http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress Question. Think. Decide. Sat, 04 Feb 2012 16:36:18 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 2007-2011 john@americanfreethought.com (American Freethought) john@americanfreethought.com (American Freethought) atheism 1440 http://www.americanfreethought.com/images/podcastlogo144x144.jpg http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress 144 144 Question. Think. Decide. An atheist podcast. freethought, atheism, skepticism, religion, secularism, philosophy, atheist, skeptic American Freethought American Freethought john@americanfreethought.com yes no http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2012/01/28/podcast-143-cullen-murphy-gods-jury/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2012/01/28/podcast-143-cullen-murphy-gods-jury/#comments Sat, 28 Jan 2012 20:00:51 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=3157 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2012/01/28/podcast-143-cullen-murphy-gods-jury/feed/ 1 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2012/01/22/podcast-142-jessica-ahlquist-victorious-in-rhode-island/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2012/01/22/podcast-142-jessica-ahlquist-victorious-in-rhode-island/#comments Sun, 22 Jan 2012 22:41:52 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=3152 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2012/01/22/podcast-142-jessica-ahlquist-victorious-in-rhode-island/feed/ 1 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2012/01/07/podcast-141-the-mocking-of-tim-tebow/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2012/01/07/podcast-141-the-mocking-of-tim-tebow/#comments Sat, 07 Jan 2012 16:30:32 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=3147 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2012/01/07/podcast-141-the-mocking-of-tim-tebow/feed/ 3 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/12/20/podcast-140-remembering-christopher-hitchens/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/12/20/podcast-140-remembering-christopher-hitchens/#comments Wed, 21 Dec 2011 02:50:45 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=3136 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/12/20/podcast-140-remembering-christopher-hitchens/feed/ 0 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/12/10/podcast-139-war-on-christmas-continued/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/12/10/podcast-139-war-on-christmas-continued/#comments Sat, 10 Dec 2011 20:18:40 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=3129 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/12/10/podcast-139-war-on-christmas-continued/feed/ 0 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/12/01/podcast-138-war-on-christmas-special-2011/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/12/01/podcast-138-war-on-christmas-special-2011/#comments Fri, 02 Dec 2011 01:40:56 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=3114 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/12/01/podcast-138-war-on-christmas-special-2011/feed/ 1 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/11/20/podcast-137-attack-of-the-theocrats/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/11/20/podcast-137-attack-of-the-theocrats/#comments Mon, 21 Nov 2011 04:08:31 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=3106 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/11/20/podcast-137-attack-of-the-theocrats/feed/ 0 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/11/10/new-podcast-feed/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/11/10/new-podcast-feed/#comments Thu, 10 Nov 2011 23:37:33 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=3101 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/11/10/new-podcast-feed/feed/ 3 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/11/09/podcast-136-reason-rally-update-with-david-silverman/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/11/09/podcast-136-reason-rally-update-with-david-silverman/#comments Thu, 10 Nov 2011 02:12:55 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=3097 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/11/09/podcast-136-reason-rally-update-with-david-silverman/feed/ 1 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/11/04/podcast-disabled/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/11/04/podcast-disabled/#comments Fri, 04 Nov 2011 20:39:52 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=3080 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/11/04/podcast-disabled/feed/ 2 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/10/25/podcast-135-vic-losick-in-god-we-teach/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/10/25/podcast-135-vic-losick-in-god-we-teach/#comments Wed, 26 Oct 2011 01:38:15 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=3054 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/10/25/podcast-135-vic-losick-in-god-we-teach/feed/ 0 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/10/17/podcast-134-alex-rosenberg-the-atheists-guide-to-reality/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/10/17/podcast-134-alex-rosenberg-the-atheists-guide-to-reality/#comments Mon, 17 Oct 2011 23:23:01 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=3048 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/10/17/podcast-134-alex-rosenberg-the-atheists-guide-to-reality/feed/ 1 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/10/06/podcast-133-shocking-abuse-of-teens-in-christian-homes/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/10/06/podcast-133-shocking-abuse-of-teens-in-christian-homes/#comments Fri, 07 Oct 2011 00:48:06 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=3037 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/10/06/podcast-133-shocking-abuse-of-teens-in-christian-homes/feed/ 0 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/09/11/podcast-132-the-illogical-immortality-of-911-conspiracy-theories/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/09/11/podcast-132-the-illogical-immortality-of-911-conspiracy-theories/#comments Sun, 11 Sep 2011 05:01:34 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=3017 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/09/11/podcast-132-the-illogical-immortality-of-911-conspiracy-theories/feed/ 3 1:03:40 Show notes and mp3. Show notes and mp3. history, interviews, podcast, skepticism American Freethought no yes http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/09/09/podcast-131-live-at-dragoncon-2011/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/09/09/podcast-131-live-at-dragoncon-2011/#comments Fri, 09 Sep 2011 22:36:59 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=3009 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/09/09/podcast-131-live-at-dragoncon-2011/feed/ 0 1:00:20 We’re live from the Skeptrack at Dragon*Con, recorded Friday, September 1, 2011. Among the items discussed: the Virginia Earthquake, the Flying Spaghetti Monster, and the difference (if any) between skeptics and atheists. Thanks again to Derek[...] We’re live from the Skeptrack at Dragon*Con, recorded Friday, September 1, 2011. Among the items discussed: the Virginia Earthquake, the Flying Spaghetti Monster, and the difference (if any) between skeptics and atheists. Thanks again to Derek Colanduno for his hard work in organizing the Skeptrack, and to Mark Ditsler of Abrupt Media for A/V assistance. Announcements: Send us email!  For John Snider use john@americanfreethoughtcom; for David Driscoll use david@americanfreethought.com. Leave feedback at AmericanFreethought.com. Join us on Yahoo Groups, Facebook, Atheist Nexus, or Think Atheist. Follow us on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/AmerFreethought. If you pick us up via iTunes, please take a moment to leave feedback. Theme music by Body Found. Recorded September 1, 2011.  Hosted by John C. Snider and David Driscoll. atheism, humor, podcast, religion, skepticism American Freethought no yes http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/08/20/podcast-130-the-fundagelical-politics-of-rick-perry-and-michele-bachmann/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/08/20/podcast-130-the-fundagelical-politics-of-rick-perry-and-michele-bachmann/#comments Sat, 20 Aug 2011 19:53:38 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=2998 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/08/20/podcast-130-the-fundagelical-politics-of-rick-perry-and-michele-bachmann/feed/ 4 0:39:30 The Republican presidential race is in full swing, and fundamental evangelicalism is already playing an important part. We look at the religious views (and actions) of two frontrunners: Texas Governor Rick Perry and Congresswoman Michele Bachmann. S[...] The Republican presidential race is in full swing, and fundamental evangelicalism is already playing an important part. We look at the religious views (and actions) of two frontrunners: Texas Governor Rick Perry and Congresswoman Michele Bachmann. Specifically, check out Timothy Egan’s NYT article “Rick Perry’s Unanswered Prayers” and Bachmann’s August 14 appearance on Meet the Press (go to the 3:00 mark to listen to the discussion of her religious views). ANNOUNCEMENTS David Driscoll’s Secular World podcast(formerly Secular Nation podcast) continues. Tickets have sold out for the Atlanta Skeptics Star Party, Thursday, September 1st at Emory University. If you bought tickets but find you can’t go, please contact us. Atheist Alliance of America is now planning its first national convention after the recent re-org that split AAA from Atheist Alliance International. It’s October 7-9 in Houston, Texas. Guest speakers include PZ Myers, Richard Dawkins, Michael Shermer and more. CONTACT Visit us online at AmericanFreethought.com. Email us at john@americanfreethought.com or david@americanfreethought.com. (John and David are available, either together or separately, to speak in person to your group.) If you like what you hear, take a moment and leave feedback on our iTunes page. Join our communities at Facebook, Atheist Nexus, Think Atheist or Yahoo Groups. Shop through us at Amazon.com or at CafePress.com. If you’d like to donate to the operation of this podcast, you can contribute through PayPal to editor@scifidimensions.com. We promise not to spend it on beer.   christianity, podcast, politics, religion American Freethought no yes http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/07/28/podcast-128-anders-breivik-zealot-or-madman/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/07/28/podcast-128-anders-breivik-zealot-or-madman/#comments Fri, 29 Jul 2011 01:42:06 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=2968 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/07/28/podcast-128-anders-breivik-zealot-or-madman/feed/ 0 0:33:40 Norway mourns the massacre of at least 76 citizens at the hands of native son Anders Breivik, who describes himself as a Christian conservative and crusading knight protecting Nordic culture from Islamic infiltrators. But it’s hard to imagine [...] Norway mourns the massacre of at least 76 citizens at the hands of native son Anders Breivik, who describes himself as a Christian conservative and crusading knight protecting Nordic culture from Islamic infiltrators. But it’s hard to imagine anyone thinking that bombing and murder are truly things that Jesus Christ would want them to do. So is Breivik a sane but fanatical Christian, or just another in a long line of crazy people who glom onto religion as an excuse to act out their issues? On a lighter note, both John and David had an opportunity to see singer/songwriter/comedian Tim Minchin perform in Atlanta and DC, respectively. Consensus: DO NOT miss an opportunity to see this incredibly funny and talented freethinker perform! David shares some of his favorite wacky Tea Party quotes, and… Georgia is calling for a do-over in public voting over the design for the new state license plate. Three of the designs prominently featured “In God We Trust,” and–surprise surprise–those are the three that made the final round.  But wait! Turns out IGWT was intended as a optional decal (for an extra buck) that citizens can buy regardless of the final design. Sounds fishy; nonetheless, the state has reposted the competing designs so people can vote on them based on aesthetics alone. ANNOUNCEMENTS David Driscoll’s Secular World podcast (formerly Secular Nation podcast) continues. Tickets are now available for the Atlanta Skeptics Star Party, Thursday, September 1st at Emory University. Guests include Phil Plait (BadAstronomy.com), Pamela Gay (The Astronomy Cast) and Nicole Gugliucci (NoisyAstronomer.com). And, of course, the entire American Freethought quartet will be in attendance. Proceeds go to Light the Night – the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. CONTACT Visit us online at AmericanFreethought.com. Email us at john@americanfreethought.com or david@americanfreethought.com. (John and David are available, either together or separately, to speak in person to your group.) If you like what you hear, take a moment and leave feedback on our iTunes page. Join our communities at Facebook, Atheist Nexus, Think Atheist or Yahoo Groups. Shop through us at Amazon.com or at CafePress.com. If you’d like to donate to the operation of this podcast, you can contribute through PayPal to editor@scifidimensions.com. We promise not to spend it on beer.   christianity, islam, news, podcast, religion American Freethought no yes http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/07/13/podcast-127-atlanta-skepticamp-trivia-challenge/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/07/13/podcast-127-atlanta-skepticamp-trivia-challenge/#comments Wed, 13 Jul 2011 11:09:33 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=2950 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/07/13/podcast-127-atlanta-skepticamp-trivia-challenge/feed/ 0 0:48:00 This is an encore presentation of the Atlanta Skepticamp Trivia Challenge, presented by John C. Snider on Sunday, June 12th. We thought our listeners might want to take a whack at these questions and see how they do. Thanks to Abrupt Media for the r[...] This is an encore presentation of the Atlanta Skepticamp Trivia Challenge, presented by John C. Snider on Sunday, June 12th. We thought our listeners might want to take a whack at these questions and see how they do. Thanks to Abrupt Media for the recording. Click here for more pictures from the event. If you’re really into trivia, John will be doing ANOTHER Trivia Challenge this Saturday (July 16th) for the Atlanta Skeptics, 7PM at Manuel’s Tavern. There will be prizes. You’ll need to RSVP at the Atlanta Skeptics Meetup page. See you there! Also: Listener feedback! A teacher in Switzerland gets fired for challenging the intermingling of church and state (see also the Freethinkers Association of Switzerland), and a listener thinks we’re not skeptical enough about Bill Maher’s opinions on “agribusiness.” ANNOUNCEMENTS David Driscoll’s Secular World podcast (formerly Secular Nation podcast) continues. John and Allison will be attending the Tim Minchin concert at Atlanta’s Center Stage, Thursday, July 14th, along with several other members of the local skeptic and freethought communities. CONTACT Visit us online at AmericanFreethought.com. Email us at john@americanfreethought.com or david@americanfreethought.com. (John and David are available, either together or separately, to speak in person to your group.) If you like what you hear, take a moment and leave feedback on our iTunes page. Join our communities at Facebook, Atheist Nexus, Think Atheist or Yahoo Groups. Shop through us at Amazon.com or at CafePress.com. If you’d like to donate to the operation of this podcast, you can contribute through PayPal to editor@scifidimensions.com. We promise not to spend it on beer.   humor, podcast, science, skepticism American Freethought no yes http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/07/01/podcast-126-matthew-chapman-the-ledge/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/07/01/podcast-126-matthew-chapman-the-ledge/#comments Fri, 01 Jul 2011 22:01:17 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=2907 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/07/01/podcast-126-matthew-chapman-the-ledge/feed/ 0 0:50:05 We interview Matthew Chapman, writer/director of the new philosophical thriller The Ledge. Starring Charlie Hunnam, Patrick Wilson and Liv Tyler, The Ledge explores a tragic love triangle involving an atheist, an evangelical Christian, and the woman[...] We interview Matthew Chapman, writer/director of the new philosophical thriller The Ledge. Starring Charlie Hunnam, Patrick Wilson and Liv Tyler, The Ledge explores a tragic love triangle involving an atheist, an evangelical Christian, and the woman they both love. The Ledge opens in NY and LA on July 8th, and in other parts of the country soon thereafter. If you don’t want to wait, you can screen it on-demand right now at SundanceNow.com. Aside from his successful film career, Matthew (who happens to be the great-great-grandson of Charles Darwin) is the author of two books touching on the creationism/evolution debate: Trials of the Monkey (in which he visits Dayton, TN, the site of the famous Scopes Monkey Trial) and 40 Days and 40 Nights (about the recent lawsuit in Dover, PA). Matthew is also the cofounder and current president of Science Debate, a nonprofit organization “dedicated to elevating science and engineering policy issues in the national dialogue of the United States.” For more about Matthew Chapman and his many projects, visit MatthewChapman.us. Also: More controversy from the Miss USA pageant! After Miss Tennessee answered a question about burning the Qur’an, Penn Jillette (one of the judges) tweeted “glad to help her lose.” Georgia is about to update the state’s license plates, and half of the six candidate designs feature “In God We Trust.” The public can vote online through mid-July, so even if you’re not a resident of the Peach State, you can visit this website and vote for your secular faves. Vote early and often! ANNOUNCEMENTS David Driscoll’s other project, Secular World podcast (formerly Secular Nation podcast) continues. John Snider will be repeating his 20th Century Twain presentation on July 3 for theFellowship of Reason at the Atlanta Freethought Hall. CONTACT Visit us online at AmericanFreethought.com. Email us at john@americanfreethought.com or david@americanfreethought.com. (John and David are available, either together or separately, to speak in person to your group.) If you like what you hear, take a moment and leave feedback on our iTunes page. Join our communities at Facebook, Atheist Nexus, Think Atheist or Yahoo Groups. Shop through us at Amazon.com or at CafePress.com. If you’d like to donate to the operation of this podcast, you can contribute through PayPal to editor@scifidimensions.com. We promise not to spend it on beer. atheism, christianity, interviews, movies, podcast, politics, religion, science American Freethought no yes http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/05/10/podcast-122-robert-m-price-on-the-book-of-revelation/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/05/10/podcast-122-robert-m-price-on-the-book-of-revelation/#comments Tue, 10 May 2011 22:57:31 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=2745 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/05/10/podcast-122-robert-m-price-on-the-book-of-revelation/feed/ 6 0:56:38 We wrap up our extended look at the Book of Revelation with an interview with Dr. Robert M. Price, theologian and author of (among other books) The Reason Driven Life. For more about Dr. Price visit his official website: robertmprice.mindvendor.com.[...] We wrap up our extended look at the Book of Revelation with an interview with Dr. Robert M. Price, theologian and author of (among other books) The Reason Driven Life. For more about Dr. Price visit his official website: robertmprice.mindvendor.com. (Correction: We state in the podcast we’re presenting the last three chapters, but actually it’s the last four.) Plus: The Daily Show’s Jon Stewart almost nails historical revisionist David Barton, one of the movers and shakers behind the “America is a Christian nation” myth. Announcements: The Secular Coalition for America is holding their Biennial Strategic Summit May 19-21 in Washington, DC. If you’re going to be in Tampa, Florida May 13-15 check out the first International Freethought Film Festival. A reminder that David Driscoll’s Secular Nation podcast is now the Secular World podcast! Finally, check out Mike Lee’s The Religious Antagonist on YouTube. Hosted by John C. Snider and David Driscoll. Recorded May 8, 2011. books, christianity, commentary, history, interviews, podcast, religion American Freethought no yes http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/04/24/podcast-121-easter-schmeaster/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/04/24/podcast-121-easter-schmeaster/#comments Sun, 24 Apr 2011 16:43:54 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=2722 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/04/24/podcast-121-easter-schmeaster/feed/ 0 0:51:17 It’s Easter!  Time to celebrate the return of spring and the goddess Eostre (I mean, Resurrection of Christ) or something.  It’s also time for our president to continue his embarrassing pandering to the Religious Right by instituting an [...] It’s Easter!  Time to celebrate the return of spring and the goddess Eostre (I mean, Resurrection of Christ) or something.  It’s also time for our president to continue his embarrassing pandering to the Religious Right by instituting an annual White House Easter Prayer Breakfast. In other news, Iran is considering banning dogs, since they’re both un-Islamic and decadently Western. Plus: We look at the new cinematic adaptation of Ayn Rand’s Atlas Shrugged.  And John gives a quick rundown of his and Allison’s recent trip to Paris! Closing music:  ”Paris in a Day” by Ellis Paul. movies, podcast, politics, religion American Freethought no yes http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/04/06/podcast-120-20th-century-twain/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/04/06/podcast-120-20th-century-twain/#comments Wed, 06 Apr 2011 05:01:13 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=2673 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/04/06/podcast-120-20th-century-twain/feed/ 1 0:56:40 We present “20th Century Twain: Mark Twain’s Final Years and Freethought Legacy,” John’s presentation on March 20th to the Humanists of Georgia.  It’s a discussion of the last 10 years of Mark Twain’s life, and a [...] We present “20th Century Twain: Mark Twain’s Final Years and Freethought Legacy,” John’s presentation on March 20th to the Humanists of Georgia.  It’s a discussion of the last 10 years of Mark Twain’s life, and a look at some of his writings about religion.  Many thanks to the Humanists of Georgia for the invitation to speak. Twain caricature by Amir Taqi. If you’d like John or David (or both) to come talk to your group. we are available!  Just email us: john@americanfreethought.com or david@americanfreethought.com. Leave feedback at AmericanFreethought.com. Join us on Facebook, Atheist Nexus, Think Atheist or Yahoo Groups Follow us on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/AmerFreethought. If you pick us up via iTunes, please take a moment to leave feedback. If you shop online, please use our Amazon.com link.  For cool American Freethought t-shirts, mugs, etc. visit our CafePress shop. Theme music by Body Found. Recorded March 20 & 30, 2011. Hosted by John C. Snider and David Driscoll. history, humor, podcast, religion American Freethought no yes http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/03/26/podcast-119-paul-haggis-vs-the-church-of-scientology/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/03/26/podcast-119-paul-haggis-vs-the-church-of-scientology/#comments Sat, 26 Mar 2011 22:03:30 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=2638 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/03/26/podcast-119-paul-haggis-vs-the-church-of-scientology/feed/ 1 0:37:00 We discuss “The Apostate,” the excellent expose written by Lawrence Wright for The New Yorker.  After more than 30 years in the organization, Haggis finally left the Church a) because of their policies toward homosexuals (his daughter am[...] We discuss “The Apostate,” the excellent expose written by Lawrence Wright for The New Yorker.  