knowledge on something? Back in the stone age, we actually had to go to something called a library and find real books. People want to believe things and will rely on the websites that agree with them. Jon in Canada agrees with a previous caller Choe about curiosity being a good thing and has been more curious in his life lately. Jon asks how people can believe things they have not seen. Kelley explains how indoctrination happens from childhood, and how people are taught not to even question it. How do you know when you believe something just because everyone around you believes it?Thank you for joining us today! We Want The Truth segment of the week: Fill in the blank: If I were a ghost, I would______just to f*ck with people.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/truth-wanted--3195473/support.

    Truth Wanted 08.22 05-30-2025 with ObjectivelyDan and Kelley Laughlin

    Play Episode Listen Later May 31, 2025 74:54


    In today's episode of Truth Wanted, Objectively Dan and Kelley Laughlin revisit a discussion about photos on Mars before diving into the contrasting world of nostalgia and a light summary of a famous Allegedly Ian debate. Daniel in Canada, who called in last week as Jupiter 2, adds some context to the second photo he shared and thought it might be a reenactment, and stands by the claim with the first photo shared where a magnifying glass was used to look at the detail. Modern technology allows for us to go far past magnifying glasses to look at photos. How is NASA supposed to do anything if we can just come up with a conspiracy for everything they say? It is not a lie that our technology is more advanced than it was 20 years ago. Why would NASA keep these things from us? Sometimes we just have to admit that pareidolia is nothing more than pareidolia. Dee in IA is struck by how differently atheists and theists look at pivotal points in their life. Theists tend to use these times to glorify god. Dee explains how this is contrasted by Kelley who takes ownership of these things and is proud of how they changed him. At the end of the day, the theists are selling their product starting with the indoctrination of children. Dee is motivated today by the desire to alleviate suffering, another stark contrast to what motivates theists. Daisy in WA recommends some videos such as the debate between Jordan Peterson and Allegedly Ian where Jordan dodged a question regarding his faith. Dan would love to be hooked up as someone who will debate JP. When JP talks about this and denies it, we find it weird. Thank you for joining us this week! Ely Slack, our backup host joins us to close out the show and remind us of the question of the week: What is the least inappropriate introduction for door to door soul winning?Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/truth-wanted--3195473/support.

    Truth Wanted 08.20 05-16-2025 with ObjectivelyDan and Secular Rarity

    Play Episode Listen Later May 17, 2025 98:38


    Show notes will be posted upon receipt.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/truth-wanted--3195473/support.

    Truth Wanted 08.19 05-09-2025 with ObjectivelyDan and @kaysemelone

    Play Episode Listen Later May 10, 2025 83:51


    In today's episode of the Truth Wanted, ObjectivelyDan and Kayse Melone jump into hell to find it does not exist. They then sort through ways of telling people they are wrong and the merits of an atheist evangelizing in a church. Sven in WA has some questions about the value of the soul from a Christian point of view and god as an entity vs. a mind. How useful is it to believe in the concept of a soul? Sven also has a second question about the Pope's belief in hell and the infernalist mindset causing religious trauma. How would things change if masses of people stopped believing in hell? There is plenty of suffering in the here and now; how can we focus on easing that suffering now?  Bob in MS wants to know how to tell someone wrong in a good way, a flip on our question of the week. Starting with common ground and using empathy will get you further than picking apart the logic. When we start with empathetic questions, we find similarities. Understanding how people get their truths matters, and if you can examine a claim together by asking how they got to the claim can be effective. These types of conversations are not encouraged in church environments. Giving people tools to help them realize where their ideas are coming from can help them liberate themselves from their false beliefs, even if it takes some time. Check yourself: What is the purpose of telling someone they are wrong?Billy Pilgrim in TX reminds us of how hard it is to get people to believe the truth when they want to believe in other things. People have an investment in these beliefs and oftentimes feel trapped. They may not have a concept of what it is like to be an atheist and do good things. What kind of bandwidth and time does it take to be a truth seeker? How would an atheist within a church provide a benefit?Thank you for tuning in this week! Kelley Laughlin, our backup host joins to close us out and deliver the We Want The Truth segment of the week: What is a bad way to tell someone that they are wrong? We will see you next time!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/truth-wanted--3195473/support.