After more than 30 years in the organization, Haggis finally left the Church a) because of their policies toward homosexuals (his daughter among them) and b) when he became convinced that leaders of the Church lie to the press and to the public. Also: Conservative Christians, including the Council on Biblical Manhood and Womanhood are upset about the new gender-neutral translation of the New International Version of the Bible. Send us email! For John Snider use john@americanfreethought.com; for David Driscoll use david@americanfreethought.com. Leave feedback at AmericanFreethought.com. Join us on Facebook, Atheist Nexus, Think Atheist or Yahoo Groups Follow us on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/AmerFreethought. If you pick us up via iTunes, please take a moment to leave feedback. If you shop online, please use our Amazon.com link.  For cool American Freethought t-shirts, mugs, etc. visit our CafePress shop. Theme music by Body Found. Recorded March 24, 2011. Hosted by John C. Snider and David Driscoll. cults, podcast, religion American Freethought no yes http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/02/26/podcast-117-andrea-steele-international-freethought-film-fest/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/02/26/podcast-117-andrea-steele-international-freethought-film-fest/#comments Sat, 26 Feb 2011 21:33:56 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=2601 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/02/26/podcast-117-andrea-steele-international-freethought-film-fest/feed/ 0 0:31:55 We interview Andrea Steele, founder and executive director of the Freethought Film Festival Foundation.  Their first event–the International Freethought Film Festival–is May 13th-15th in Tampa, Florida.  TICKETS GO ON SALE March 3rd! In [...] We interview Andrea Steele, founder and executive director of the Freethought Film Festival Foundation.  Their first event–the International Freethought Film Festival–is May 13th-15th in Tampa, Florida.  TICKETS GO ON SALE March 3rd! In other movie news, Paul Bettany (The Da Vinci Code, Creation) is set to star in yet another movie that will drive the Catholic League crazy: Priest, based on an obscure but cultishly popular Korean comic book.  This is a movie that could be very bad or very cool: in a post-apocalyptic wilderness, a vampire-killing priest defies an all-powerful church that’s in denial about the resurgent threat.  Priest opens May 13th. Plus: Holey Scripture! Announcements: John Snider will be speaking to the Humanists of Georgia at 12:30PM on March 20th at the Atlanta Freethought Hall.  The topic of his presentation will be “20th Century Twain: Mark Twain’s Final Years and Freethought Legacy.” Send us email! For John Snider use john@americanfreethought.com; for David Driscoll use david@americanfreethought.com. Leave feedback at AmericanFreethought.com. Join us on Facebook, Atheist Nexus, Think Atheist or Yahoo Groups Follow us on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/AmerFreethought. If you pick us up via iTunes, please take a moment to leave feedback. If you shop online, please use our Amazon.com link.  For cool American Freethought t-shirts, mugs, etc. visit our CafePress shop. Theme music by Body Found. Recorded February 12, 2011. Hosted by John C. Snider and David Driscoll. arts, atheism, interviews, movies, podcast American Freethought no yes http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/02/18/podcast-116-darwin-day-vs-in-god-we-trust/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/02/18/podcast-116-darwin-day-vs-in-god-we-trust/#comments Sat, 19 Feb 2011 00:54:40 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=2586 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/02/18/podcast-116-darwin-day-vs-in-god-we-trust/feed/ 2 0:47:35 We look at two non-binding resolutions currently in the works within the new US House of Representatives: one in support of Darwin Day (February 12th), and another looking to reaffirm “In God We Trust” as the national motto.  Guess whic[...] We look at two non-binding resolutions currently in the works within the new US House of Representatives: one in support of Darwin Day (February 12th), and another looking to reaffirm “In God We Trust” as the national motto.  Guess which one is attracting more sponsors? Plus: We present an excerpt from David’s recent talk to the Washington Area Secular Humanists (WASH).  We discuss the president’s recent appearance at yet another National Prayer Breakfast.  And more Revelations weirdness in Holey Scripture. Announcements: John Snider will be speaking to the Humanists of Georgia at 12:30PM on March 20th at the Atlanta Freethought Hall.  The topic of his presentation will be “20th Century Twain: Mark Twain’s Final Years and Freethought Legacy.” Send us email! For John Snider use john@americanfreethought.com; for David Driscoll use david@americanfreethought.com. Leave feedback at AmericanFreethought.com. Join us on Facebook, Atheist Nexus, Think Atheist or Yahoo Groups Follow us on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/AmerFreethought. If you pick us up via iTunes, please take a moment to leave feedback. If you shop online, please use our Amazon.com link.  For cool American Freethought t-shirts, mugs, etc. visit our CafePress shop. Theme music by Body Found. Recorded February 12, 2011. Hosted by John C. Snider and David Driscoll. atheism, christianity, evolution, news, podcast, politics, religion, science American Freethought no yes http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/02/04/podcast-115-southeast-regional-atheist-meet-seram/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/02/04/podcast-115-southeast-regional-atheist-meet-seram/#comments Fri, 04 Feb 2011 05:01:39 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=2562 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/02/04/podcast-115-southeast-regional-atheist-meet-seram/feed/ 0 0:55:45 John reports (almost) live from the American Atheists’ SERAM in Huntsville, Alabama–including interviews with AA president Dave Silverman, Secular Coalition for America executive director Sean Faircloth, and author Darrell Ray (The God V[...] John reports (almost) live from the American Atheists’ SERAM in Huntsville, Alabama–including interviews with AA president Dave Silverman, Secular Coalition for America executive director Sean Faircloth, and author Darrell Ray (The God Virus).  SERAM was a home run, with the 200-seat ballroom sold out.  There was also a hugely successful fundraising dinner, with proceeds going toward the AA legal fund. Announcements: John Snider will be speaking to the Humanists of Georgia at 12:30PM on March 20th at the Atlanta Freethought Hall.  The topic of his presentation will be “20th Century Twain: Mark Twain’s Final Years and Freethought Legacy.” Send us email! For John Snider use john@americanfreethought.com; for David Driscoll use david@americanfreethought.com. Leave feedback at AmericanFreethought.com. Join us on Facebook, Atheist Nexus, Think Atheist or Yahoo Groups Follow us on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/AmerFreethought. If you pick us up via iTunes, please take a moment to leave feedback. If you shop online, please use our Amazon.com link.  For cool American Freethought t-shirts, mugs, etc. visit our CafePress shop. Theme music by Body Found. Recorded January 30, 2011. Hosted by John C. Snider and David Driscoll. atheism, news, podcast American Freethought no yes http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/01/21/podcast-114-robert-bentley-is-not-your-brother/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/01/21/podcast-114-robert-bentley-is-not-your-brother/#comments Sat, 22 Jan 2011 04:40:57 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=2536 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/01/21/podcast-114-robert-bentley-is-not-your-brother/feed/ 1 0:38:10 Alabama’s new governor Robert Bentley has wasted no time courting controversy.  On his inauguration day (which also happened to be federal Martin Luther King Day holiday), Bentley spoke at a church and artlessly proclaimed that non-Christians[...] Alabama’s new governor Robert Bentley has wasted no time courting controversy.  On his inauguration day (which also happened to be federal Martin Luther King Day holiday), Bentley spoke at a church and artlessly proclaimed that non-Christians were not his “brothers and sisters.”  He quickly apologized, but it probably wasn’t necessary: the rank-and-file of the Alabama voter base are likely to give him a pass on this one. The University of Kentucky has settled a lawsuit brought against them by astronomer Martin Gaskell.  Gaskell happens to be an Intelligent Design nutjob, but he sued UK for denying him a position because of his religious beliefs.  Perhaps $125,000 is a small price to pay to allow Gaskell to slip back into obscurity. Senator Charles Grassley has called off his investigation of six “prosperity gospel” megachurches, despite the fact that four of them refused to cooperate with his requests for information.  Now he’s recommending they self-regulate themselves.  Whatever. The Roman Catholic Church is set to beatify the late Pope John Paul II, claiming he cured a nun who prayed to him about her Parkinson’s disease.  Trouble is, the evidence is so flimsy it would be laughed out of any court.  Rest assured the Church will scrounge up a second miracle so the dead pontiff can be declared a saint. Announcements: David will be speaking to the Washington Area Secular Humanists (WASH) on Saturday, January 22nd. John and Allison will be in attendance at the Southeast Regional Atheist Meet in Huntsville, Alabama, Januuary 29th and 30th.  Be sure to say hello. John will be speaking to the Humanists of Georgia on March 20th.  The topic of his talk will be “20th Century Twain: Mark Twain’s Final Years and Freethought Legacy.” Send us email!  For John Snider use john@americanfreethought.com; for David Driscoll use david@americanfreethought.com. Leave feedback at AmericanFreethought.com. Join us on Yahoo Groups, Facebook, Atheist Nexus, or Think Atheist. Follow us on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/AmerFreethought. If you pick us up via iTunes, please take a moment to leave feedback. Theme music by Body Found. Recorded January 19, 2011.  Hosted by John C. Snider and David Driscoll. christianity, podcast, politics, religion American Freethought no yes http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/01/13/podcast-113-the-assassination-of-salman-taseer/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/01/13/podcast-113-the-assassination-of-salman-taseer/#comments Thu, 13 Jan 2011 19:55:39 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=2523 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/01/13/podcast-113-the-assassination-of-salman-taseer/feed/ 0 0:44:14 Salman Taseer, the governor of Pakistan’s Punjab province, has been assassinated by one of his bodyguards for his open criticism of the country’s draconian blasphemy laws. Taseer had been speaking out on behalf of Asia Bibi, a Christia[...] Salman Taseer, the governor of Pakistan’s Punjab province, has been assassinated by one of his bodyguards for his open criticism of the country’s draconian blasphemy laws. Taseer had been speaking out on behalf of Asia Bibi, a Christian woman sentenced to death for insulting the Prophet Mohammed.  With allies like these, who needs enemies? On a less serious note, and closer to home, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals has ruled the Mount Soledad Cross unconstitutional.  If you’re not familiar with it, this is a 29-foot-tall concrete monument that has been transformed into a “war memorial,” with advocates claiming that the cross is a universal symbol honoring fallen soldiers, and not inherently a religious symbol.  Go figure. Plus:  The Holey Scripture!  We continue our exploration of the psychedelic creepiness that is the Book of Revelation. Announcements: David will be speaking to the Washington Area Secular Humanists‘ Annual Winter Banquet on Saturday, January 22 at the Blair Mansion Inn in Silver Spring, MD. John and Allison will be attending the upcoming Southeast Atheist Regional Meet (SERAM) in Huntsville, Alabama, January 29-30.  Please say hi.  Speakers at SERAM include AA president Dave Silverman, AA legal director Edwin Kagin, AA communications director Blair Scott, Secular Coalition for America executive director Sean Faircloth, Brother Richard, Darrell Ray and actor/comedian Paul Provenza. Send us email!  For John Snider use john@americanfreethought.com; for David Driscoll use david@americanfreethought.com. Leave feedback at AmericanFreethought.com. Join us on Yahoo Groups, Facebook, Atheist Nexus, or Think Atheist. Follow us on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/AmerFreethought. If you pick us up via iTunes, please take a moment to leave feedback. David continues to produce new installments of the Secular Nation Podcast. Theme music by Body Found. Recorded January 8, 2011.  Hosted by John C. Snider and David Driscoll. atheism, islam, podcast, politics, religion American Freethought no yes http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/01/12/bear-with-me-during-the-transition/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/01/12/bear-with-me-during-the-transition/#comments Wed, 12 Jan 2011 20:56:56 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=2520 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/01/12/bear-with-me-during-the-transition/feed/ 3 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/12/23/podcast-112-bluegrass-edition/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/12/23/podcast-112-bluegrass-edition/#comments Thu, 23 Dec 2010 21:58:48 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=2491 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/12/23/podcast-112-bluegrass-edition/feed/ 1 1:13:57 The great Commonwealth of Kentucky has gotten itself in the news on several counts–none of them good. 1. It’s bad enough that Answers in Genesis’ Creation “Museum” in northern Kentucky is prospering.  It’s worse t[...] The great Commonwealth of Kentucky has gotten itself in the news on several counts–none of them good. 1. It’s bad enough that Answers in Genesis’ Creation “Museum” in northern Kentucky is prospering.  It’s worse that AIG plans to expand, building an “Ark Encounter” amusement park.  The worst part is the state government is offering millions of dollars of tax incentives to what amounts to a religious indoctrination center that peddles anti-scientific folderol.  But wait–there’s more!  Turns out that state officials never even saw the alleged feasibility study, and AIG isn’t sharing so much as the executive summary with the media.  Science academics in Kentucky are none too happy with the state’s implicit support of bad science for the sake of a few dozen low-paying jobs.  And AIG’s Ken Ham’s none too happy with the intellectual ass-whoopin’ he’s been getting. 2. Astronomer Martin Gaskell has gone to court with the University of Kentucky, claiming he was denied a position at the new observatory because of his religious views.  Given that Dr. Gaskell has been giving public presentations like this, in which he condemns the atheistic worldview as a path to destruction, and given that this new job has a very public face, it’s no wonder UK turned him down. 3. A judge recently ruled unconstitutional a Kentucky statute requiring the state’s Director of Homeland Security to recognize “Almighty God” in the department’s annual report.  The state is appealing, and nearly all the state legislators have signed on to amicus briefs in support of the law! 4. Finally, drivers in the Commonwealth will soon have the option to sport the national motto “In God We Trust” on their license plates.  Joy. Plus:  The Holey Scripture!  We continue our exploration of the psychedelic creepiness that is the Book of Revelation. Announcements: Send us email!  For John Snider use john@americanfreethought.com; for David Driscoll use david@americanfreethought.com. Leave feedback at AmericanFreethought.com. Join us on Yahoo Groups, Facebook, Atheist Nexus, or Think Atheist. Follow us on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/AmerFreethought. If you pick us up via iTunes, please take a moment to leave feedback. David continues to produce new installments of the Secular Nation Podcast. Theme music by Body Found. Recorded December 21, 2010.  Hosted by John C. Snider and David Driscoll. christianity, evolution, history, news, podcast, politics, religion American Freethought no yes http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/12/04/podcast-110-the-pope-oks-condoms/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/12/04/podcast-110-the-pope-oks-condoms/#comments Sat, 04 Dec 2010 05:01:32 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=2458 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/12/04/podcast-110-the-pope-oks-condoms/feed/ 0 0:30:15 Pope Benedict XVI has stirred up a controversy by stating that it might be okay in some cases to wear a condom; specifically, so homosexual prostitutes can prevent the spread of disease.  Is this the first step in a Vatican reversal of longstanding [...] Pope Benedict XVI has stirred up a controversy by stating that it might be okay in some cases to wear a condom; specifically, so homosexual prostitutes can prevent the spread of disease.  Is this the first step in a Vatican reversal of longstanding policy against birth control, or just a cheap swipe at those icky gays? And while “Bishop” Eddie Long is still defending himself against charges of improper behavior with teenage boys under his spiritual care, another Atlanta area megachurch minister has decided to come out of the closet!  Pastor Jim Swilley of the Church in the Now has announced, after 20+ years of marriage and four children, that he is gay. Plus:  Actor Michael Brea (Ugly Betty) is accused of murdering his mother with a ceremonial Masonic sword, while ranting feverishly about sin, repentance and the devil. And: The Holey Scripture!  We launch an exploration of the entire Book of Revelation.  Get out your controlled substances and settle in for some good old-fashioned Biblical terror. Announcements: Send us email!  For John Snider use john@americanfreethought.com; for David Driscoll use david@americanfreethought.com. Leave feedback at AmericanFreethought.com. Join us on Yahoo Groups, Facebook, Atheist Nexus, or Think Atheist. Follow us on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/AmerFreethought. If you pick us up via iTunes, please take a moment to leave feedback. David continues to produce new installments of the Secular Nation Podcast. Theme music by Body Found. Recorded November 27, 2010.  Hosted by John C. Snider and David Driscoll. christianity, podcast, religion American Freethought no yes http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/11/28/podcast-109-war-on-christmas-special/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/11/28/podcast-109-war-on-christmas-special/#comments Sun, 28 Nov 2010 05:01:12 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=2442 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/11/28/podcast-109-war-on-christmas-special/feed/ 4 0:54:48 Wow, this year there really is a War on Christmas!  Nineteen-year-old Mohamed Osman Mohamud, a Somali immigrant, has been arrested for his involvement in plotting to car-bomb the Portland, Oregon Christmas Tree lighting ceremony.  Fortunately it was[...] Wow, this year there really is a War on Christmas!  Nineteen-year-old Mohamed Osman Mohamud, a Somali immigrant, has been arrested for his involvement in plotting to car-bomb the Portland, Oregon Christmas Tree lighting ceremony.  Fortunately it was all part of an FBI sting. Meanwhile, Advertising Age reports that the War on the War on Christmas is succeeding.  The American Family Association reports that the number of businesses explicitly using “Christmas” in their seasonal sales propaganda is dramatically up.  So no more of this “Happy Holidays” or “Season’s Greetings” baloney–we pagans should know our place. Plus:  Barack Obama’s Kenyan Grammy is on a pilgrimage to Mecca, and she’s praying that her American grandson will convert to Islam.  With 1 in 5 Americans thinking our president is already a secret Muslim, this can’t be helping. And as always, we present our Top Five Picks for Holiday Gift-Giving for Nonbelievers: #5 David:  Make a contribution on a family members’ behalf to the Freedom From Religion Foundation. John: Make one to the American Atheists’ Todd Stiefel Challenge. #4 David:  DVD set from the Atheist Alliance International “Darwin’s Legacy” 2009 Convention. John:  Prejudices: The Complete Series by H. L. Mencken, a two-volume boxed set, from the Library of America, of collected essays by the famed journalist, social critic (and atheist) best known for his acerbic coverage of the Scopes Monkey Trial. #3 David:  His favorite non-fiction titles this year: Packing for Mars by Mary Roach and C Street by Jeff Sharlet. John:  Genographic Project Participation Kit–from National Geographic, this allows participants to send in a cheek swab and get an analysis of their deep prehistoric ancestry. #2 David:  A Year of the Night Sky 2011 Calendar John:  The Devil in Design: The Krampus Postcards, a collection of Victorian Era illustrations from central Europe highlighting the tradition of Santa’s evil helper.  Complementary titles include Krampus: The Devil of Christmas and Christmas Curiosities. #1 David:  For older folks and/or technophobes, an iPod, along with assistance in setting it up–including how to download freethought podcasts like ours! John:  A “Caganer,” part of the centuries-old Catalonian tradition of putting a pooping figurine in the Nativity scene.  No shit. [Sound clip at the top of the show from the film Love Actually.] Announcements: Send us email!  For John Snider use john@americanfreethoughtcom; for David Driscoll use david@americanfreethought.com. Leave feedback at AmericanFreethought.com. Join us on Yahoo Groups, Facebook, Atheist Nexus, or Think Atheist. Follow us on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/AmerFreethought. If you pick us up via iTunes, please take a moment to leave feedback. David continues to produce new installments of the Secular Nation Podcast. Theme music by Body Found. Recorded November 27, 2010.  Hosted by John C. Snider and David Driscoll. christianity, humor, news, podcast, religion American Freethought no yes http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/11/02/podcast-108-rally-to-restore-sanity/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/11/02/podcast-108-rally-to-restore-sanity/#comments Tue, 02 Nov 2010 23:37:22 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=2409 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/11/02/podcast-108-rally-to-restore-sanity/feed/ 3 0:19:23 Here’s our report recorded LIVE, Saturday, October 30th, from somewhere very near the Rally to Restore Sanity and/or Fear.  The best laid schemes o’ mice an’ atheists gang aft agley, and pilgrimages to the power center of the earth[...] Here’s our report recorded LIVE, Saturday, October 30th, from somewhere very near the Rally to Restore Sanity and/or Fear.  The best laid schemes o’ mice an’ atheists gang aft agley, and pilgrimages to the power center of the earth are no exception.  Whether Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert provided only a momentary distraction from the madhouse of American politics, or planted a seed of reasonableness that will lead to better things, we leave for others to decide. Announcements: Send us email!  For John Snider use john@americanfreethoughtcom; for David Driscoll use david@americanfreethought.com. Leave feedback at AmericanFreethought.com. Join us on Yahoo Groups, Facebook, Atheist Nexus, or Think Atheist. Follow us on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/AmerFreethought. If you pick us up via iTunes, please take a moment to leave feedback. David continues to produce new installments of the Secular Nation Podcast. Theme music by Body Found. Recorded October 30, 2010.  Hosted by John C. Snider and David Driscoll. news, podcast, politics American Freethought no yes http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/10/24/podcast-107-wynne-legrow-for-us-congress/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/10/24/podcast-107-wynne-legrow-for-us-congress/#comments Sun, 24 Oct 2010 05:01:17 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=2400 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/10/24/podcast-107-wynne-legrow-for-us-congress/feed/ 2 0:55:11 We interview Dr. Wynne Legrow, candidate for the US House of Representatives in Virginia’s 4th Congressional District.  Legrow is a retired physician, a Democrat, and an self-identifying atheist.  His opponent is Republican incumbent Randy For[...] We interview Dr. Wynne Legrow, candidate for the US House of Representatives in Virginia’s 4th Congressional District.  Legrow is a retired physician, a Democrat, and an self-identifying atheist.  His opponent is Republican incumbent Randy Forbes, an outspoken Christian who has, among other things, sponsored legislation to reaffirm “In God We Trust” as the national motto and chairs the Congressional Prayer Caucus. For more about Wynne Legrow, visit LegrowforUSCongress.com. Plus: We talk to Nicholas Ivan Ladendorf–cartoonist, new dad, and Progressive Party candidate for Missouri’s 7th District.  Unfortunately, the Progressives didn’t gather enough signatures to be listed on the ballot, but Ladendorf continues his quest as a write-in candidate. For more about Nick Ladendorf, visit NILvsDCBS.com. Be sure to go to the polls and vote your conscience on November 2nd! Announcements: We’re going to Washington, DC for Jon Stewart’s Rally to Restore Sanity, noon to 3pm, October 30th on the National Mall!  If you want to join up with us at the Rally, subscribe to our Twitter feed at Twitter.com/AmerFreethought. Send us email!  For John Snider use john@americanfreethoughtcom; for David Driscoll use david@americanfreethought.com. Leave feedback at AmericanFreethought.com. Join us on Yahoo Groups, Facebook, Atheist Nexus, or Think Atheist. Follow us on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/AmerFreethought. If you pick us up via iTunes, please take a moment to leave feedback. David continues to produce new installments of the Secular Nation Podcast. Theme music by Body Found. Recorded October 20, 2010.  Hosted by John C. Snider and David Driscoll. atheism, interviews, podcast, politics American Freethought no yes http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/10/17/podcast-106-listener-feedback/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/10/17/podcast-106-listener-feedback/#comments Sun, 17 Oct 2010 15:15:35 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=2380 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/10/17/podcast-106-listener-feedback/feed/ 0 0:46:47 Boy, do we get feedback!  We’re wrong about the Tea Party, the Great “Enlightenment,” bleeping out curse words, and the authorship/timing of both the Qur’an and the New Testament.  On the other hand, some listeners think we [...] Boy, do we get feedback!  We’re wrong about the Tea Party, the Great “Enlightenment,” bleeping out curse words, and the authorship/timing of both the Qur’an and the New Testament.  On the other hand, some listeners think we are “awesome” and their “very favorite.”  High praise indeed, considering the intelligence level and perspicacity of our listener base. Plus: What it’s like inside a fundamentalist cult; churches and taxes Down Under; the intersection between porn and mainstream cinema; and a surprise email from someone we talked about in a recent podcast. (Sound clips at the top and bottom of the show are from the animated not-for-kids movie Mary & Max.  Definitely worth checking out!) Announcements: We’re going to Washington, DC for Jon Stewart’s Rally to Restore Sanity, noon to 3pm, October 30th on the National Mall!  If you want to join up with us at the Rally, subscribe to our Twitter feed at Twitter.com/AmerFreethought.Send us email!  For John Snider use john@americanfreethoughtcom; for David Driscoll use david@americanfreethought.com. Leave feedback at AmericanFreethought.com. Join us on Yahoo Groups, Facebook, Atheist Nexus, or Think Atheist. Follow us on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/AmerFreethought. If you pick us up via iTunes, please take a moment to leave feedback. David continues to produce new installments of the Secular Nation Podcast. Theme music by Body Found. Recorded October 6, 2010.  Hosted by John C. Snider and David Driscoll. christianity, commentary, cults, military, movies, news, podcast, religion American Freethought no yes http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/10/13/podcast-105-jeff-sharlet-c-street/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/10/13/podcast-105-jeff-sharlet-c-street/#comments Thu, 14 Oct 2010 02:32:18 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=2376 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/10/13/podcast-105-jeff-sharlet-c-street/feed/ 1 0:54:03 We interview Jeff Sharlet, author of C Street: The Fundamentalist Threat to American Democracy, a follow-up to The Family: The Secret Fundamentalism at the Heart of American Power.  The Family, you may recall, is a secretive and radical Christian gr[...] We interview Jeff Sharlet, author of C Street: The Fundamentalist Threat to American Democracy, a follow-up to The Family: The Secret Fundamentalism at the Heart of American Power.  The Family, you may recall, is a secretive and radical Christian group that counts Senators and Congressmen among its members, organizes the annual National Prayer Breakfast, and courts vicious Third World dictators–all in the name of Jesus.  C Street covers events that have occurred since the publication of The Family, including there political sex scandals, the so-called Kill the Gays bill proposed in Uganda, and the chilling evangelical infiltration of the US military. For more about Jeff visit JeffSharlet.com. C Street is available at Amazon.com in hardcover, audiobook, or Kindle editions. Read John Snider’s review of The Family, or listen to our interview with Jeff in Podcast #67. Plus: We’re going to Washington, DC for Jon Stewart’s Rally to Restore Sanity, noon to 3pm, October 30th on the National Mall!  If you want to join up with us at the Rally, subscribe to our Twitter feed at Twitter.com/AmerFreethought. Announcements: Send us email!  For John Snider use john@americanfreethoughtcom; for David Driscoll use david@americanfreethought.com. Leave feedback at AmericanFreethought.com. Join us on Yahoo Groups, Facebook, Atheist Nexus, or Think Atheist. Follow us on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/AmerFreethought. If you pick us up via iTunes, please take a moment to leave feedback. David continues to produce new installments of the Secular Nation Podcast. Theme music by Body Found. Recorded October 6, 2010.  Hosted by John C. Snider and David Driscoll. books, christianity, cults, interviews, military, podcast, politics, religion American Freethought no yes http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/10/07/podcast-104-the-tillman-story/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/10/07/podcast-104-the-tillman-story/#comments Thu, 07 Oct 2010 11:00:56 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=2356 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/10/07/podcast-104-the-tillman-story/feed/ 2 0:42:49 We discuss the new documentary The Tillman Story, which exposes the massive cover-up of the death by friendly fire of pro football player-turned soldier Pat Tillman.  Was his death a tragic mistake, or the result of a malicious “fragging[...] We discuss the new documentary The Tillman Story, which exposes the massive cover-up of the death by friendly fire of pro football player-turned soldier Pat Tillman.  Was his death a tragic mistake, or the result of a malicious “fragging”?  It doesn’t help (from the Army’s perspective) that Tillman was a left-leaning atheist/agnostic openly critical of the “illegal” War in Iraq. For more about the film, visit TillmanStory.com. Plus: We’re going to Washington, DC for Jon Stewart’s Rally to Restore Sanity, noon to 3pm, October 30th on the National Mall!  If you’ll be there as well send us a note. The Eddie Long sex scandal is just beginning.  “Bishop” Eddie Long of Atlanta’s New Birth Missionary Baptist megachurch is the target of four lawsuits by young men who claim Long had homosexual affairs with them when they were teens. Atheists know more than believers: We discuss the new Pew Research Center’s U.S. Religious Knowledge Survey that shows nonbelievers score better on the basic facts of religion than are the faithful.  How can this be?  :) Finally, while the news has already circulated within the nontheistic community, we congratulate Dave Silverman on his selection as the new president of American Atheists. Announcements: Send us email!  For John Snider use john@americanfreethoughtcom; for David Driscoll use david@americanfreethought.com. Leave feedback at AmericanFreethought.com. Join us on Yahoo Groups, Facebook, Atheist Nexus, or Think Atheist. Follow us on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/AmerFreethought. If you pick us up via iTunes, please take a moment to leave feedback. David continues to produce new installments of the Secular Nation Podcast. Theme music by Body Found. Recorded September 29, 2010.  Hosted by John C. Snider and David Driscoll. atheism, commentary, military, movies, news, podcast American Freethought no yes http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/10/02/podcast-103-freethought-and-pornography/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/10/02/podcast-103-freethought-and-pornography/#comments Sat, 02 Oct 2010 15:33:54 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=2333 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/10/02/podcast-103-freethought-and-pornography/feed/ 2 0:49:27 We interview David Bertolino, writer and producer of The Deep Throat Sex Scandal, a new off-Broadway play now showing at NYC’s Bleecker Street Theater.  The 1972 film Deep Throat was not only a cultural milestone for American culture; it was a[...] We interview David Bertolino, writer and producer of The Deep Throat Sex Scandal, a new off-Broadway play now showing at NYC’s Bleecker Street Theater.  The 1972 film Deep Throat was not only a cultural milestone for American culture; it was also the center of a federal trial that affected our right to free speech to this very day. For more about the play, visit DeepThroatThePlay.com. For those (of majority age) interested in exploring this topic, Deep Throat is available on DVD, as is the excellent documentary Inside Deep Throat. Also, check out the Sep/Oct 2010 issue of The Humanist, featuring an interview with former porn star, atheist, and free speech advocate Nina Hartley, and the essay “Shifting Positions: Humanist Perspectives on Pornography” by Melissa Bollman. Opening clip from Martinibomb’s “The Love God” from the album Wakka Chikka Wakka Chikka: Porn Music for the Masses Volume 1. So what do you think?  Send us an email and share your thoughts about the intersection of freethought and porn. Announcements: Send us email!  For John Snider use john@americanfreethoughtcom; for David Driscoll use david@americanfreethought.com. Leave feedback at AmericanFreethought.com. Join us on Yahoo Groups, Facebook, Atheist Nexus, or Think Atheist. Follow us on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/AmerFreethought. If you pick us up via iTunes, please take a moment to leave feedback. David continues to produce new installments of the Secular Nation Podcast. Theme music by Body Found. Recorded September 29, 2010.  Hosted by John C. Snider and David Driscoll. arts, history, interviews, movies, podcast American Freethought no yes http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/09/26/podcast-102-the-chaplain-and-the-atheist/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/09/26/podcast-102-the-chaplain-and-the-atheist/#comments Sun, 26 Sep 2010 05:01:31 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=2309 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/09/26/podcast-102-the-chaplain-and-the-atheist/feed/ 6 0:28:21 We discuss journalist Michael M. Phillips’ Wall Street Journal article “A Chaplain and an Atheist Go to War.”  It’s the story of Navy Chaplain Terry Moran (a fundamentalist and Young Earth Creationist) and his bodyguard Relig[...] We discuss journalist Michael M. Phillips’ Wall Street Journal article “A Chaplain and an Atheist Go to War.”  It’s the story of Navy Chaplain Terry Moran (a fundamentalist and Young Earth Creationist) and his bodyguard Religious Programs Specialist 2nd Class Philip Chute, a Dawkins-toting atheist, who serve the troops in Afghanistan. We’re also struck by the similarity of their relationship to that described between the Chaplain and Corporal Whitcomb in Joseph Heller’s novel Catch-22.  In Heller’s satirical classic, the Chaplain is a spineless Anabaptist who’s afraid of his own shadow, while Corporal Whitcomb–an atheist–undermines the Chaplain at every turn, while simultaneously dreaming up ways to increase troop participation in church services. Plus: Feedback!  We’re popular with the young folks (or at least, one young folk).  Why can’t David pronounce “Copenhagen” like a real American?  And what’s with our bleeping of all the swear words?  For what it’s worth, if you can’t get enough swearing check out this YouTube video of all the curses in Episode 1 Season 1 of Deadwood. Announcements: Send us email!  For John Snider use john@americanfreethoughtcom; for David Driscoll use david@americanfreethought.com. Leave feedback at AmericanFreethought.com. Join us on Yahoo Groups, Facebook, Atheist Nexus, or Think Atheist. Follow us on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/AmerFreethought. If you pick us up via iTunes, please take a moment to leave feedback. David continues to produce new installments of the Secular Nation Podcast. Theme music by Body Found. Recorded September 12, 2010.  Hosted by John C. Snider and David Driscoll. atheism, books, christianity, commentary, military, news, podcast, religion American Freethought no yes http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/09/15/podcast-101-international-burn-a-quran-day/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/09/15/podcast-101-international-burn-a-quran-day/#comments Wed, 15 Sep 2010 05:01:00 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=2255 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/09/15/podcast-101-international-burn-a-quran-day/feed/ 1 0:44:55 International Burn a Qur’an Day was a bust.  Pastor Terry Jones of Dove World Outreach Center of Gainesville, Florida threatened, de-threatened and repeatedly vacillated as to whether or not he was going to organize a book-burning on the nint[...] International Burn a Qur’an Day was a bust.  Pastor Terry Jones of Dove World Outreach Center of Gainesville, Florida threatened, de-threatened and repeatedly vacillated as to whether or not he was going to organize a book-burning on the ninth anniversary of 9/11 (he ultimately did not).  Even President Obama weighed in on why it was a bad idea to burn a Qur’an. Plus: Our Dragon*Con wrap-up. Glorious freak-out at the top of the show courtesy of Phil Davison of Stark County, Ohio. Announcements: Send us email!  For John Snider use john@americanfreethoughtcom; for David Driscoll use david@americanfreethought.com. Leave feedback at AmericanFreethought.com. Join us on Yahoo Groups, Facebook, Atheist Nexus, or Think Atheist. Follow us on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/AmerFreethought. If you pick us up via iTunes, please take a moment to leave feedback. David continues to produce new installments of the Secular Nation Podcast. Theme music by Body Found. Recorded September 12, 2010.  Hosted by John C. Snider and David Driscoll. books, commentary, islam, news, podcast, politics, religion American Freethought no yes http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/09/09/podcast-100-live-at-dragoncon-2010/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/09/09/podcast-100-live-at-dragoncon-2010/#comments Thu, 09 Sep 2010 05:01:05 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=2231 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/09/09/podcast-100-live-at-dragoncon-2010/feed/ 7 1:00:38 It’s our 100th episode, and it’s live on the Podcast Track at Dragon*Con 2010!  Aside from reminiscing about our previous 99 shows, we present our usual potpourri of items. Donald Crosby, founder and pastor of God’s Kingdom Builde[...] It’s our 100th episode, and it’s live on the Podcast Track at Dragon*Con 2010!  Aside from reminiscing about our previous 99 shows, we present our usual potpourri of items. Donald Crosby, founder and pastor of God’s Kingdom Builders Church of Jesus Christ in Macon, Georgia, is up in arms because nearby Warner Robins High School’s mascot is the Demon.  [Note:  John states during the podcast that he lived in Warner Robins in the late 90s.  It was actually the late 80s.] Holey Scripture:  Behold Behemoth!  The Old Testament waxes poetic in Job 40:15-24 about the monstrous behemoth, but a quick etymological study (courtesy of the July 28, 2010 Dictionary Word-of-the-Day) reveals that it’s not a monster at all, but rather a hippopotamus.  But that doesn’t stop the guys at T.R.U.T.H. (To Reach Understanding Through Him), who created a video for kids called “What’s a Behemoth?” Which Mohammad?  In this corner…Omid Safi,Islamic mystic and professor of Islamic studies at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill.  His latest book is Memories of Muhammad, a generally positive look at the life and influence of the Prophet.  And in this corner…Wafa Sultan, a Syrian born American psychiatrist and author of A God Who Hates, a blistering condemnation of Islam as a backward, misogynistic, violent and insular cult.  She’s best known for her vigorous take-down of an imam on Al-Jazeera in 2006.  We compare the vastly different interpretations of each author of the marriages of Mohammad to Aisha (a six-year-old girl) and Safiyah (a Jewess taken as a spoil of war).  Was Mohammad a noble protector of women, or a pedophile and a rapist?  You decide. Feedback:  Listeners take David to task over his (incorrect) statement in show #99 that August 2010 won’t contain five Sunday-Monday-Tuesdays for another 800+ years.  What can we say?  The guy trusts his mother. Live Q&A:  What do we make of the Tea Party?  And how can those uppity non-Muslim (?!) women like Wafa Sultan, Ayaan Hirsi Ali and Irshad Manji criticize Islam? Thanks again to Swoopy for organizing the Podcast Track and giving us a slot on it. Announcements: Send us email!  For John Snider use john@americanfreethoughtcom; for David Driscoll use david@americanfreethought.com. Leave feedback at AmericanFreethought.com. Join us on Yahoo Groups, Facebook, Atheist Nexus, or Think Atheist. Follow us on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/AmerFreethought. If you pick us up via iTunes, please take a moment to leave feedback. David continues to produce new installments of the Secular Nation Podcast. Theme music by Body Found. Thanks to David Price for the Con photo. Recorded September 3, 2010.  Hosted by John C. Snider and David Driscoll. atheism, books, christianity, evolution, history, islam, podcast, politics, religion, science American Freethought no yes http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/09/03/dragon-con/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/09/03/dragon-con/#comments Fri, 03 Sep 2010 15:17:27 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=2219 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/09/03/dragon-con/feed/ 0 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/08/28/podcast-99-mary-roach-packing-for-mars/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/08/28/podcast-99-mary-roach-packing-for-mars/#comments Sat, 28 Aug 2010 17:18:50 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=2209 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/08/28/podcast-99-mary-roach-packing-for-mars/feed/ 2 0:38:23 We interview Mary Roach, author of the bestselling science-humor book Packing for Mars: The Curious Science of Life in the Void.  She’s also the author of Stiff (about human cadavers), Spook (the scientific inquest on life after death), and Bo[...] We interview Mary Roach, author of the bestselling science-humor book Packing for Mars: The Curious Science of Life in the Void.  She’s also the author of Stiff (about human cadavers), Spook (the scientific inquest on life after death), and Bonk (the science of human sexuality).    Packing for Mars is both educational and laugh-out-loud funny.  It’s available in hardcover, audiobook, and for Kindle. If you can’t get enough of Mary Roach (and let’s face it, who can?), John interviewed her back in 2005 at SciFiDimensions.com, and reviewed both Stiff and Spook. Dragon*Con (which includes SkepTrack) is just around the corner, September 3-6, right here in Atlanta.  And if you can join us a day early, the second annual Star Party will be hosted by Emory University’s Science and Math Center. Send us email!  For John Snider use john@americanfreethoughtcom; for David Driscoll use david@americanfreethought.com. Leave feedback at AmericanFreethought.com. Join us on Yahoo Groups, Facebook, Atheist Nexus, or Think Atheist. Follow us on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/AmerFreethought. If you pick us up via iTunes, please take a moment to leave feedback. David continues to produce new installments of the Secular Nation Podcast. Theme music by Body Found. Recorded August 26, 2010.  Hosted by John C. Snider and David Driscoll. books, humor, interviews, podcast, science American Freethought no yes http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/08/09/podcast-98-the-crescent-and-the-moonpie/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/08/09/podcast-98-the-crescent-and-the-moonpie/#comments Mon, 09 Aug 2010 05:01:33 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=2159 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/08/09/podcast-98-the-crescent-and-the-moonpie/feed/ 1 1:04:44 In our live presentation to the Atlanta Freethought Society, “The Crescent and the Moonpie: Islam and the American South,” we look at the history of Islam in the Antebellum South, then jump forward to discuss  how Muslim communities are [...] In our live presentation to the Atlanta Freethought Society, “The Crescent and the Moonpie: Islam and the American South,” we look at the history of Islam in the Antebellum South, then jump forward to discuss  how Muslim communities are being received in 21st century Dixie. Mentioned in the presentation: US Army Major Nidal Malik Hasan and former heavyweight champ Muhammad Ali.  Both men are native-born Southerners (Hasan in Virginia, Ali in Kentucky).  Both are adherents of Islam, yet they took very different paths. Muslims in the Antebellum South: Estevanico the Moor (1500-1539), Muslim convert to Catholicism and the first African to set foot in North America. Ayuba Suleiman Diallo, an African slave eventually returned to his homeland with the help of (among others) James Oglethorpe, the founder of colonial Georgia. Yarrow Mamout (1736-1823), a freedman who lived in early Washington, DC, who owned property and bank investments and was painted by famous portraitist Charles Willson Peale. Omar ibn Said (1770-1864), and Islamic scholar who wrote 14 Arabic manuscripts during his time as a slave. Bilali Muhammad, who led a congregation of 80 fellow Muslims while enslaved on Sapelo Island, Georgia in the early 19th century. Islam in the 21st Century South: Al-Farooq Masjid of Atlanta, the largest and most prominent mosque in Georgia (possibly in the South). Case Study #1:  The Christian Action Network sponsors a billboard campaign for Islam Rising, an anti-Islamic documentary. Case Study #2:  Residents of Murfreesboro, Tennessee are upset at the pending construction of a sizable Islamic Center. Case Study #3:  The City Council of Alpharetta, Georgia denies an expansion permit to the Islamic Center of North Fulton, citing zoning concerns. Case Study #4:  Residents of Lilburn, Georgia allege harassment by”Middle Eastern men” after the Dar-e-Abbas mosque was denied an expansion permit in their neighborhood.  The police have so far found no evidence of wrongdoing. Announcements: Dragon*Con (which includes SkepTrack) is just around the corner, September 3-6, right here in Atlanta.  And if you can join us a day early, the second annual Star Party will be hosted by Emory University’s Science and Math Center. Send us email!  For John Snider use john@americanfreethoughtcom; for David Driscoll use david@americanfreethought.com. Leave feedback at AmericanFreethought.com. Join us on Yahoo Groups, Facebook, Atheist Nexus, or Think Atheist. Follow us on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/AmerFreethought. If you pick us up via iTunes, please take a moment to leave feedback. David continues to produce new installments of the Secular Nation Podcast. Theme music by Body Found. Recorded August 8, 2010.  Hosted by John C. Snider and David Driscoll. history, islam, news, podcast, politics, religion American Freethought no yes http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/07/23/podcast-97-the-essential-freethought-library/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/07/23/podcast-97-the-essential-freethought-library/#comments Fri, 23 Jul 2010 05:01:30 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=2146 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/07/23/podcast-97-the-essential-freethought-library/feed/ 4 1:04:44 We discuss the Essential Freethought Library, the result of a poll of dozens of notable personalities in the freethought community.  