    Truth Wanted 08.18 05-02-2025 with ObjectivelyDan and Jim Barrows

    Play Episode Listen Later May 3, 2025 78:27


    In today's episode of the Truth Wanted, ObjectivelyDan and Jim Barrows jump into social media to separate the art from the artist, and are careful not to be echo chambers as they float through space to trigger a speciation event.James in NY has some thoughts about how social media can help with deconstruction. The process of deconstruction is not just one time and happens repeatedly. Jim mentions some YouTube programs that not only help him but also are entertaining. This can also be helpful when it is hard to leave some things behind, Dan describes. What kinds of things can be difficult to accept as true?Bagel in Canada wants to talk about separating the art from the artist and presents an example of a musician who did something awful yet still produces a great song. How can you separate the revenue stream from the artist? The thing that makes a person a moral monster is not necessarily their art. Knowing everything about every celebrity ever can give us some problems to wrestle with. How can you tell when the actual art is the problem? What if the cameraman of a series that you love comes out as a Nazi? Even bad people say and do good things on occasion. We can rephrase this as separating the science from the scientist.Caleb in WY wants to figure out how to not be an echo chamber and take the proper approach to find what is true. Dan draws off his experience to explain how helpful it is to use five different news sources for every story you find. Information is misreported on all sides and you must take an active attempt at absorbing information. Jim will surf different sites in incognito mode so he is not recognized. This will help prevent the information being tailored to you. The same article will have different headlines depending on the audience.  The hosts share other helpful tips: Never share an article on social media that you have not read yourself, paid subscriptions will generally give you better quality information, and look for news sources that expose the blind spots on the right and left. Dan in Canada has a thought about the commercialization of space travel and asks if people will have a speciation event. Jim confirms that when the environment changes, we will definitely see this take place, and Dan explains that evolution does not just stop. If you stay in space long enough, you can't return because of how it affects the body. How do you think humans will change if we were to colonize Mars?Kelley Laughlin, joins us to close out the show. We want the truth of the week: Name something that people worry about too much. Jim reminds us that all hardware and software suck. People make mistakes. Thank you for joining us this week!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/truth-wanted--3195473/support.

    Truth Wanted 08.15 with Kelley Laughlin and @blitzphd

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 12, 2025 74:19


    Truth Wanted 08.14 with Jon the Skeptick and Amanda Bonanza

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 5, 2025 93:29


    Truth Wanted 08.13 03-28-2025 with Kelley Laughlin and @AlmostaDoctor1

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 29, 2025 78:25


    Show notes will be posted upon receipt.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/truth-wanted--3195473/support.

    Truth Wanted 08.12 with Jon the Skeptick and Drew Bekius

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 22, 2025 105:28


    In today's episode of the Truth Wanted, Jon the Skeptic and Drew Bekius take a dive into animal rights before realizing the dive was deep enough to encounter octopi of potential alien origins.Connor in UT would like to know the hosts' opinions on animal rights being an extension of human rights. Jon mentions the struggle associated with soy allergies when going to a plant based diet. As Drew emphasizes the importance of this conversation, he describes the need to exercise mindfulness and gratefulness towards other beings on the planet. What is the best option for animal testing? How can the pain and harm be minimized?Dee in IA says that farmed animals in the future need to reside with local farmers where farm animals are bred for food. If dogs are bred for fighting, does that make it right? What does ethical farming mean and how do we explore these practices? Would it be cool for aliens to come down and have a human farm because we are so tasty? If an animal is bred for a certain purpose, what would make that purpose ethical? Though Industry and employment are important, they are not the right reasons to keep this in practice. Jon in Canada saw a plate move all by itself after having a conversation about ghosts. What is your best explanation for this? How do you go about getting all the information before making the conclusion that it was caused by a ghost? Sometimes taking the position of not knowing is the way to go.John in OH says that he can prove there is no afterlife because the mind is a separate substance from the body and consciousness is a property of the brain that can be turned off. If the mind is a process of the brain that stops when the brain dies, why is this important to theists?Dan in Canada wonders if the awesomeness and weirdness of octopi indicates they might be from other planets. Are there other connections that go beyond this category? How would the disconnect be explained between the animal kingdom and Cephalopods if there are in fact disconnections? How convinced are you that the octopus is not of earth origin?Thank you for tuning in! Kelley Laughlin, our backup host, joins us to close out the show. Question of the week is: What says I am an asshole without saying I am an asshole?Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/truth-wanted--3195473/support.

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