We asked them one simple question: “What ten books must the well-read freethinker have read?” Also, loc[...] We discuss the Essential Freethought Library, the result of a poll of dozens of notable personalities in the freethought community.  We asked them one simple question: “What ten books must the well-read freethinker have read?” Also, local craziness in the news: Praise the Lord and Pass the Ammunition!  A Georgia pastor is suing the state over a law that expands gun-carrying rights, but prohibits guns in places like government buildings and churches.  That’s right: a preacher wants the right to have a gun in his place of worship. Magic Jeff Goes Bye-Bye!  A Georgia youth minister and magician who performed for kids as “Magic Jeff” gets 20 years in prison for (among other things) child pornography. A Flock Put out to Pasture!  The Greater Works Assembly of Atlanta was evicted from their building for failing to pay the mortgage for TWO YEARS.  And not because of tough economic times, but apparently because the husband-and-wife team that headed up the church were engaged in an elaborate shell game whereby they moved money around amongst nearly ten shadowy non-profits. The Usual Announcements Look for David Driscoll, in his roll as regional ambassador for Atheist Alliance International, speaking August 1st in Knoxville to the Rationalists of East Tennessee. If you’ll be in metro Atlanta on August 8th, look for John Snider and David Driscoll speaking to the Atlanta Freethought Society.  The title of our main presentation:  The Crescent and the Moonpie. Dragon*Con (which includes SkepTrack) is just around the corner, September 3-6, right here in Atlanta.  And if you can join us a day early, the second annual Star Party will be hosted by Emory University’s Science and Math Center. Send us email at contact@americanfreethought.com.  For John Snider only use john@americanfreethoughtcom; for David Driscoll only use david@americanfreethought.com. Leave feedback at AmericanFreethought.com. Join us on Yahoo Groups, Facebook, Atheist Nexus, or Think Atheist. Follow us on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/AmerFreethought. If you pick us up via iTunes, please take a moment to leave feedback. David continues to produce new installments of the Secular Nation Podcast. Theme music by Body Found. Recorded July 17, 2010.  Hosted by John C. Snider and David Driscoll. atheism, books, children, news, podcast, politics, religion American Freethought no yes http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/07/12/podcast-96-michael-largo-gods-lunatics/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/07/12/podcast-96-michael-largo-gods-lunatics/#comments Mon, 12 Jul 2010 05:01:41 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=2117 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/07/12/podcast-96-michael-largo-gods-lunatics/feed/ 0 0:47:56 We talk with Michael Largo, author of the entertaining, enlightening, encyclopedic tome God’s Lunatics: Lost Souls, False Prophets, Martyred Saints, Murderous Cults, Demonic Nuns, and Other Victims of Man’s Eternal Search for the Divine.[...] We talk with Michael Largo, author of the entertaining, enlightening, encyclopedic tome God’s Lunatics: Lost Souls, False Prophets, Martyred Saints, Murderous Cults, Demonic Nuns, and Other Victims of Man’s Eternal Search for the Divine.  His previous nonfiction works include Genius and Heroin, The Portable Obituary, and the award-winning Final Exits: The Illustrated Encyclopedia of How We Die.  For more about Michael and his books visit FinalExits.com. The Usual Announcements Check out the Texas Freethought Convention, coming up October 8-10 in Dallas/Fort Worth.  Among the luminaries scheduled to speak are Michael Newdow, John W. Loftus, Ed Buckner and Stuart Bechman, with musical entertainment from George Hrab! Look for David Driscoll, in his roll as regional ambassador for Atheist Alliance International, speaking August 1st in Knoxville to the Rationalists of East Tennessee. If you’ll be in metro Atlanta on August 8th, look for John Snider and David Driscoll speaking to the Atlanta Freethought Society. Send us email at contact@americanfreethought.com.  For John Snider only use john@americanfreethoughtcom; for David Driscoll only use david@americanfreethought.com. Leave feedback at AmericanFreethought.com. Join us on Yahoo Groups, Facebook, Atheist Nexus, or Think Atheist. Follow us on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/AmerFreethought. If you pick us up via iTunes, please take a moment to leave feedback. David continues to produce new installments of the Secular Nation Podcast. Theme music by Body Found. Recorded July 6, 2010.  Hosted by John C. Snider and David Driscoll. books, history, humor, interviews, podcast, religion American Freethought no yes http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/07/06/podcast-95-hitch-22/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/07/06/podcast-95-hitch-22/#comments Tue, 06 Jul 2010 05:01:13 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=2105 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/07/06/podcast-95-hitch-22/feed/ 1 0:40:50 Writer/activist Christopher Hitchens has announced he’ll be stepping out of the public light to undergo chemotherapy to treat esophageal cancer.  This is bad and scary news and we’re hoping for a speedy and relatively painless recovery. [...] Writer/activist Christopher Hitchens has announced he’ll be stepping out of the public light to undergo chemotherapy to treat esophageal cancer.  This is bad and scary news and we’re hoping for a speedy and relatively painless recovery. Meanwhile, Hitchens has just published Hitch-22, a controversial memoir in which he reveals hitherto unknown details of his early life, and tries to explain his convoluted journey from hardcore Trotskyite to (for lack of a better term) neocon apologist.  It’s not a dull read, although much of the name-dropping will go over the heads of average American readers who only know Hitch from his recent elevation to the ranks of the Four Horsemen.  (Keep Wikipedia or Google handy and you’ll do just fine.) Hitch-22 is available in hardcover, as an audiobook (read by Hitch himself) and in Kindle format. For more Hitchedy goodness, listen to Podcast #6 for our discussion of The Portable Atheist (or read our review here). Meanwhile, Ed Buckner has announced he’ll be stepping down as president of American Atheists.  It’ll be hard to fill his soft-spoken, yet undaunted, shoes. The Usual Announcements Send us email at contact@americanfreethought.com.  For John Snider only use john@americanfreethoughtcom; for David Driscoll only use david@americanfreethought.com. Leave feedback at AmericanFreethought.com. Join us on Yahoo Groups, Facebook, Atheist Nexus, or Think Atheist. Follow us on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/AmerFreethought. If you pick us up via iTunes, please take a moment to leave feedback. David continues to produce new installments of the Secular Nation Podcast. Theme music by Body Found. Recorded July 3, 2010.  Hosted by John C. Snider and David Driscoll. atheism, books, history, podcast American Freethought no yes http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/07/01/podcast-94-john-w-loftus-the-christian-delusion/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/07/01/podcast-94-john-w-loftus-the-christian-delusion/#comments Fri, 02 Jul 2010 02:13:08 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=2096 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/07/01/podcast-94-john-w-loftus-the-christian-delusion/feed/ 1 0:46:44 We talk with minister-turned-atheist John W. Loftus, editor of The Christian Delusion: Why Faith Fails, a collection of essays from contributors including Dan Barker, David Eller, Robert Price and Richard Carrier.  The Christian Delusion is publishe[...] We talk with minister-turned-atheist John W. Loftus, editor of The Christian Delusion: Why Faith Fails, a collection of essays from contributors including Dan Barker, David Eller, Robert Price and Richard Carrier.  The Christian Delusion is published by Prometheus Books.  You should also check out Loftus’ first book Why I Became an Atheist. Also mentioned in the podcast: 57th Fighter Group, a WWII-themed restaurant with a view of the runway at Dekalb Peachtree Airport in north metro Atlanta. The Usual Announcements Send us email at contact@americanfreethought.com.  For John Snider only use john@americanfreethoughtcom; for David Driscoll only use david@americanfreethought.com. Leave feedback at AmericanFreethought.com. Join us on Yahoo Groups, Facebook, Atheist Nexus, or Think Atheist. Follow us on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/AmerFreethought. If you pick us up via iTunes, please take a moment to leave feedback. David continues to produce new installments of the Secular Nation Podcast. Theme music by Body Found. Recorded June 26, 2010.  Hosted by John C. Snider and David Driscoll. atheism, books, christianity, interviews, podcast, religion American Freethought no yes http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/06/17/podcast-bonus-george-hrab-trebuchet/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/06/17/podcast-bonus-george-hrab-trebuchet/#comments Thu, 17 Jun 2010 11:02:11 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=2055 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/06/17/podcast-bonus-george-hrab-trebuchet/feed/ 1 1:11:35 We present Trebuchet, the new album from George Hrab.  George is a podcaster, musician, comedian, rationalist and all-around interesting guy.  If you don’t listen to the Geologic Podcast, well, you need to.  Enjoy! George Hrab Trebuchet featu[...] We present Trebuchet, the new album from George Hrab.  George is a podcaster, musician, comedian, rationalist and all-around interesting guy.  If you don’t listen to the Geologic Podcast, well, you need to.  Enjoy! George Hrab Trebuchet featuring Phil Plait, Peter Gregson, Slau, and The Skeptical Shoe Horns. 1. God is Not Great 2. Everything Alive Will Die Someday 3. Ms.Information 4. Fifty Stories 5. FAR 6. Remora 7. Sviatoslav Lobster 8. When I Was Your Age 9. Trebuchet 10. Atlanta 11. Death From The Skies 12. Never Knew 13. Hai Yookito ‘Ya 14. Where Have You Been? 15. One Hypnopompic Jerk 16. Small Comfort 17. Happy Birthday Baby available at cdbaby.com/hrab6 and iTunes all songs © 2010 Geologic Records / You Call That Music music, podcast American Freethought no yes http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/06/16/podcast-92-the-good-man-jesus-and-the-scoundrel-christ/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/06/16/podcast-92-the-good-man-jesus-and-the-scoundrel-christ/#comments Wed, 16 Jun 2010 05:01:45 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=2051 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/06/16/podcast-92-the-good-man-jesus-and-the-scoundrel-christ/feed/ 0 0:35:00 We discuss the latest novel from Philip Pullman (The Golden Compass, The Subtle Knife, The Amber Spyglass), which re-imagines Jesus Christ as twin brothers named “Jesus” and “Christ.”  The Good Man Jesus and the Scoundrel Chr[...] We discuss the latest novel from Philip Pullman (The Golden Compass, The Subtle Knife, The Amber Spyglass), which re-imagines Jesus Christ as twin brothers named “Jesus” and “Christ.”  The Good Man Jesus and the Scoundrel Christ is published in hardcover by Canongate and in unabridged audio by Brilliance Audio. Listen to our discussion of the movie adaptation of The Golden Compass from way back in podcast #3. The Usual Announcements Look for David Driscoll at  “Gods and Politics,” the Atheist Alliance International Conference in Copenhagen, Denmark, June 18-20. Live in metro Atlanta?  Look for John and Allison in attendance at Michael Largo’s reading from his encyclopedic God’s Lunatics, 6:30 PM, Tuesday, June 22nd at Ivy Hall. Send us email at contact@americanfreethought.com.  For John Snider only use john@americanfreethoughtcom; for David Driscoll only use david@americanfreethought.com. Leave feedback at AmericanFreethought.com. Join us on Yahoo Groups, Facebook, Atheist Nexus, or Think Atheist. Follow us on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/AmerFreethought. If you pick us up via iTunes, please take a moment to leave feedback. David continues to produce new installments of the Secular Nation Podcast. Theme music by Body Found. Recorded June 8, 2010.  Hosted by John C. Snider and David Driscoll. books, children, christianity, podcast, religion American Freethought no yes http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/06/13/podcast-91-its-alive/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/06/13/podcast-91-its-alive/#comments Sun, 13 Jun 2010 22:06:47 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=2039 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/06/13/podcast-91-its-alive/feed/ 1 1:00:19 We talk with Christina L. Graves, a biology student (and prebiotic chemistry researcher) at the Georgia Institute of Technology.  Christina walks us through the recent announcement by the J. Craig Venter Institute that they have created a self-repli[...] We talk with Christina L. Graves, a biology student (and prebiotic chemistry researcher) at the Georgia Institute of Technology.  Christina walks us through the recent announcement by the J. Craig Venter Institute that they have created a self-replicating, synthetic cell.  We also discuss the reaction to Venter’s news from religious groups like the Catholic Church, Creation Ministries International, and even the Raelians. Briefly mentioned: The new Adrien Brody/Sarah Polley film Splice, a sci-fi-horror shocker about genetic engineering gone very very wrong. Glossary of terms: Abiogenesis – the theory of how life on Earth could have arisen from inanimate matter. Prebiotic Chemistry – the field of study involving the spontaneous chemical reactions which may have led to the formation of biomolecules and/or life on early Earth. Stanley Miller (1930-2007) – an American chemist and biologist who is known for his studies into the origin of life, particularly the Miller-Urey experiment which demonstrated that organic compounds can be created by fairly simple physical processes from inorganic substances. Atheopath – A neologism, coined by Creation Ministries International’s Jonathan Sarfati and used (as far as we can tell) by no one else, which combines the word “atheist” and the suffix “-path” (“one afflicted by a specified disorder”) to create a word meaning something like “one afflicted by atheism.”  Apparently it’s intended to echo scary words like sociopath and psychopath.  Perhaps we should coin the counter-term “theopath.” The Usual Announcements Look for David Driscoll at  “Gods and Politics,” the Atheist Alliance International Conference in Copenhagen, Denmark, June 18-20. Live in metro Atlanta?  Look for John Snider (and wifey Allison!) in attendance at Christopher Hitchens’ appearance (boosting his new memoir Hitch-22) at the Barnes & Noble in Buckhead, 7PM, Friday June 18th.  Also, look for John and Allison in attendance at Michael Largo’s reading from his encyclopedic God’s Lunatics, 6:30 PM, Tuesday, June 22nd at Ivy Hall. Send us email at contact@americanfreethought.com.  For John Snider only use john@americanfreethoughtcom; for David Driscoll only use david@americanfreethought.com. Leave feedback at AmericanFreethought.com. Join us on Yahoo Groups, Facebook, Atheist Nexus, or Think Atheist. Follow us on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/AmerFreethought. If you pick us up via iTunes, please take a moment to leave feedback. David continues to produce new installments of the Secular Nation Podcast. Theme music by Body Found. Recorded June 8, 2010.  Hosted by John C. Snider and David Driscoll. christianity, cults, interviews, news, podcast, religion, science American Freethought no yes http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/06/05/podcast-90-massimo-pigliucci-nonsense-on-stilts/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/06/05/podcast-90-massimo-pigliucci-nonsense-on-stilts/#comments Sat, 05 Jun 2010 16:21:32 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=2030 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/06/05/podcast-90-massimo-pigliucci-nonsense-on-stilts/feed/ 2 0:59:05 We interview Dr. Massimo Pigliucci, evolutionary biologist, philosopher, science crusader, and author of Nonsense on Stilts: How to Tell Science from Bunk.  This new book explores the frontier between science and pseudoscience, the difficulty of def[...] We interview Dr. Massimo Pigliucci, evolutionary biologist, philosopher, science crusader, and author of Nonsense on Stilts: How to Tell Science from Bunk.  This new book explores the frontier between science and pseudoscience, the difficulty of defining exactly what is science (what Karl Popper dubbed “the demarcation problem”), and the attacks against science from the forces of anti-intellectualism and even from inside academia.  Highly recommended. Visit Dr. P on the web at RationallySpeaking.org, or listen to his new podcast–co-hosted with NYC Skeptics’ Julia Galeth–at RationallySpeakingPodcast.org. Listen to our previous interview with Dr. P (from way back in February 2008) in podcast #11. The Usual Announcements Send us email at contact@americanfreethought.com.  For John Snider only use john@americanfreethoughtcom; for David Driscoll only use david@americanfreethought.com. Leave feedback at AmericanFreethought.com. Join us on Yahoo Groups, Facebook, Atheist Nexus, or Think Atheist. Follow us on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/AmerFreethought. If you pick us up via iTunes, please take a moment to leave feedback. David continues to produce new installments of the Secular Nation Podcast. Theme music by Body Found. Recorded June 2, 2010.  Hosted by John C. Snider and David Driscoll. books, evolution, podcast, science, skepticism American Freethought no yes http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/05/23/podcast-89-world-ends-miss-usa-is-a-muslim/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/05/23/podcast-89-world-ends-miss-usa-is-a-muslim/#comments Mon, 24 May 2010 02:14:43 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=2022 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/05/23/podcast-89-world-ends-miss-usa-is-a-muslim/feed/ 0 0:54:56 OMFG and other exaggerations.  The new Miss USA is Rima Fakih, who hails from Dearborn, Michigan by way of Lebanon.  According to Ms. Fakih, her family is not terribly pious–apparently they observe both Muslim and Christian holidays, for examp[...] OMFG and other exaggerations.  The new Miss USA is Rima Fakih, who hails from Dearborn, Michigan by way of Lebanon.  According to Ms. Fakih, her family is not terribly pious–apparently they observe both Muslim and Christian holidays, for example.  But to hear the conservative blathersphere, you’d think the selection of  an Arab-American as one of our foremost icons of cheesecake is either political correctness run amok, or part of some elaborate master plan by Hezbollah to lower Western civilization’s defenses before they come in for the big kill. Meanwhile…candidates in Alabama’s Republican gubernatorial primary are determined to court the lowest-common-denominator demographic.  When candidate Bradley Byrne was accused of believing in evolution and doubting that the scriptures are literally true, he fell over backwards to assure the voters he’s a dyed-in-the-wool creationist and Bible-thumping fundamentalist. Plus: Atlanta Skepticamp 2010 was a big success; the Mojave cross was stolen; Idaho missionary and would-be child trafficker Laura Silsby is back from Haiti; and former executives of faith-based (and now defunct) Integrity Bank have been indicted on bribery charges. The Usual Announcements Send us email at contact@americanfreethought.com.  For John Snider only use john@americanfreethoughtcom; for David Driscoll only use david@americanfreethought.com. Leave feedback at AmericanFreethought.com. Join us on Yahoo Groups, Facebook, Atheist Nexus, or Think Atheist. Follow us on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/AmerFreethought. If you pick us up via iTunes, please take a moment to leave feedback. David continues to produce new installments of the Secular Nation Podcast. Theme music by Body Found. Recorded May 23, 2010.  Hosted by John C. Snider and David Driscoll. christianity, commentary, islam, news, podcast, politics, religion American Freethought no yes http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/05/09/podcast-88-the-cross-stays-for-now/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/05/09/podcast-88-the-cross-stays-for-now/#comments Sun, 09 May 2010 05:01:00 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=2005 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/05/09/podcast-88-the-cross-stays-for-now/feed/ 2 0:50:08 The Supreme Court has ruled that a Christian cross erected on federal land in the Mojave desert can say (for now).  Among other things, certain justices ((cough) Scalia (cough)) have decided that crosses are a universal symbol for the dead.  Never m[...] The Supreme Court has ruled that a Christian cross erected on federal land in the Mojave desert can say (for now).  Among other things, certain justices ((cough) Scalia (cough)) have decided that crosses are a universal symbol for the dead.  Never mind the only dead people you’ll find one planted over are Christian and never, say, Jewish or Muslim.  For more google Salazar v. Buono. The Pope has made a pilgrimage to Turin, Italy, to pray before the relic icon artistic fraud the Shroud of Turin.  Now, we wouldn’t pass up an opportunity to see the Shroud, just out of morbid curiosity, but Ratzinger all but calls it real in a rambling, somewhat ghoulish sermon. More faith-based terrorism in the news.  Faisal Shahzad, a naturalized citizen from Pakistan, botched an attempt to car-bomb Times Square.  Meanwhile, nine members of a “Christian patriot” group called Hutaree have been arrested on suspicion of seditious conspiracy. See you next weekend at Atlanta Skepticamp! Finally, check out The Naked Bible, a collection of essays by nonbeliever Andrew Bernardin. The Usual Announcements Send us email at contact@americanfreethought.com.  For John Snider only use john@americanfreethoughtcom; for David Driscoll only use david@americanfreethought.com. Leave feedback at AmericanFreethought.com. Join us on Yahoo Groups, Facebook, Atheist Nexus, or Think Atheist. Follow us on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/AmerFreethought. If you pick us up via iTunes, please take a moment to leave feedback. David continues to produce new installments of the Secular Nation Podcast. Theme music by Body Found. Recorded May 5, 2010.  Hosted by John C. Snider and David Driscoll. books, christianity, islam, news, podcast, politics, religion American Freethought no yes http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/04/21/podcast-87-natl-day-of-prayer-unconstitutional/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/04/21/podcast-87-natl-day-of-prayer-unconstitutional/#comments Wed, 21 Apr 2010 05:01:33 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=1970 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/04/21/podcast-87-natl-day-of-prayer-unconstitutional/feed/ 0 0:46:27 A judge has ruled the National Day of Prayer unconstitutional, handing Dan Barker’s Freedom from Religion Foundation a victory in its lawsuit against the federal government.  President Obama (who participated in the NDP last year) immediately [...] A judge has ruled the National Day of Prayer unconstitutional, handing Dan Barker’s Freedom from Religion Foundation a victory in its lawsuit against the federal government.  President Obama (who participated in the NDP last year) immediately said he would participate again this year.  The feds will appeal, and it’s likely this will be settled in the Supreme Court (although, the way that body has been ruling lately it’s likely the decision will be overturned).  And for those that are interested, there’s a counter-observance the same day as the NDP called the National Day of Reason. The British Chiropractic Association has dropped its lawsuit against science journalist Simon Singh.  While it’s not an outright victory for Singh, the BCA hasn’t exactly made itself look good in all this.  Singh will now sue the BCA for the cost of defending himself, and will continue his quest to reform British libel law. State legislators across America are pushing a surprising bit of preemptive legislation: banning the implantation of microchips into human beings without their consent.  What could be worrying these lawmakers so much that they take time away from solving the high unemployment and budget crises?  Could it be… Satan??? Just when we thought the proposal by Councilwoman Betty Price to begin Roswell (GA) city council meetings with prayer had been tamped down,the council entertained public comment on the subject, and AF’s John C. Snider stepped up to the mic. Finally, we talk to Andrew Bush, a documentary filmmaker whose work-in-progress–”Southern Reason“–features the eminent hosts of American Freethought.  Check out AndrewBushFilms.com to watch clips and to see the film as it develops .  Also, check out Andrew’s new documentary Heart, Soul and Perseverance, a documentary that demystifies and celebrates the art of the ninja. The Usual Announcements Send us email at contact@americanfreethought.com.  For John Snider only use john@americanfreethoughtcom; for David Driscoll only use david@americanfreethought.com. Leave feedback at AmericanFreethought.com. Join us on Yahoo Groups, Facebook, Atheist Nexus, or Think Atheist. Follow us on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/AmerFreethought. If you pick us up via iTunes, please take a moment to leave feedback. David continues to produce new installments of the Secular Nation Podcast. Theme music by Body Found. Recorded April 19, 2010.  Hosted by John C. Snider and David Driscoll. atheism, interviews, movies, news, podcast, politics, science American Freethought no yes http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/04/09/podcast-86-american-atheists-convention-part-2/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/04/09/podcast-86-american-atheists-convention-part-2/#comments Fri, 09 Apr 2010 13:09:32 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=1941 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/04/09/podcast-86-american-atheists-convention-part-2/feed/ 0 0:31:12 Our second and final report on the American Atheists Convention in Elizabeth, New Jersey.  Day Two speakers included Secular Coalition for America’s Sean Faircloth, Mexican-American atheist Indra Zuno, activist and fundraiser extraordinaire T[...] Our second and final report on the American Atheists Convention in Elizabeth, New Jersey.  Day Two speakers included Secular Coalition for America’s Sean Faircloth, Mexican-American atheist Indra Zuno, activist and fundraiser extraordinaire Todd Stiefel, psychiatrist Andy Thomson, Freethought Radio’s Dan Barker and journalist Wendy Kaminer. Plus: More adventures in NYC: shameless tourism, good food, and bad jazz. The Usual Announcements Send us email at contact@americanfreethought.com.  For John Snider only use john@americanfreethoughtcom; for David Driscoll only use david@americanfreethought.com. Leave feedback at AmericanFreethought.com. Join us on Yahoo Groups, Facebook, Atheist Nexus, or Think Atheist. Follow us on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/AmerFreethought. If you pick us up via iTunes, please take a moment to leave feedback. David continues to produce new installments of the Secular Nation Podcast. Theme music by Body Found. Recorded April 5, 2010.  Hosted by John C. Snider and David Driscoll. atheism, podcast, politics, science American Freethought no yes http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/04/07/podcast-85-american-atheists-convention-part-1/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/04/07/podcast-85-american-atheists-convention-part-1/#comments Thu, 08 Apr 2010 02:15:08 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=1933 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/04/07/podcast-85-american-atheists-convention-part-1/feed/ 1 0:34:35 John reports (almost) live from the American Atheists Convention in Elizabeth, New Jersey.  Day One speakers included Center for Inquiry’s Paul Kurtz, biologist/philosopher Massimo Pigliucci, UK-based National Secular Society’s Keith Por[...] John reports (almost) live from the American Atheists Convention in Elizabeth, New Jersey.  Day One speakers included Center for Inquiry’s Paul Kurtz, biologist/philosopher Massimo Pigliucci, UK-based National Secular Society’s Keith Porteous Wood, The God Virus author Darrel Ray, and newly-elected Asheville (NC) city councilman Cecil Bothwell.  Plus: Sightseeing in NYC, including an unexpected sighting of… Mandy Patinkin. The Usual Announcements Send us email at contact@americanfreethought.com.  For John Snider only use john@americanfreethoughtcom; for David Driscoll only use david@americanfreethought.com. Leave feedback at AmericanFreethought.com. Join us on Yahoo Groups, Facebook, Atheist Nexus, or Think Atheist. Follow us on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/AmerFreethought. If you pick us up via iTunes, please take a moment to leave feedback. David continues to produce new installments of the Secular Nation Podcast. Theme music by Body Found. Recorded April 3, 2010.  Hosted by John C. Snider and David Driscoll. atheism, commentary, news, podcast American Freethought no yes http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/03/22/podcast-84-newdow-in-flames/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/03/22/podcast-84-newdow-in-flames/#comments Mon, 22 Mar 2010 05:01:56 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=1914 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/03/22/podcast-84-newdow-in-flames/feed/ 3 0:44:58 The 9th US Circuit Court of Appeals has denied activist Michael Newdow’s lawsuits to challenge “under God” in the Pledge of Allegiance and “In God We Trust” on the currency.  We think the Court was cowardly and disingen[...] The 9th US Circuit Court of Appeals has denied activist Michael Newdow’s lawsuits to challenge “under God” in the Pledge of Allegiance and “In God We Trust” on the currency.  We think the Court was cowardly and disingenuous.  Unfortunately, this is likely to be the last gasp in the decades-long struggle.  You can find links to the full texts of the Court’s opinions (including Judge Stephen Reinhardt’s scathing 120-page dissent) here. In other news…the city council of Roswell, Georgia has resoundingly turned back a suggestion to begin council meetings with prayer.  A surprising victory, but one we welcome nonetheless. Plus: David reports on Secular Coalition executive director Sean Faircloth’s appearance at the Atlanta Freethought Society; meanwhile, John attends a Jewish funeral and a Buddhist wedding. John and Allison will also be at the upcoming American Atheists convention in Newark, NJ, April 2-4.  We’ll actually be in the greater NYC are March 31 – April 5, and we welcome suggestions for places to eat, things to do, or stuff to see. The Usual Announcements Send us email at contact@americanfreethought.com.  For John Snider only use john@americanfreethoughtcom; for David Driscoll only use david@americanfreethought.com. Leave feedback at AmericanFreethought.com. Join us on Yahoo Groups, Facebook, Atheist Nexus, or Think Atheist. Follow us on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/AmerFreethought. If you pick us up via iTunes, please take a moment to leave feedback. David continues to produce new installments of the Secular Nation Podcast. Theme music by Body Found. Recorded March 21, 2010.  Hosted by John C. Snider and David Driscoll. atheism, buddhism, christianity, history, judaism, news, podcast, politics, religion American Freethought no yes http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/03/08/podcast-83-secular-coation-at-the-white-house/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/03/08/podcast-83-secular-coation-at-the-white-house/#comments Mon, 08 Mar 2010 05:01:44 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=1887 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/03/08/podcast-83-secular-coation-at-the-white-house/feed/ 2 1:01:13 John C. Snider with Christopher Hitchens, Emory University, February 26, 2010 American Atheists president Ed Buckner reports on the recent meeting between representatives of the Secular Coalition for America with White House officials. Plus: We meet[...] John C. Snider with Christopher Hitchens, Emory University, February 26, 2010 American Atheists president Ed Buckner reports on the recent meeting between representatives of the Secular Coalition for America with White House officials. Plus: We meet the Hitch!  Allison joins us to talk about “The Only Subject Is Love,” a seminar we attended at Emory University featuring Salman Rushdie, Christopher Hitchens, and filmmaker Deepa Mehta (who is developing a film adaptation of Rushdie’s Midnight’s Children).  The event celebrates the opening of Rushdie’s archives at Emory.  Surprises included spontaneous recitations of poetry (Hitchens selecting the heartwrenching “Dulce et Decorum est,” Rushdie the humorous “The Walrus and the Carpenter.”)  And…we learned that Hitchens’ memoir–Hitch 22–is due out in June! John and Allison will also be at the upcoming American Atheists convention in Newark, NJ, April 2-4.  We’ll actually be in the greater NYC are March 31 – April 5, and we welcome suggestions for places to eat, things to do, or stuff to see. Congratulations to “PopeStevo,” who annihilated “johncsnider” last month in “Words With Friends” (the iPhone version of the classic Scrabble).  Steve wins a copy of the 2009 American Atheists convention program book signed by Richard Dawkins, a collection of freethoughtish books, and an American Freethought t-shirt and mug. The Usual Announcements Send us email at contact@americanfreethought.com.  For John Snider only use john@americanfreethoughtcom; for David Driscoll only use david@americanfreethought.com. Leave feedback at AmericanFreethought.com. Join us on Yahoo Groups, Facebook, Atheist Nexus, or Think Atheist. Follow us on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/AmerFreethought. If you pick us up via iTunes, please take a moment to leave feedback. David continues to produce new installments of the Secular Nation Podcast. Theme music by Body Found. Recorded March 4, 2010.  Hosted by John C. Snider and David Driscoll. arts, atheism, interviews, podcast, politics, religion American Freethought no yes http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/02/26/podcast-82-creation/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/02/26/podcast-82-creation/#comments Fri, 26 Feb 2010 05:01:39 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=1878 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/02/26/podcast-82-creation/feed/ 6 0:41:16 Allison’s back–yay!  She joins us to discuss the new Charles Darwin bio-pic Creation, starring real-life husband-and-wife Paul Bettany and Jennifer Connelly as Charles and Emma Darwin.  Creation is based on the nonfiction book Annie[...] Allison’s back–yay!  She joins us to discuss the new Charles Darwin bio-pic Creation, starring real-life husband-and-wife Paul Bettany and Jennifer Connelly as Charles and Emma Darwin.  Creation is based on the nonfiction book Annie’s Box (published in the US as Darwin, His Daughter, and Human Evolution, and reissued in conjunction with the film as Creation) by Darwin descendant Randal Keynes.  Creation is currently in limited release, so check your local art cinema to see if and when it might play in your neighborhood.  For more visit CreationtheMovie.com. Thanks to the many fellow science fans who joined us for the Creation screening at Atlanta’s Landmark Midtown Art Cinema.  And thanks to Royal Orchid Thai Cuisine for accommodating our unexpected horde. Also: David McAllister and Jason Bourque have been arrested in connection with a string of church arsons and burglaries in Texas.  There’s a minor storm of controversy in the media over reports that “books on demons and atheism” were found in Bourque’s home.  East Texas television station KLTV has offered reports from “anonymous sources” who claim that McAllister was troubled by the death of his mother and was looking to “save people from believing” and trying to “dislodge” church institutions.  Clearly, American Freethought condemns arson and vandalism of any kind.  And if it turns out that these young men committed these crimes out of some misguided notion of what atheism is, we condemn that as well. Upcoming events: John and Allison will be attending a rare joint appearance by Christopher Hitchens and Salman Rushdie at Emory University, Friday, February 26th.  If you’re there and you see us, be sure to say hello. John and Allison will also be at the upcoming American Atheists convention in Newark, NJ, April 2-4.  We’ll actually be in the greater NYC are March 31 – April 5, and we welcome suggestions for places to eat, things to do, or stuff to see. Can you spell C-O-N-T-E-S-T? We have a minor trove of nifty things to give away, including a 2009 American Atheists convention program signed by Richard Dawkins, a handful of books by famous critical thinkers, and an American Freethought t-shirt and coffee mug.  To win, simply challenge John C. Snider to a game of “Words With Friends” (the iPhone version of the classic Scrabble).  You’ll need an iPhone, of course; and you’ll need to download Words With Friends (created by game developer Newtoy, Inc.).  John’s user name is “johncsnider.”  The person who beats him by the most points during the month of February wins the tchoch. The Usual Announcements Send us email at contact@americanfreethought.com.  For John Snider only use john@americanfreethoughtcom; for David Driscoll only use david@americanfreethought.com. Leave feedback at AmericanFreethought.com. Join us on Yahoo Groups, Facebook, Atheist Nexus, or Think Atheist. Follow us on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/AmerFreethought. If you pick us up via iTunes, please take a moment to leave feedback. David continues to produce new installments of the Secular Nation Podcast. Theme music by Body Found. Recorded February 24, 2010.  Hosted by John C. Snider and David Driscoll. atheism, books, buddhism, commentary, evolution, movies, news, podcast, religion, science American Freethought no yes http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/02/19/podcast-81-announcing-unity-2013/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/02/19/podcast-81-announcing-unity-2013/#comments Fri, 19 Feb 2010 05:01:08 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=1872 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/02/19/podcast-81-announcing-unity-2013/feed/ 2 0:43:52 Margaret Downey (former president of Atheist Alliance International, now a “freethought free agent”) announces the formation of the Unity 2013 Event Committee.  What is Unity 2013?  Nobody knows just yet, but what we do know is that it[...] Margaret Downey (former president of Atheist Alliance International, now a “freethought free agent”) announces the formation of the Unity 2013 Event Committee.  What is Unity 2013?  Nobody knows just yet, but what we do know is that it’ll be big, it has the blessing of such notables as Daniel Dennett, and it’ll involve many (if not most) of the major freethought-friendly organizations.  To keep abreast of the details as they unfold, check out the Unity 2013 Facebook page. Also: David swells in righteous indigation over the misguidedness of a local religious school whose “philosophy of education” includes a lot of blither-blather about fearing God, the inerrancy of the Bible, and man’s dominion over the planet–but nary a word about, oh, curriculum. Black children are an endangered species! In other words, if you’re black, look out!  The evil atheist liberal abortionists are gunning for your fetuseseses. Upcoming events: See Creation with American Freethought!  We’re arranging an outing for the afternoon of Saturday, February 20th, to see the new Charles Darwin bio-pic starring Paul Bettany and Jennifer Connelly.  We’ll convene for Thai food immediately after the movie.  Details can be found here, or at this Facebook event page. John and Allison will be attending a rare joint appearance by Christopher Hitchens and Salman Rushdie at Emory University, Friday, February 26th.  If you’re there and you see us, be sure to say hello. John and Allison will also be at the upcoming American Atheists convention in Newark, NJ, April 2-4.  We’ll actually be in the greater NYC are March 31 – April 5, and we welcome suggestions for places to eat, things to do, or stuff to see. Atlanta SkeptiCamp 2010 is tentatively scheduled for May.  Keep an eye on the Atlanta Skeptics website for details as they unfold. Hey, what’s that waaay over there, just over the horizon?  Why, it’s Dragon*Con!  Yep, it’s time to start thinking about the all-encompassing pop culture juggernaut held every year in Atlanta, featuring (among other things) the increasingly popular Skeptrack!  Four-day memberships to the Con are only $80 through May 15th ($90 through July 15th).  We’ll see you there! Can you spell C-O-N-T-E-S-T? We have a minor trove of nifty things to give away, including a 2009 American Atheists convention program signed by Richard Dawkins, a handful of books by famous critical thinkers, and an American Freethought t-shirt and coffee mug.  To win, simply challenge John C. Snider to a game of “Words With Friends” (the iPhone version of the classic Scrabble).  You’ll need an iPhone, of course; and you’ll need to download Words With Friends (created by game developer Newtoy, Inc.).  John’s user name is “johncsnider.”  The person who beats him by the most points during the month of February wins the tchoch. The Usual Announcements Send us email at contact@americanfreethought.com.  For John Snider only use john@americanfreethoughtcom; for David Driscoll only use david@americanfreethought.com. Leave feedback at AmericanFreethought.com. Join us on Yahoo Groups, Facebook, Atheist Nexus, or Think Atheist. Follow us on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/AmerFreethought. If you pick us up via iTunes, please take a moment to leave feedback. David continues to produce new installments of the Secular Nation Podcast. Fans of science fiction can check out John’s other project on the web, SciFiDimensions.com. Theme music by Body Found. Recorded February 18, 2010.  Hosted by John C. Snider and David Driscoll. abortion, atheism, children, christianity, interviews, news, podcast, religion American Freethought no yes http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/02/08/podcast-80-simon-singh/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/02/08/podcast-80-simon-singh/#comments Mon, 08 Feb 2010 05:01:31 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=1867 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/02/08/podcast-80-simon-singh/feed/ 3 0:57:27 We interview science journalist Simon Singh, co-author (with Dr. Edzard Ernst) of Trick or Treatment: The Undeniable Facts about Alternative Medicine (which both John and David highly recommend).  For more about Simon visit SimonSingh.net.  Please a[...] We interview science journalist Simon Singh, co-author (with Dr. Edzard Ernst) of Trick or Treatment: The Undeniable Facts about Alternative Medicine (which both John and David highly recommend).  For more about Simon visit SimonSingh.net.  Please also visit LibelReform.org, a website devoted to changing the United Kingdom’s disgraceful libel laws (Simon is currently in the midst of a court battle with the British Chiropractic Association over his reporting on chiropractic treatment of children in the UK’s Guardian newspaper.) Trick or Treatment is available at Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk. Continuing this episodes alternative medicine theme, we take a look at aromatherapy.  Can smells trigger the body’s healing ability, or do they offer only a temporary placebo? Also: See Creation with American Freethought!  We’re arranging an outing for the afternoon of Saturday, February 20th, to see the new Charles Darwin bio-pic starring Paul Bettany and Jennifer Connelly.  We’ll convene for Thai food immediately after the movie.  Details can be found here, or at this Facebook event page. Can you spell C-O-N-T-E-S-T? We have a minor trove of nifty things to give away, including a 2009 American Atheists convention program signed by Richard Dawkins, a handful of books by famous critical thinkers, and an American Freethought t-shirt and coffee mug.  To win, simply challenge John C. Snider to a game of “Words With Friends” (the iPhone version of the classic Scrabble).  You’ll need an iPhone, of course; and you’ll need to download Words With Friends (created by game developer Newtoy, Inc.).  John’s user name is “johncsnider.”  The person who beats him by the most points during the month of February wins the tchoch. The Usual Announcements Send us email at contact@americanfreethought.com.  For John Snider only use john@americanfreethoughtcom; for David Driscoll only use david@americanfreethought.com. Leave feedback at AmericanFreethought.com. Join us on Yahoo Groups, Facebook, Atheist Nexus, or Think Atheist. Follow us on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/AmerFreethought. If you pick us up via iTunes, please take a moment to leave feedback. David continues to produce new installments of the Secular Nation Podcast. Fans of science fiction can check out John’s other project on the web, SciFiDimensions.com. Theme music by Body Found. Recorded February 6, 2010.  Hosted by John C. Snider and David Driscoll. books, news, podcast, science, skepticism American Freethought no yes http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/02/03/podcast-79-e-meters-for-haiti/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/02/03/podcast-79-e-meters-for-haiti/#comments Wed, 03 Feb 2010 05:01:05 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=1853 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/02/03/podcast-79-e-meters-for-haiti/feed/ 1 0:43:51 Earthquake-devastated Haiti has become a magnet for kooky, misguided (but perhaps well-intentioned) religious groups.  Scientologist John Travolta (disguised, apparently, as L. Ron Hubbard–see photo at right) has personally flown his private 7[...] Earthquake-devastated Haiti has become a magnet for kooky, misguided (but perhaps well-intentioned) religious groups.  Scientologist John Travolta (disguised, apparently, as L. Ron Hubbard–see photo at right) has personally flown his private 707 to Haiti, delivering food, medical supplies, and “volunteer ministers” who claim the ability to heal through therapeutic touch.  Meanwhile, a Christian group called Faith Comes By Hearing has sent 600 solar-powered audiobook Bibles.  Finally, a group of Idaho Baptists were arrested trying to transport Haitian orphans (some of whom weren’t actually orphans) across the border into the Dominican Republic. While America is spending billions to ensure a smooth transition of security responsibilities to the Iraqi military, the Iraqis are squandering millions on what are effectively divining rods that supposedly detect explosives, guns–even truffles!  The manufacturer of this quackery is UK-based ATSC, whose founder, one Jim McCormick, has been arrested by British authorities on suspicion of fraud, and his device has been banned for export. Scott Roeder, who murdered abortion doctor George Tiller in May of last year, has been given a life sentence by a Kansas jury.  Unfortunately, Roeder could be eligible for parole in 25 years. Also: We’re Number One!  Atlanta has been named the “Gayest City in America” by Advocate.com.  Take heart, Yankees: Portland, Maine is #8. We (meaning John and Allison) will be going to the American Atheists convention, April 2-4 in Newark, NJ.  We’ll be going up a couple of days early and staying a day after to enjoy some tourism in NYC, so any suggestions are welcome for cool stuff to do or cool people to see (email john@americanfreethought.com with your suggestions).  The convention’s speakers include CFI founder Paul Kurtz, Freedom from Religion’s Dan Barker, and biologist-turned-philosopher Massimo Pigliucci. And speaking of Massimo Pigliucci, check out the brand new Rationally Speaking Podcast!  Massimo has teamed up with fellow members of the New York City Skeptics to create this great addition to the skeptical podscape. Can you spell C-O-N-T-E-S-T? We have a minor trove of nifty things to give away, including a 2009 American Atheists convention program signed by Richard Dawkins, a handful of books by famous critical thinkers, and an American Freethought t-shirt and coffee mug.  To win, simply challenge John C. Snider to a game of “Words With Friends” (the iPhone version of the classic Scrabble).  You’ll need an iPhone, of course; and you’ll need to download Words With Friends (created by game developer Newtoy, Inc.).  John’s user name is “johncsnider.”  The person who beats him by the most points during the month of February wins the tchoch. The Usual Announcements Send us email at contact@americanfreethought.com.  For John Snider only use john@americanfreethoughtcom; for David Driscoll only use david@americanfreethought.com. Leave feedback at AmericanFreethought.com. Join us on Yahoo Groups, Facebook, Atheist Nexus, or Think Atheist. Follow us on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/AmerFreethought. If you pick us up via iTunes, please take a moment to leave feedback. David continues to produce new installments of the Secular Nation Podcast. Fans of science fiction can check out John’s other project on the web, SciFiDimensions.com. Theme music by Body Found. Recorded February 1, 2010.  Hosted by John C. Snider and David Driscoll. children, christianity, humor, news, podcast, religion, skepticism American Freethought no yes http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/01/26/podcast-78-pat-robertson-is-an-evil-moron/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/01/26/podcast-78-pat-robertson-is-an-evil-moron/#comments Tue, 26 Jan 2010 05:01:42 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=1843 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/01/26/podcast-78-pat-robertson-is-an-evil-moron/feed/ 0 0:48:15 Or at least so says Christopher Hitchens, responding to Robertson’s claim that the devastating Haitian earthquake (which may have killed upwards of 200,000 innocent people) was the result of “a deal with the devil” made during the [...] Or at least so says Christopher Hitchens, responding to Robertson’s claim that the devastating Haitian earthquake (which may have killed upwards of 200,000 innocent people) was the result of “a deal with the devil” made during the Haitian Revolution in 1791.  White House press secretary Robert Gibbs called Robertson’s remarks “utterly stupid.”  Barry Lynn of Americans United said they were callous and grotesquely insensitive.  And Keith Olbermann says Robertson is full of “senile crap.” So what the heck is Robertson talking about?  In a word: voodoo.  Specifically, the semi-legendary meeting at Bois Caiman, in which African slaves called upon spirits to help them overthrow their French masters.  (And for more on modern-day voodoo right here in America, check out this short film from photojournalist Stephanie Keith. For those who want to help their fellow human beings instead of floating crack-brained religious theories, there’s CFI’s SHARE and Non-Believers Giving Aid. Meanwhile…US defense contractor Trijicon is backpedaling furiously after the media reported that they’ve been encoding Bible verses into the serial numbers of their specialty gun-sights.  Crusade, what Crusade?  Trijicon is offering a half-assed apology and has pledged to “voluntarily” stop the practice for future military production. Plus: Holey Scripture! Remember Samuel L. Jackson’s brilliant recitation of Ezekiel 25:17 from the modern classic Pulp Fiction?  Turns out Jackson’s hitman Jules knows about as much of the Bible as most Christians.  It also turns out Quentin Tarantino ripped off payed homage to Sonny Chiba. David reports on his ambassadorial trip to Charleston. John reports on American Atheist president Ed Buckner’s recent debate with Charles Gernazian (director of the Catholic American Center on Law and Religion).  Two guesses as to who we think won. The Usual Announcements Send us email at contact@americanfreethought.com.  For John Snider only use john@americanfreethoughtcom; for David Driscoll only use david@americanfreethought.com. Leave feedback at AmericanFreethought.com. Join us on Yahoo Groups, Facebook, Atheist Nexus, or Think Atheist. Follow us on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/AmerFreethought. If you pick us up via iTunes, please take a moment to leave feedback. David continues to produce new installments of the Secular Nation Podcast. Fans of science fiction can check out John’s other project on the web, SciFiDimensions.com. Theme music by Body Found. Recorded January 24, 2010.  Hosted by John C. Snider and David Driscoll. christianity, cults, history, movies, news, podcast, religion American Freethought no yes http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/01/15/podcast-77-sports-losses-and-southern-crosses/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/01/15/podcast-77-sports-losses-and-southern-crosses/#comments Fri, 15 Jan 2010 12:18:20 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=1830 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/01/15/podcast-77-sports-losses-and-southern-crosses/feed/ 1 0:40:29 University of Texas quarterback Colt McCoy was sidelined with a shoulder injury early-on at college football’s 2010 Rose Bowl.  McCoy had to watch from the bench as Texas lost the National Championship to Alabama.  But that’s okay, [...] University of Texas quarterback Colt McCoy was sidelined with a shoulder injury early-on at college football’s 2010 Rose Bowl.  McCoy had to watch from the bench as Texas lost the National Championship to Alabama.  But that’s okay, ’cause it’s all part of God’s Plan. Tiger Woods’ rumored infidelities have been all the rage with the tabloids, but who’da thunk Fox News pundit Brit Hume (not exactly an outspoken evangelical zealot) would make us forget all about it with his shoot-from-the-hip comparison of Buddhism and Christianity. North Georgia parents Patty Jo Marsh and Jacob Bartels decided it was a good idea to give tattoos to six of their seven children.  Themselves.  With a homemade tattoo machine.  Now they’re charged with illegal tattooing, reckless conduct, and more.  Oh, did we mention the tattoos were of Christian crosses? Also discussed in this episode: David wonders if he can count his work for atheist non-profits in his company’s volunteerism program. Mark your calendars: May 11, 2011 is the End of the World.  Or will be, according to often-wrong doomsayer and religious broadcaster Harold Camping.  We aren’t holding our breath, but a beer-fueled End of the World party 16 months from now doesn’t sound like a bad idea. David will be speaking, in his capacity as ambassador for Atheist Alliance International, to the Secular Humanists of the Low Country.  That’s Saturday, January 17th in Charleston, South Carolina.  Here are the details. The Usual Announcements Send us email at contact@americanfreethought.com.  For John Snider only use john@americanfreethoughtcom; for David Driscoll only use david@americanfreethought.com. Leave feedback at AmericanFreethought.com. Join us on Yahoo Groups, Facebook, Atheist Nexus, or Think Atheist. Follow us on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/AmerFreethought. If you pick us up via iTunes, please take a moment to leave feedback. David continues to produce new installments of the Secular Nation Podcast. Fans of science fiction can check out John’s other project on the web, SciFiDimensions.com. Theme music by Body Found. Recorded January 8, 2010.  Hosted by John C. Snider and David Driscoll. buddhism, children, christianity, podcast, religion American Freethought no yes http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/01/02/podcast-76-stuart-bechman-pres-of-atheist-alliance-international/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/01/02/podcast-76-stuart-bechman-pres-of-atheist-alliance-international/#comments Sat, 02 Jan 2010 05:01:16 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=1823 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/01/02/podcast-76-stuart-bechman-pres-of-atheist-alliance-international/feed/ 0 0:45:16 Happy New Year!  We kick off 2010 by interviewing Stuart Bechman, president of Atheist Alliance International (AtheistAlliance.org).  AAI is planning its first-ever Australian convention in Melbourne on March 12-14, 2010.  For details visit AtheistC[...] Happy New Year!  We kick off 2010 by interviewing Stuart Bechman, president of Atheist Alliance International (AtheistAlliance.org).  AAI is planning its first-ever Australian convention in Melbourne on March 12-14, 2010.  For details visit AtheistConvention.org.au–tickets are going fast! Also discussed in this episode: Crazy Christmas: Pope Ratzinger gets jumped by a wingnut at Christmas Mass, and another Muslim whackjob tries to blow up an airplane (last time it was shoes; this time it’s underpants). Congratulations, Mississippi!  You lead the nation in religiosity.  And poverty.  And teen pregnancy.  And poor health.  And federal support.   Coincidence, cause or correlation?  Oh, and check out this bonus graphic showing the correlation between Southern Baptism and teen pregnancy. The Usual Announcements Send us email at contact@americanfreethought.com.  For John Snider only use john@americanfreethoughtcom; for David Driscoll only use david@americanfreethought.com. Leave feedback at AmericanFreethought.com. Join us on Yahoo Groups, Facebook, Atheist Nexus, or Think Atheist. Follow us on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/AmerFreethought. If you pick us up via iTunes, please take a moment to leave feedback. David continues to produce new installments of the Secular Nation Podcast. Fans of science fiction can check out John’s other project on the web, SciFiDimensions.com. Theme music by Body Found. Recorded December 31, 2009.  Hosted by John C. Snider and David Driscoll. atheism, christianity, interviews, news, podcast, religion American Freethought no no http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/12/21/podcast-75-can-atheists-hold-office-in-nc/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/12/21/podcast-75-can-atheists-hold-office-in-nc/#comments Mon, 21 Dec 2009 05:01:43 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=1806 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/12/21/podcast-75-can-atheists-hold-office-in-nc/feed/ 1 0:37:08 Cecil Bothwell has just been elected to the city council of Asheville, North Carolina.  He happens to be an atheist.  The North Carolina state constitution bars atheists from holding elected office.  (For what it’s worth, seven other states st[...] Cecil Bothwell has just been elected to the city council of Asheville, North Carolina.  He happens to be an atheist.  The North Carolina state constitution bars atheists from holding elected office.  (For what it’s worth, seven other states still have constitutional provisions that discriminate against non-believers.)  Is this a case of continuing institutionalized bigotry, or just an amusingly unenforceable “quirk” left over from the 19th century?  (For more on Mr. Bothwell visit cecilbothwell.wordpress.com) Also discussed in this episode: There’s a War on Christmas: haven’t you heard?  South Carolina Congressman Henry Brown has introduced (nonbinding) House Resolution 951, which “seeks to express the sense…that the symbols and traditions of Christmas should be protected.”  Dozens of Brown’s (mostly Southern, mostly Republican) peers have jumped on the Save-Christmas-from-the-Multicultural-Heathen bandwagon, but HR951 is destined to die in committee.  Is this really how our elected representatives spend their time? The Washington, DC city council has okayed same-sex marriage.  But the District is under Congressional oversight: Congress has 30 days to reverse any actions of the council.  This puts Republicans (currently in the minority) in an interesting pickle.  They’re against gay marriage, but they crow all the time about the rights of state and local governments to run their own affairs.  So which way’s it gonna be, fellas? Disturbing News Alert: Another case of a child endangered by kooky, dangerous religious beliefs.  In Brazil, a man has confessed to inserting 42 needles (and leaving them in place!) into his two-year-old stepson, as part of a series of black magic rituals directed by a trance-tripping woman. Plus: It’s David’s turn to do jury duty, and he’s amazed to read a local journalist’s confession that you have to be irrational to be Christian. The Usual Announcements Send us email at contact@americanfreethought.com.  For John Snider only use john@americanfreethoughtcom; for David Driscoll only use david@americanfreethought.com. Leave feedback at AmericanFreethought.com. Join us on Yahoo Groups, Facebook, Atheist Nexus, or Think Atheist. Follow us on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/AmerFreethought. If you pick us up via iTunes, please take a moment to leave feedback. David continues to produce new installments of the Secular Nation Podcast. Fans of science fiction can check out John’s other project on the web, SciFiDimensions.com. Theme music by Body Found. Recorded December 17, 2009.  Hosted by John C. Snider and David Driscoll. atheism, christianity, cults, podcast, politics, religion American Freethought no no http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/12/07/podcast-74-margaret-downey/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/12/07/podcast-74-margaret-downey/#comments Mon, 07 Dec 2009 05:01:58 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=1767 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/12/07/podcast-74-margaret-downey/feed/ 0 0:47:17 We interview Margaret Downey, former Atheist Alliance International president and founder of the Freethought Society of Greater Philadelphia (FSGP.org), about her experiences coordinating the annual Tree of Knowledge in Chester County, Pennsylvania,[...] We interview Margaret Downey, former Atheist Alliance International president and founder of the Freethought Society of Greater Philadelphia (FSGP.org), about her experiences coordinating the annual Tree of Knowledge in Chester County, Pennsylvania, which is intended to offer an alternative to the traditional Nativity scene displayed on public property.  For more about Margaret visit secular-celebrations.com. We review Oh My God, a new documentary by writer/director/producer Peter Rodger, in which he travels around the world asking people the question: What is God?  For more info, including upcoming screenings near you, visit omgmovie.com. Also discussed in this episode: The Atheists Guide to Christmas, a book edited by Ariane Sherine (the woman behind the original Atheist Bus Campaign in London) with contributions by 42 nonbelievers, including Richard Dawkins and Phil Plait.  The book is available at Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk. And if you thought the new 150th anniversary edition of Charles Darwin’s On the Origin of Species (with “special” introduction by Ray “The Atheist’s Nightmare” Comfort) was completely useless, think again.  A copy signed by skeptics Joe Nickell, Dan Barker, Rebecca Watson, PZ Myers, DJ Grothe and others is being auctioned on eBay, with the proceeds going to the Missouri State University Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster to help them organize next year’s Skepticon III conference).  Bidding ends December 11th, so check it out now!  For more visit Skepticon.org. The Usual Announcements Send us email at contact@americanfreethought.com.  For John Snider only use john@americanfreethoughtcom; for David Driscoll only use david@americanfreethought.com. Leave feedback at AmericanFreethought.com. Join us on Yahoo Groups, Facebook, Atheist Nexus, or Think Atheist. Follow us on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/AmerFreethought. If you pick us up via iTunes, please take a moment to leave feedback. David continues to produce new installments of the Secular Nation Podcast. Fans of science fiction can check out John’s other project on the web, SciFiDimensions.com. Theme music by Body Found. Recorded December 3, 2009.  Hosted by John C. Snider and David Driscoll. atheism, books, interviews, movies, news, podcast, religion American Freethought no no http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/11/23/podcast-73-war-on-christmas-special/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/11/23/podcast-73-war-on-christmas-special/#comments Mon, 23 Nov 2009 05:01:19 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=1756 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/11/23/podcast-73-war-on-christmas-special/feed/ 3 1:01:31 Okay, no War on Christmas per se, but… the festive season approaches, and it’s time for us to share our Top Five suggestions for holiday gifts for nonbelievers!  It’s your opportunity to warm the cockles of the family atheist and/o[...] Okay, no War on Christmas per se, but… the festive season approaches, and it’s time for us to share our Top Five suggestions for holiday gifts for nonbelievers!  It’s your opportunity to warm the cockles of the family atheist and/or make pious relatives squirm as you share presents around the pagan tree. David’s suggestions (in no particular order): Nonfiction Two-Fer – Don’t Be Such a Scientist by Randy Olson and Worlds of Their Own by Robert J. Schadewald (David’s favorite nonfiction books of 2009). DVD Two-Fer – Troy Conrad’s The Comedy Jesus Show (www.comedyjesusshow.com) and the AAI 2009 Convention 2009 video (coming soon from www.atheistalliance.org). A telescope. American Freethought tchoch: t-shirts, coffee mugs and more (www.cafepress.com/amerfreethought). Membership in Atheist Alliance International (www.atheistalliance.org/Membership.html). John’s suggestions (in no particular order): A Very Haeckel Christmas (greeting cards inspired by the artwork of 19th century biologys Ernst Haeckel) (www.cafepress.com/therhinobird). Surly-Ramics Jewelry (www.surlyramics.com). Honorable Mention goes to Made with Molecules (www.madewithmolecules.com). Here Comes Science (CD and DVD for kids) by alt-rock legends They Might Be Giants. Bible Comics Two-Fer – The Book of Genesis Illustrated by Robert Crumb and The Wolverton Bible by Basil Wolverton Charitable donation to your local college skeptics or atheists club.  John recommends the Kennesaw State University Student Coalition for Inquiry (www.ksusci.com) or the University or Missouri’s Skeptics Atheists Secular Humanists Agnostics (MU SASHA) Also discussed in this episode: Jennifer Burns‘ (Goddess of the Market) lecture at the Margaret Mitchell House in Atlanta. Massimo Pigliucci’s recent series of lectures in Atlanta. Darwin’s Origin of Species is 150 years old on November 24th!  We’re celebrating with a bottle of Evolution Wine (www.evolutionwine.com). The American Freethought Podcast is 2 years old on November 26th. Hominid - A stage play at Emory University produced by Out of Hand Theater (www.outofhandtheater.com) and inspired by the chimpanzee research of Frans de Waal. Listener feedback. The Usual Announcements Send us email at contact@americanfreethought.com.  For John Snider only use john@americanfreethoughtcom; for David Driscoll only use david@americanfreethought.com. Leave feedback at AmericanFreethought.com. Join us on Yahoo Groups, Facebook, Atheist Nexus, or Think Atheist. Follow us on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/AmerFreethought. If you pick us up via iTunes, please take a moment to leave feedback. David continues to produce new installments of the Secular Nation Podcast. Fans of science fiction can check out John’s other project on the web, SciFiDimensions.com. Theme music by Body Found. Recorded November 22, 2009.  Hosted by John C. Snider and David Driscoll. arts, commentary, news, podcast American Freethought no no http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/11/09/podcast-72-jennifer-burns-goddess-of-the-market/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/11/09/podcast-72-jennifer-burns-goddess-of-the-market/#comments Mon, 09 Nov 2009 04:01:28 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=1737 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/11/09/podcast-72-jennifer-burns-goddess-of-the-market/feed/ 1 1:18:39 We interview Jennifer Burns, assistant professor of history at the University of Virginia and author of the new biography Goddess of the Market: Ayn Rand and the American Right.  It’s a timely book considering the recent resurgence of Rand[...] We interview Jennifer Burns, assistant professor of history at the University of Virginia and author of the new biography Goddess of the Market: Ayn Rand and the American Right.  It’s a timely book considering the recent resurgence of Rand’s works (especially her novels The Fountainhead and Atlas Shrugged)  as a reaction to the country’s current economic situation.  For more about Prof. Burns visit www.JenniferBurns.org.  Read John Snider’s review of Goddess of the Market and/or order you very own copy at Amazon.com. Readers may also be interested in But Is It Science Fiction? Ayn Rand’s Atlas Shrugged (essay by John C. Snider from 2000) and Five Questions with Nathaniel Branden (interview by John C. Snider from 2005). The Usual Announcements: Send us email at contact@americanfreethought.com.  For John Snider only use john@americanfreethoughtcom; for David Driscoll only use david@americanfreethought.com. Leave feedback at AmericanFreethought.com. Join us on Yahoo Groups, Facebook, Atheist Nexus, or Think Atheist. Follow us on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/AmerFreethought. If you pick us up via iTunes, please take a moment to leave feedback. David continues to produce new installments of the Secular Nation Podcast. Fans of science fiction can check out John’s other project on the web, SciFiDimensions.com. Theme music by Body Found. Recorded November 7, 2009.  Hosted by John C. Snider and David Driscoll. atheism, books, history, interviews, podcast, politics American Freethought no no http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/11/04/were-back-on-the-itunes-store/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/11/04/were-back-on-the-itunes-store/#comments Wed, 04 Nov 2009 14:54:34 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=1647 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/11/04/were-back-on-the-itunes-store/feed/ 2 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/11/03/podcast-71-eye-of-sauron-edition/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/11/03/podcast-71-eye-of-sauron-edition/#comments Tue, 03 Nov 2009 04:01:02 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=1640 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/11/03/podcast-71-eye-of-sauron-edition/feed/ 6 1:02:06 We look at three recent TV programs that have attracted the attention of the Eye of Sauron, a.k.a. Catholic League president Bill Donohue, whose job it is to manufacture outrage anytime anyone makes fun of the Church or offers sharp criticism of it.[...] We look at three recent TV programs that have attracted the attention of the Eye of Sauron, a.k.a. Catholic League president Bill Donohue, whose job it is to manufacture outrage anytime anyone makes fun of the Church or offers sharp criticism of it.  Sarah Silverman’s video “Sell the Vatican, Feed the World” appeared on the season finale of Real Time with Bill Maher.  The Simpsons mock the Eucharist in their annual “Treehouse of Horror” special with the segment “Don’t Have a Cow, Mankind.”  And Curb Your Enthusiasm auteur Larry David accidentally splashes urine on a portrait of Jesus in the episode “Dealing with the Midriff.”  Bottom line: if it makes the Eye apoplectic, it warms our hearts. Speaking of TV, Muslims have yet to riot or issue any fatwas over a controversial commercial by German lingerie company Liaisons Dangereuse. We’ve been reading!  Check out John’s chapter-by-chapter thoughts on Richard Dawkins’ The Greatest Show on Earth starting here, as well as his reviews of Carl Zimmer’s evolution textbook The Tangled Bank and Robert Crumb’s The Book of Genesis Illustrated.  Also, David recommends Robert Schadewald’s posthumous collection of skeptical essays Worlds of Their Own. The Usual Announcements: Send us email at contact@americanfreethought.com.  For John Snider only use john@americanfreethoughtcom; David only use david@americanfreethought.com. Leave feedback at AmericanFreethought.com. Join us on Yahoo Groups, Facebook, Atheist Nexus, or Think Atheist. Follow us on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/AmerFreethought. If you pick us up via iTunes, please take a moment to leave feedback. David continues to produce new installments of the Secular Nation Podcast. Fans of science fiction can check out John’s other project on the web, SciFiDimensions.com. Theme music by Body Found. Recorded November 1, 2009.  Hosted by John C. Snider and David Driscoll. christianity, humor, islam, podcast, religion, television American Freethought no no http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/10/12/heads-up-for-our-itunes-users/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/10/12/heads-up-for-our-itunes-users/#comments Mon, 12 Oct 2009 10:00:29 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=1473 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/10/12/heads-up-for-our-itunes-users/feed/ 9 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/10/12/podcast-70-randy-olson-dont-be-such-a-scientist/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/10/12/podcast-70-randy-olson-dont-be-such-a-scientist/#comments Mon, 12 Oct 2009 04:01:13 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=1540 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/10/12/podcast-70-randy-olson-dont-be-such-a-scientist/feed/ 0 0:56:30 We interview Randy Olson, marine biologist turned filmmaker, and author of the new book Don’t Be Such a Scientist: Talking Substance in an Age of Style.  Randy is best known for the 2006 documentary Flock of Dodos: The Evolution-Intelligent De[...] We interview Randy Olson, marine biologist turned filmmaker, and author of the new book Don’t Be Such a Scientist: Talking Substance in an Age of Style.  Randy is best known for the 2006 documentary Flock of Dodos: The Evolution-Intelligent Design Circus and his 2008 global warming comedy Sizzle.  Don’t Be Such a Scientist is part memoir, part instructional guide, in which Randy offers advice to scientists and other intellectual types on how to better communicate to general audiences.  For more about Randy’s projects, visit DontBeSuchaScientist.com, SizzletheMovie.com and FlockofDodos.com. Read John’s review of Don’t Be Such a Scientist.  Don’t Be Such a Scientist is available at Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk. Read John’s review of Flock of Dodos. Listen to our first interview with Randy from waaay back in 2007 in American Freethought episode #2. Also discussed and presented for your amusement: Randy’s New Scientist review of Richard Dawkins’ The Greatest Show on Earth. Comedian Jon Stewart’s infamous appearance on Crossfire. Kirk Cameron’s ridiculous video drive-by defaming Charles Darwin. Randy’s first short science video “Barnacles Tell No Lies” The Usual Announcements: Send us email at contact@americanfreethought.com.  For John Snider only use john@americanfreethoughtcom; David only use david@americanfreethought.com Leave feedback at AmericanFreethought.com. Join us on Yahoo Groups, Facebook, Atheist Nexus, or Think Atheist. Follow us on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/AmerFreethought If you pick us up via iTunes, please take a moment to leave feedback. David continues to produce new installments of the Secular Nation Podcast. Fans of science fiction can check out John’s other project on the web, SciFiDimensions.com. Theme music by Body Found. Recorded October 7, 2009.  Hosted by John C. Snider and David Driscoll. books, humor, interviews, podcast, science American Freethought no no http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/10/04/podcast-69-almost-live-from-aai-2009-pt-2/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/10/04/podcast-69-almost-live-from-aai-2009-pt-2/#comments Mon, 05 Oct 2009 03:21:51 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=1480 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/10/04/podcast-69-almost-live-from-aai-2009-pt-2/feed/ 7 0:22:22 David gives us his second and final report from the Atheist Alliance International 2009 Convention, October 2-4 in Los Angeles (Burbank, actually), CA.  Another great line-up of speakers, including Lawrence Krauss, Carolyn Porco, Daniel Dennett and [...] David gives us his second and final report from the Atheist Alliance International 2009 Convention, October 2-4 in Los Angeles (Burbank, actually), CA.  Another great line-up of speakers, including Lawrence Krauss, Carolyn Porco, Daniel Dennett and Richard Dawkins.  Plus: Find out which city will be host to AAI 2010! Announcements – We encourage you to leave feedback at AmericanFreethought.com.  We have a Yahoo Group, a Facebook page, an Atheist Nexus page, a Think Atheist page, and a Twitter feed.  If you pick us up via iTunes, please take a moment to leave feedback. David continues to produce new installments of the Secular Nation Podcast. Fans of science fiction can check out John’s other project on the web, SciFiDimensions.com. Theme music by Body Found. Recorded October 4, 2009.  Hosted by John C. Snider and David Driscoll. atheism, news, podcast American Freethought no no http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/10/03/podcast-68-almost-live-from-aai-2009/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/10/03/podcast-68-almost-live-from-aai-2009/#comments Sat, 03 Oct 2009 18:11:19 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=1475 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/10/03/podcast-68-almost-live-from-aai-2009/feed/ 0 0:23:52 David reports on Day One of the Atheist Alliance International 2009 Convention, October 2-4 in Los Angeles (Burbank, actually), CA.  It’s an A-list of celebrity speakers.  And there’s a minor controversy over the awarding of this year[...] David reports on Day One of the Atheist Alliance International 2009 Convention, October 2-4 in Los Angeles (Burbank, actually), CA.  It’s an A-list of celebrity speakers.  And there’s a minor controversy over the awarding of this year’s Richard Dawkins Award to comedian Bill Maher.  Bill’s on the same page with most atheists on the problems with religion, but he occasionally raises eyebrows with his offhanded statements about the effectiveness of modern medicine and the safety of everyday food.  Will the atheists storm the stage with pitchforks and torches?  Or will Bill emerge with his skin–and his reputation–intact?  Listen in and find out! Announcements – We encourage you to leave feedback at AmericanFreethought.com.  We have a Yahoo Group, a Facebook page, an Atheist Nexus page, a Think Atheist page (NEW!), and a Twitter feed.  If you pick us up via iTunes, please take a moment to leave feedback. David continues to produce new installments of the Secular Nation Podcast. Fans of science fiction can check out John’s other project on the web, SciFiDimensions.com. Theme music by Body Found. Recorded October 3, 2009.  Hosted by John C. Snider and David Driscoll. atheism, news, podcast American Freethought no no http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/10/01/podcast-67-jeff-sharlet-the-family/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/10/01/podcast-67-jeff-sharlet-the-family/#comments Thu, 01 Oct 2009 04:01:28 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=1455 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/10/01/podcast-67-jeff-sharlet-the-family/feed/ 0 0:47:58 We interview Jeff Sharlet, author of The Family: The Secret Fundamentalism at the Heart of American Power.  The Family is both an investigation into the organization that has influenced presidents from Eisenhower to Obama, and a history of American [...] We interview Jeff Sharlet, author of The Family: The Secret Fundamentalism at the Heart of American Power.  The Family is both an investigation into the organization that has influenced presidents from Eisenhower to Obama, and a history of American fundamentalism from colonial times to the present.  If you don’t read any other book this year about religion in America, read this one.  You can buy The Family at Amazon.com. Sharlet is the co-creator of Killing the Buddha, a literary magazine about religion, and The Revealer, “a daily review of religion and the press.”  Sharlet is also a contributing editor to Harper’s and Rolling Stone. Announcements – We encourage you to leave feedback at AmericanFreethought.com.  We have a Yahoo Group, a Facebook page, an Atheist Nexus page, a Think Atheist page (NEW!), and a Twitter feed.  If you pick us up via iTunes, please take a moment to leave feedback. Say “hi” to David if you’re planning to attend the upcoming Atheist Alliance International 2009 Convention, October 2-4 in Los Angeles (Burbank, actually), CA. David continues to produce new installments of the Secular Nation Podcast. Fans of science fiction can check out John’s other project on the web, SciFiDimensions.com. Theme music by Body Found. Recorded September 28, 2009.  Hosted by John C. Snider and David Driscoll. books, christianity, cults, history, podcast, politics, religion American Freethought no no http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/09/28/podcast-66-freethought-in-mexico/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/09/28/podcast-66-freethought-in-mexico/#comments Mon, 28 Sep 2009 04:01:37 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=1446 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/09/28/podcast-66-freethought-in-mexico/feed/ 2 0:43:47 We interview Danny Zepeda, a skeptical blogger living in Morelia, a city in central Mexico.  He talks about the state of freethought South of the Border, the prevalence of superstition and alt-medicine quackery in Mexican society, and the challenges[...] We interview Danny Zepeda, a skeptical blogger living in Morelia, a city in central Mexico.  He talks about the state of freethought South of the Border, the prevalence of superstition and alt-medicine quackery in Mexican society, and the challenges of raising children to be critical thinkers.  Visit Danny’s Spanish-language blog Un Papá Escéptico (A Skeptical Papa) at papaesceptico.wordpress.com.  If you can’t read Spanish, try pasting the URL into the Babel Fish text translation tool: the results are sometimes a bit iffy but readable. Announcements – We encourage you to leave feedback at AmericanFreethought.com.  We have a Yahoo Group, a Facebook page, an Atheist Nexus page, a Think Atheist page (NEW!), and a Twitter feed.  Also, if you pick us up via iTunes, please take a moment to leave feedback. Say “hi” to David if you’re planning to attend the upcoming Atheist Alliance International 2009 Convention, October 2-4 in Los Angeles (Burbank, actually), CA. David continues to produce new installments of the Secular Nation Podcast. Fans of science fiction can check out John’s other project on the web, SciFiDimensions.com. Theme music by Body Found. Recorded September 25, 2009.  Hosted by John C. Snider and David Driscoll. atheism, children, christianity, podcast, religion, skepticism, superstitions American Freethought no no http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/09/22/podcast-65-live-at-dragoncon/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/09/22/podcast-65-live-at-dragoncon/#comments Tue, 22 Sep 2009 04:01:22 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=1409 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/09/22/podcast-65-live-at-dragoncon/feed/ 0 1:00:37 Here’s a recording of our live show, presented September 5th on the Dragon*Con Skeptics Track.  Among the topics discussed: Homeopathic beer (with a tip o’ the hat to That Mitchell and Webb Look) The CieAura Patch of Woo Are skepticism [...] Here’s a recording of our live show, presented September 5th on the Dragon*Con Skeptics Track.  Among the topics discussed: Homeopathic beer (with a tip o’ the hat to That Mitchell and Webb Look) The CieAura Patch of Woo Are skepticism and science fiction fandom compatible? Holey Scripture (with a tip o’ the hat to TheBrickTestament.com) Media FAIL: A humorous look at bad media reporting on science and science history Audience Q&A Thanks once again to Derek of Skepticality and Mark Distler of Abrupt Media for audio/visual support.  Despite their best efforts, there were some unexpected technical issues with the sound, but as the late Pope John Paul II said of The Passion of the Christ, “It is as it was.” Announcements – We encourage you to leave feedback at AmericanFreethought.com.  We have a Yahoo Group, a Facebook page, an Atheist Nexus page, and a Twitter feed.  Also, if you pick us up via iTunes, please take a moment to leave feedback. David continues to produce new installments of the Secular Nation Podcast. Fans of science fiction can check out John’s other project on the web, SciFiDimensions.com. Theme music by Body Found. Recorded September 5, 2009.  Hosted by John C. Snider and David Driscoll. commentary, humor, news, podcast American Freethought no no http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/09/15/podcast-64-dragoncon-wrap-up/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/09/15/podcast-64-dragoncon-wrap-up/#comments Tue, 15 Sep 2009 04:01:45 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=1358 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/09/15/podcast-64-dragoncon-wrap-up/feed/ 4 1:03:19 We’ll post the live episode we recorded on September 5th as soon as it’s available; meanwhile, we look back at our experience at Dragon*Con in general and the Skeptics Track in particular.  Kudos to: Derek & Swoopy of Skepticality f[...] We’ll post the live episode we recorded on September 5th as soon as it’s available; meanwhile, we look back at our experience at Dragon*Con in general and the Skeptics Track in particular.  Kudos to: Derek & Swoopy of Skepticality for all their hard work in making the Skeptics Track and the Podcasting Track so successful. Mark Distler of Abrupt Media for providing sound and video service at the Con. All the other cohorts, minions, sycophants and volunteers who helped make it happen. Atlanta Skeptics for pulling off a fantastic Star Party at the Agnes Scott College Bradley Observatory. Also mentioned in our Dragon*Con discussion: The Joe Nickell Files – John Snider’s series of interviews with the world-famous skeptical investigator, published at SciFiDimensions.com in 2000-2001. Surly Amy – An artist whose “Surly-Ramics” handmade ceramic jewelry has themes that will appeal to skeptics and science buffs. Center for Chemical Evolution -A research project which seeks “to understand and demonstrate the chemical origins of the first RNA-like polymers.” NOVA: Mystery of the Megavolcano – David recommends this PBS documentary that shows how scientists, working independently and across multiple disciplines, can arrive at corroborating conclusions about the timing of geological events.  In this case, the fact that science has proven a megavolcanic eruption 75,000 years ago probably won’t impress fundamentalists who still insist that the earth is only 6,000 years old. Richard Dawkins’ The Greatest Show on Earth – MC Dawky-Dawk’s latest book hits the shelves on September 22 and promises to be another bestseller.  Meanwhile, The Times Online has posted two excerpts! Scandal at Joel Osteen’s Lakewood Church – This story flew under the mainstream media’s radar back in July, but its twists and turns would make the most shameless soap opera pale in comparison.  David Molina is suing Lakewood after discovering that two of the pastors who counseled him and his wife knew that she was having an affair with a third pastor, who also counseled the couple–and was himself the person having the affair with Mrs. Molina!  We couldn’t make this stuff up if we tried. Feedback – We read several listener responses to episode #63 “Efficacy of Prayer.” Announcements – We encourage you to leave feedback at AmericanFreethought.com.  We have a Yahoo Group, a Facebook page, an Atheist Nexus page, and a Twitter feed.  Also, if you pick us up via iTunes, please take a moment to leave feedback. David continues to produce new installments of the Secular Nation Podcast. Fans of science fiction can check out John’s other project on the web, SciFiDimensions.com. commentary, news, podcast, skepticism American Freethought no no http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/08/25/podcast-63-efficacy-of-prayer/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/08/25/podcast-63-efficacy-of-prayer/#comments Tue, 25 Aug 2009 04:01:34 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=1270 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/08/25/podcast-63-efficacy-of-prayer/feed/ 9 1:05:00 It’s the p-p-p-p-power of prayer!  Or not.  We look at several anecdotes that point toward the efficacy (or inefficacy) of intercessory prayer, including: The tragic cases of two teenage girls (one in TN, one in KY), both of whom suffered ter[...] It’s the p-p-p-p-power of prayer!  Or not.  We look at several anecdotes that point toward the efficacy (or inefficacy) of intercessory prayer, including: The tragic cases of two teenage girls (one in TN, one in KY), both of whom suffered terrible injuries.  One recovered (more or less), the other is maimed for life.  Both were the beneficiaries of  the prayers of hundreds.  Why did God heal one and snub the other???  We’ll give you a hint: the answer can be found at www.whywontgodhealamputees.com. The Miracle of Colwich Man – A Kansas man was healed after thousands of parishioners prayed to the late Father Emil Kapaun, a Korean War hero who’s currently under “skeptical” investigation by the Vatican for possible sainthood. The Case of the Shriveling Glacier – Faithful Catholics in the Swiss towns of Fiesch and Feischertal have prayed for centuries that God protect them from the wintertime advance of the Aletsch Glacier.  Now the Aletsch is rapidly receding due to global warming, so now the townsfolk are seeking the Pope’s permission to reverse the prayer. Science has a few things to say about prayer.  Okay, actually science only has one thing to say: it don’t work. Study of the Therapeutic Effects of Intercessory Prayer (STEP) – The American Heart Association published the results of a double-blind study on the effects of prayer on patients undergoing heart surgery.  Those who were told they would be prayed for–and were actually prayed for–actually did worse than those who were not prayed for. A Governor’s Prayer for Rain (scroll down to find the article) – Skeptic magazine publishes a statistical study of Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue’s controversial prayer-for-rain organized on the steps of the state capitol in 2007.  Conclusion: Sonny’s God is a penurious God. Does TM reduce violent crime? – The World Peace Project claims that Transcendental Meditation en masse actually reduced violent crime during a six-week period in 1993–guaranteed to “less than two parts per billion.”  Skeptico thinks not. Plus: The Voyage that Shook the World!  Creation Ministries International has just released a $1 million documentary that insists Charles Darwin was a fantasy-prone nebbish and pathological liar who cherrypicked his data to crank out that addle-brained Theory of Evolution.  Plus Darwin was a racist.  Local skeptic/freethinker Douglas Scott joins us for the critique.  You can read John’s extensive review here or visit the movies official website. ANNOUNCEMENTS Dragon*Con is coming soon!  September 4-7 in Atlanta, to be exact.  American Freethought will record a live podcast at 11:30AM, Saturday, September 5th with the Skeptics Track. We (meaning John and David and respective redheads) will also be attending the Star Party at Agnes Scott College in Decatur, GA on Thursday, September 3rd.  The Star Party is organized by the Atlanta Skeptics, will feature dinner, drinks, an opportunity to chat with Phil Plait (Bad Astronomy) and Pamela Gay (Astronomy Cast podcast), and stargazing through the Bradley Observatory telescope.  Proceeds go to the American Cancer Society in honor of the late Jeff Medkeff (Blue Collar Scientist). Participation and Feedback: Email contact@americanfreethought.com – attach voicemail in mp3 or wav format. American Freethought on Twitter.  We’re new on Twitter!  Get auto-tweets every time we post something to the website, plus the occasional random news item. American Freethought on Atheist Nexus – What’s Atheist Nexus?  Well, it’s like Facebook for nonbelievers.  Join up! American Freethought on Facebook American Freethought Yahoo Group – Chat with fellow freethinkers. iTunes – If you listen to us via iTunes, take a moment and leave feedback. Shop or Donate: CafePress – Buy cool American Freethought swag, including t-shirts and mugs.[...] children, christianity, commentary, evolution, movies, news, podcast, religion, science American Freethought no no http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/08/14/podcast-62-freethought-and-power-pop/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/08/14/podcast-62-freethought-and-power-pop/#comments Fri, 14 Aug 2009 04:01:03 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=1204 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/08/14/podcast-62-freethought-and-power-pop/feed/ 2 1:09:22 We talk to James Deem, organizer of Charlotte Pop Fest (Sep 24-25), a power pop music festival in North Carolina.  Why should freethinkers care about a pop music fest?  Because in an unprecedented partnership, proceeds from CPF will benefit the Rich[...] We talk to James Deem, organizer of Charlotte Pop Fest (Sep 24-25), a power pop music festival in North Carolina.  Why should freethinkers care about a pop music fest?  Because in an unprecedented partnership, proceeds from CPF will benefit the Richard Dawkins Foundation.  In fact, Richard Dawkins himself will speak in Charlotte in October. After the sign-off, stay tuned for James Deem performing the XTC classic “Dear God.”  Visit JamesDeem.com for info on how to download a copy for yourself! Also, David asks for advice on behalf of a friend in what we’re calling The Texas Preschool Dilemma. Plus: Lots of feedback! ANNOUNCEMENTS Dragon*Con is only three weeks away!  Four day memberships are $90 (plus Ticketmaster charges) through August 15th.  After that, you’ll have to buy tickets at the door ($100 for four days, less for other packages).   American Freethought will record a live podcast at 11:30AM, Saturday, September 5th with the Skeptics Track. We (meaning John and David and respective redheads) will also be attending the Star Party at Agnes Scott College in Decatur, GA on Thursday, September 3rd.  The Star Party is organized by the Atlanta Skeptics, will feature dinner, drinks, an opportunity to chat with Phil Plait (Bad Astronomy) and Pamela Gay (Astronomy Cast podcast), and stargazing through the Bradley Observatory telescope.  Proceeds go to the American Cancer Society in honor of the late Jeff Medkeff (Blue Collar Scientist). Participation and Feedback: Email contact@americanfreethought.com – attach voicemail in mp3 or wav format. American Freethought on Twitter.  We’re new on Twitter!  Get auto-tweets every time we post something to the website, plus the occasional random news item. American Freethought on Atheist Nexus – What’s Atheist Nexus?  Well, it’s like Facebook for nonbelievers.  Join up! American Freethought on Facebook American Freethought Yahoo Group – Chat with fellow freethinkers. iTunes – If you listen to us via iTunes, take a moment and leave feedback. Shop or Donate: CafePress – Buy cool American Freethought swag, including t-shirts and mugs. Amazon.com – Click-through and buy whatever you want. PayPal – Drop some change in our virtual tip-jar.  You’ll help offset the cost of maintaining the website and producing the podcast. Visit us online at AmericanFreethought.com.  We post new content (nearly) every day! David is podcasting new episodes of Secular Nation, including episodes on Mormon homosexuals and an essay from Nathan Phelps (estranged son of Fred Phelps, leader of the infamous Westboro Baptist Church).  AtheistAlliance.org/podcast. Interested in science fiction?  Then check out John’s other online project, SciFiDimensions.com. Theme music by Body Found. Recorded August 12, 2009.  Hosted by John C. Snider and David Driscoll. interviews, music, news, podcast, science American Freethought no no http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/08/05/our-dragoncon-schedule/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/08/05/our-dragoncon-schedule/#comments Wed, 05 Aug 2009 04:01:06 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=1165 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/08/05/our-dragoncon-schedule/feed/ 1 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/08/03/podcast-61-adventures-in-cobb-county/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/08/03/podcast-61-adventures-in-cobb-county/#comments Mon, 03 Aug 2009 04:01:22 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=1090 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/08/03/podcast-61-adventures-in-cobb-county/feed/ 6 1:08:27 “Ufologist” and Young Earth Creationist Gary Bates of Creation Ministries International presented “Aliens, UFOs and the Bible” on July 18th at the Sewell Mill Baptist Church in Marietta, GA.  We (John and Allison) were there[...] “Ufologist” and Young Earth Creationist Gary Bates of Creation Ministries International presented “Aliens, UFOs and the Bible” on July 18th at the Sewell Mill Baptist Church in Marietta, GA.  We (John and Allison) were there, but the building did not spontaneously burst into flame, nor were there any clear-skies lightning strikes to manifest the ire of YHWH at the presence of infidels.  As for Bates…thanks a LOT, Australia!  For general creationist debunkage visit TalkOrigins.org.  [Late-breaking Bonus:  If you can stomach it, you can listen to Bates's entire baloneython in podcast format at the church's website--including the very session we sat in on!] American Atheists president Ed Buckner delivers the invocation before a meeting of the Cobb County (Georgia) Board of Commissioners in Marietta.  Yes, we know that “atheist invocation” is an oxymoron, but Ed used the opportunity to go meta, delivering a four-minute invocation on the idiocy of invocations.  Go get ‘em, Ed! More Cobb Craziness: Pelphry v Cobb – The ACLU (with Ed Buckner among the plaintiffs) sued the county over sectarian invocations before meetings of the BOC.  The ACLU lost, but the BOC has loosened up on who may deliver the invocation. Evolution Stickers – The county was sued–and lost–over stickers placed in school biology texts that read “Evolution is a theory, not a fact, regarding the origin of living things.  The material should be approached with an open mind, studied carefully, and critically considered.” Olympic Scandal – In the mid-1990s the BOC passed a resolution declaring that homosexuality was “incompatible with the standards to which this community subscribes.”  After gay rights activists threatened to disrupt the Olympic Torch Relay (which was scheduled to go through Cobb on its way to the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta), the Olympic organizers rerouted the torch.  Cobb rescinded the anti-gay resolution in 1997. Annette Kesting – Cobb’s first black Commissioner got in hot water for stating, while speaking at a black church, “I love my enemies.  I pray every day with my enemies because I have to go up on the third floor and work with white women,” and “You would be amazed seeing the people I work with at the county.  They are not Christian people.”  Kesting lost the next election to Woody Thompson; to exact revenge, Kesting hired a South Carolina voodoo priestess to put a curse on Thompson that would kill him.  The curse failed; actually, it was never cast, since both of Kesting’s checks bounced.  In July 2009 Kesting and her husband were arrested for allegedly stealing a truck they had borrowed from a friend and failed to return. ANNOUNCEMENTS Dragon*Con is only a month away!  Four day memberships are $90 (plus Ticketmaster charges) through August 15th.  After that, you’ll have to buy tickets at the door ($100 for four days, less for other packages).   American Freethought will record a live podcast at 11:30AM, Saturday, September 5th with the Skeptics Track. We (meaning John and David and respective redheads) will also be attending the Star Party at Agnes Scott College in Decatur, GA on Thursday, September 3rd.  The Star Party is organized by the Atlanta Skeptics, will feature dinner, drinks, an opportunity to chat with Phil Plait (Bad Astronomy) and Pamela Gay (Astronomy Cast podcast), and stargazing through the Bradley Observatory telescope.  Proceeds go to the American Cancer Society in honor of the late Jeff Medkeff (Blue Collar Scientist). Participation and Feedback: Email contact@americanfreethought.com – attach voicemail in mp3 or wav format. American Freethought on Twitter.  We’re new on Twitter!  Get auto-tweets every time we post something to the website, plus the occasional random news item. American Freethought on Atheist Nexus – What’s Atheist Nexus?  Well, [...] atheism, christianity, evolution, history, news, paranormal, podcast, politics, religion, science American Freethought no no http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/07/22/dragoncon-skeptrack-schedule-available/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/07/22/dragoncon-skeptrack-schedule-available/#comments Wed, 22 Jul 2009 12:04:09 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=1064 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/07/22/dragoncon-skeptrack-schedule-available/feed/ 0 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/07/19/podcast-60-40th-anniv-of-apollo-11-with-seth-shostak/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/07/19/podcast-60-40th-anniv-of-apollo-11-with-seth-shostak/#comments Sun, 19 Jul 2009 05:01:47 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=1028 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/07/19/podcast-60-40th-anniv-of-apollo-11-with-seth-shostak/feed/ 3 0:56:14 We celebrate the 40th anniversary of Apollo 11!  On July 20, 1969 astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin became the first human beings to set foot on another world.  Our special guest this time is Seth Shostak, senior astronomer with the SETI Ins[...] We celebrate the 40th anniversary of Apollo 11!  On July 20, 1969 astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin became the first human beings to set foot on another world.  Our special guest this time is Seth Shostak, senior astronomer with the SETI Institute, co-host of the Are We Alone? radio show, and author of the book Confessions of an Alien Hunter (available at Amazon.com and/or Amazon.co.uk). ANNOUNCEMENTS Participation and Feedback: Email contact@americanfreethought.com – attach voicemail in mp3 or wav format. American Freethought on Twitter.  We’re new on Twitter!  Get auto-tweets every time we post something to the website, plus the occasional random news item. American Freethought on Atheist Nexus – What’s Atheist Nexus?  Well, it’s like Facebook for nonbelievers.  Join up! American Freethought on Facebook American Freethought Yahoo Group – Chat with fellow freethinkers. iTunes – If you listen to us via iTunes, take a moment and leave feedback. Shop or Donate: CafePress – Buy cool American Freethought swag, including t-shirts and mugs. Amazon.com – Click-through and buy whatever you want. PayPal – Drop some change in our virtual tip-jar.  You’ll help offset the cost of maintaining the website and producing the podcast. Visit us online at AmericanFreethought.com.  We post new content (nearly) every day! David will podcast new episodes of Secular Nation soon.  AtheistAlliance.org/podcast. Interested in science fiction?  Then check out John’s other online project, SciFiDimensions.com. Theme music by Body Found. Recorded July 16, 2009.  Hosted by John C. Snider and David Driscoll. history, interviews, paranormal, podcast, science, skepticism American Freethought no no http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/07/16/podcast-59a-bill-maher-stand-up-tour/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/07/16/podcast-59a-bill-maher-stand-up-tour/#comments Thu, 16 Jul 2009 14:05:34 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=1042 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/07/16/podcast-59a-bill-maher-stand-up-tour/feed/ 0 1:01:58 David gives us a report on Bill Maher’s stand-up tour; specifically, Maher’s recent appearance at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre in Atlanta. We also give listeners a heads-up on several upcoming events, including: Atheist Allianc[...] David gives us a report on Bill Maher’s stand-up tour; specifically, Maher’s recent appearance at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre in Atlanta. We also give listeners a heads-up on several upcoming events, including: Atheist Alliance International 2009 Convention (Oct 2-4 in Los Angeles) featuring Bill Maher, Richard Dawkins, Daniel Dennett, Brian Keith Dalton (“Mr. Deity”), Lawrence Krauss, Eugenie Scott and more.  (Say “hi” to David Driscoll, since he’ll be in attendance as well.) Charlotte Pop Fest (Sep 24-26), a power-pop music festival in North Carolina with headliners The Knack.  Proceeds benefit the Richard Dawkins Foundation.  Also, Herr Dawkins will lecture at Queens University of Charlotte on Oct 14. Speaking of Richard Dawkins, his new book The Greatest Show on Earth: The Evidence for Evolution is set for publication on Sep 22 from Free Press.  Pre-order your very own copy at Amazon.com and/or Amazon.co.uk. Speaking of new books, you might be interested in Goddess of the Market: Ayn Rand and the American Right, a new biography of the controversial author and founder of Objectivism, written by University of Virginia professor Jennifer Burns.  If all goes as planned, we’ll have both a review of the book and an interview with the author.  Goddess of the Market will be published by Oxford University Press in October.  Pre-order your very own copy at Amazon.com and/or Amazon.co.uk. Plus: Lots of detailed feedback on our interview with Robert Wright (The Evolution of God), including a response from Wright himself on John’s review of the book.  Wright encourages our readers/listeners to check out his interview with Daniel Dennett.  We also explore the connection between Wright and the Templeton Foundation (which sponsors the “Percontations” series of diavlogs at Wright’s bloggingheads.tv). ANNOUNCEMENTS Participation and Feedback: Email contact@americanfreethought.com – attach voicemail in mp3 or wav format. American Freethought on Twitter.  We’re new on Twitter!  Get auto-tweets every time we post something to the website, plus the occasional random news item. American Freethought on Atheist Nexus – What’s Atheist Nexus?  Well, it’s like Facebook for nonbelievers.  Join up! American Freethought on Facebook American Freethought Yahoo Group – Chat with fellow freethinkers. iTunes – If you listen to us via iTunes, take a moment and leave feedback. Shop or Donate: CafePress – Buy cool American Freethought swag, including t-shirts and mugs. Amazon.com – Click-through and buy whatever you want. PayPal – Drop some change in our virtual tip-jar.  You’ll help offset the cost of maintaining the website and producing the podcast. Visit us online at AmericanFreethought.com.  We post new content (nearly) every day! David is podcasting new episodes of Secular Nation.  AtheistAlliance.org/podcast. Interested in science fiction?  Then check out John’s other online project, SciFiDimensions.com. Theme music by Body Found. Recorded July 7, 2009.  Hosted by John C. Snider and David Driscoll. atheism, books, christianity, commentary, evolution, islam, judaism, music, news, podcast, religion, science American Freethought no yes http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/07/03/podcast-58-robert-wright/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/07/03/podcast-58-robert-wright/#comments Fri, 03 Jul 2009 05:01:23 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=952 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/07/03/podcast-58-robert-wright/feed/ 14 1:13:57 We interview Robert Wright, author of The Evolution of God and one of the founders of the pundit-driven website bloggingheads.tv.  In The Evolution of God, Wright lays out a convincing case that the Abrahamic religions (Judaism, Christianity and Isl[...] We interview Robert Wright, author of The Evolution of God and one of the founders of the pundit-driven website bloggingheads.tv.  In The Evolution of God, Wright lays out a convincing case that the Abrahamic religions (Judaism, Christianity and Islam) are “illusions” shaped by completely natural forces like commerce, warfare and social instability.  At the same time, Wright controversially claims that Western religion’s progressive march (from shamanistic superstition to primitive polytheism to a monotheism which recognizes the value of individual human beings) reveals an inevitable, even divine “higher purpose.”  For more information visit evolutionofgod.net. Wright is also known for his books The Moral Animal (a classic explication of the emerging discipline of evolutionary psychology) and Nonzero (which uses game theory to construct a model of human history that dovetails nicely with The Evolution of God). Read John’s review of The Evolution of God, or buy your very own copy (highly recommended) at Amazon.com or Amazon.co.uk. ANNOUNCEMENTS Participation and Feedback: Email contact@americanfreethought.com – attach voicemail in mp3 or wav format. American Freethought on Twitter.  We’re new on Twitter!  Get auto-tweets every time we post something to the website, plus the occasional random news item. American Freethought on Atheist Nexus – What’s Atheist Nexus?  Well, it’s like Facebook for nonbelievers.  Join up! American Freethought on Facebook American Freethought Yahoo Group – Chat with fellow freethinkers. iTunes – If you listen to us via iTunes, take a moment and leave feedback. Shop or Donate: CafePress – Buy cool American Freethought swag, including t-shirts and mugs. Amazon.com – Click-through and buy whatever you want. PayPal – Drop some change in our virtual tip-jar.  You’ll help offset the cost of maintaining the website and producing the podcast. Visit us online at AmericanFreethought.com.  We post new content (nearly) every day! David is podcasting new episodes of Secular Nation.  AtheistAlliance.org/podcast. Interested in science fiction?  Then check out John’s other online project, SciFiDimensions.com. Theme music by Body Found. Recorded July 1, 2009.  Hosted by John C. Snider and David Driscoll. books, christianity, ethics, history, interviews, islam, judaism, podcast, religion American Freethought no no http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/06/26/podcast-57-bruce-m-hood/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/06/26/podcast-57-bruce-m-hood/#comments Fri, 26 Jun 2009 05:01:36 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=931 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/06/26/podcast-57-bruce-m-hood/feed/ 0 1:07:08 We interview Bruce M. Hood, author of SuperSense, which theorizes a genetic predisposition toward religious belief, superstition, and other irrational behaviors (and that includes you, too, atheists!). Read John’s review of SuperSense, or buy [...] We interview Bruce M. Hood, author of SuperSense, which theorizes a genetic predisposition toward religious belief, superstition, and other irrational behaviors (and that includes you, too, atheists!). Read John’s review of SuperSense, or buy your very own copy (highly recommended) at Amazon.com or Amazon.co.uk. Visit Bruce M. Hood‘s Official Website. ANNOUNCEMENTS Participation and Feedback: Email contact@americanfreethought.com – attach voicemail in mp3 or wav format. American Freethought on Twitter.  We’re new on Twitter!  Get auto-tweets every time we post something to the website, plus the occasional random news item. American Freethought on Atheist Nexus – What’s Atheist Nexus?  Well, it’s like Facebook for nonbelievers.  Join up! American Freethought on Facebook American Freethought Yahoo Group – Chat with fellow freethinkers. iTunes – If you listen to us via iTunes, take a moment and leave feedback. Shop or Donate: CafePress – Buy cool American Freethought swag, including t-shirts and mugs. Amazon.com – Click-through and buy whatever you want. PayPal – Drop some change in our virtual tip-jar.  You’ll help offset the cost of maintaining the website and producing the podcast. Visit us online at AmericanFreethought.com.  We post new content (nearly) every day! David is podcasting new episodes of Secular Nation.  AtheistAlliance.org/podcast. Interested in science fiction?  Then check out John’s other online project, SciFiDimensions.com. Theme music by Body Found. Recorded June 24, 2009.  Hosted by John C. Snider and David Driscoll. books, evolution, interviews, paranormal, podcast, religion, science, skepticism, superstitions American Freethought no yes http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/06/19/podcast-56-tim-farley-whatstheharmnet/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/06/19/podcast-56-tim-farley-whatstheharmnet/#comments Fri, 19 Jun 2009 05:01:38 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=903 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/06/19/podcast-56-tim-farley-whatstheharmnet/feed/ 1 1:06:38 We interview Tim Farley, creator of the website WhatstheHarm.net (an invaluable database of death and destruction caused by alternative medicine, superstition, lack of critical thinking, etc.).  Tim has also given talks and organized seminars to tea[...] We interview Tim Farley, creator of the website WhatstheHarm.net (an invaluable database of death and destruction caused by alternative medicine, superstition, lack of critical thinking, etc.).  Tim has also given talks and organized seminars to teach skeptics how to be better communicators–check out Skeptical Software Tools. Look for Tim at Dragon*Con in September, but first! he’ll be seminarifying at The Amazing Meeting, July 9-12 in Las Vegas (yes…Nevada). Father’s Day is this Sunday (June 21st)!  That means a very special patriarchal installment of Holey Scripture.  Hide the children. More great listener feedback!  Also mentioned on the ‘cast are two books and on DVD that shed light on the thorny ethical considerations surrounding abortion and the theological problem of suffering: God’s Problem by Bart Ehrman Letting Go of God by Julia Sweeney Rethinking Life and Death by Peter Singer ANNOUNCEMENTS Participation and Feedback: Email contact@americanfreethought.com – attach voicemail in mp3 or wav format. American Freethought on Twitter.  We’re new on Twitter!  Get auto-tweets every time we post something to the website, plus the occasional random news item. American Freethought on Atheist Nexus – What’s Atheist Nexus?  Well, it’s like Facebook for nonbelievers.  Join up! American Freethought on Facebook American Freethought Yahoo Group – Chat with fellow freethinkers. iTunes – If you listen to us via iTunes, take a moment and leave feedback. Shop or Donate: CafePress – Buy cool American Freethought swag, including t-shirts and mugs. Amazon.com – Click-through and buy whatever you want. PayPal – Drop some change in our virtual tip-jar.  You’ll help offset the cost of maintaining the website and producing the podcast. Visit us online at AmericanFreethought.com.  We post new content (nearly) every day! David is podcasting new episodes of Secular Nation.  AtheistAlliance.org/podcast. Interested in science fiction?  Then check out John’s other online project, SciFiDimensions.com. Theme music by Body Found. Bonus material after the sign-off:  The duo Garfunkel and Oates sing “Sex with Ducks.”  Watch the “Sex with Ducks” video on YouTube. Recorded June 17, 2009.  Hosted by John C. Snider and David Driscoll. interviews, podcast, skepticism American Freethought no no http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/06/11/podcast-55-assassination-of-george-tiller/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/06/11/podcast-55-assassination-of-george-tiller/#comments Thu, 11 Jun 2009 05:01:00 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=850 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/06/11/podcast-55-assassination-of-george-tiller/feed/ 1 1:08:51 We look at the reactions of various anti-abortion groups to the assassination on May 31st of Dr. George Tiller in Wichita, Kansas.  Wikipedia has a good summary of the fast-changing developments in the case, including statements from the US Conferen[...] We look at the reactions of various anti-abortion groups to the assassination on May 31st of Dr. George Tiller in Wichita, Kansas.  Wikipedia has a good summary of the fast-changing developments in the case, including statements from the US Conference of Catholic Bishops, the Family Research Council, the National Right to Life Committee and Operation Rescue.  Less measured were responses from the Eye of Sauron (who called Dr. Tiller a “serial killer”), former Operation Rescue head Randall Terry (who called Tiller a “mass murderer,” then seconds later invited reporters to join him for Guinness and chicken wings), and–believe it or not–PETA, who has decided that now is a good time to buy complementary “Pro Life” and “Pro Choice” billboards in Wichita.  Finally, reformed right-winger Frank Schaeffer openly apologizes for creating “the climate that made this murder likely to happen.” Meanwhile, bioethicist Jacob M. Appel has written an insightful essay that looks at the  rhetoric versus the actions of 99.9% of anti-abortionists. And in this outing of Holey Scripture we look at what the Bible says (or doesn’t say) about abortion, murder and the punishments thereof. Plus, updates on people and things we’ve talked about in previous episodes: From Episode #2: Randy Olson (writer/director/narrator of the documentary Flock of Dodos) has a book coming out–Don’t Be Such a Scientist: Talking Substance in an Age of Style, to be published in trade paperback in September by Island Press.  You can pre-order it now and/or check out the associated Facebook page. From episode #25: The Georgia Guidestones (a public curiosity outside Elberton, Georgia) is the subject of a lengthy article at Wired.  The Guidestones have been vandalized twice, but have been cleaned up almost as good as new.  The local sheriff is keeping a eye on things. From episodes #30 and #41: Father Reginald Foster, the Vatican’s Latinist who appeared in the documentary Religulous, and famously scoffed at such “old Catholic” teachings as the Virgin Birth and the Resurrection, has been moved from Rome to his native Wisconsin.  Father Foster has been gravely ill for over a year (and nearly died), but it now looks like he has a fair chance at recovery.  Well-wishers may send get-well cards (preferrably in grammatically correct Latin) to: Rev. Reginald Foster, OCD Clement Manor 3939 S. 92nd Street Greenfield, WI  53228 From episode #31: Reversal of Fortune!  Dentist and rabid creationist Don McLeroy is out as chair of the Texas Board of Education; meanwhile, Dr. Eugenie Scott of the National Center for Science Education (whom we interviewed about the situation in Texas) has been awarded the first annual Stephen Jay Gould Prize from the Society for the Study of Evolution. From episode #54: New Hampshire joins Maine and four other states in legalizing same-sex marriage! Finally, more great listener feedback! ANNOUNCEMENTS Participation and Feedback: Email contact@americanfreethought.com – attach voicemail in mp3 or wav format. American Freethought on Twitter.  We’re new on Twitter!  Get auto-tweets everytime we post something to the website, plus the occasional random news item. American Freethought on Atheist Nexus – What’s Atheist Nexus?  Well, it’s like Facebook for nonbelievers.  Join up! American Freethought on Facebook American Freethought Yahoo Group – Chat with fellow freethinkers. iTunes – If you listen to us via iTunes, take a moment and leave feedback. Shop or Donate: CafePress – Buy cool American Freethought swag, including t-shirts and mugs. Amazon.com – Click-through and buy whatever you want. PayPal – Drop some change in our virtual tip-jar.  You’ll help offset the cost of maintaining the website and producing the podcast. Visit us online at AmericanFreethought.com.  We post new co[...] christianity, news, podcast, religion American Freethought no no http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/05/30/podcast-54-when-religion-kills-children/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/05/30/podcast-54-when-religion-kills-children/#comments Sat, 30 May 2009 05:01:14 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=755 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/05/30/podcast-54-when-religion-kills-children/feed/ 4 1:05:11 We look at two tragic cases in the news in which religion and child welfare conflict (to say the least).  First, a Minnesota court has ordered 13-year-old Daniel Hauser to undergo chemo to treat his cancer, but he and his parents object, preferring[...] We look at two tragic cases in the news in which religion and child welfare conflict (to say the least).  First, a Minnesota court has ordered 13-year-old Daniel Hauser to undergo chemo to treat his cancer, but he and his parents object, preferring to use “natural” remedies based on supposed Native American teachings.  Second, a Wisconsin jury has found Leilani Neumann guilty in the death of her 11-year-old daughter Madeline Kara; Neumann and her coreligionists decided, rather than seek medical attention, to pray that God cure Kara of diabetes.  It didn’t work. Plus: California’s Supreme Court has upheld Proposition 8, the recent amendment to the state constitution that outlaws gay marriage.  On the up-side, the Court says any same-sex marriages conducted before the ban remain valid. The return of Holey Scripture! Finally, a ton of listener feedback. (By the way, the mythical show in which John indulges in “libertarian rants” and “extols the virtues of libertarianism” is probably Show #21, our discussion of Science Debate 2008.   But if you’re looking for regular doses of libertarian preachiness, the American Freethought Podcast will disappoint overall.) ANNOUNCEMENTS Participation and Feedback: Email contact@americanfreethought.com – attach voicemail in mp3 or wav format. American Freethought on Twitter.  We’re new on Twitter!  Get auto-tweets everytime we post something to the website, plus the occasional random news item. American Freethought on Atheist Nexus – What’s Atheist Nexus?  Well, it’s like Facebook for nonbelievers.  Join up! American Freethought on Facebook American Freethought Yahoo Group – Chat with fellow freethinkers. iTunes – If you listen to us via iTunes, take a moment and leave feedback. Shop or Donate: CafePress – Buy cool American Freethought swag, including t-shirts and mugs. Amazon.com – Click-through and buy whatever you want. PayPal – Drop some change in our virtual tip-jar.  You’ll help offset the cost of maintaining the website and producing the podcast. Visit us online at AmericanFreethought.com.  We post new content (nearly) every day! David is podcasting new episodes of Secular Nation.  AtheistAlliance.org/podcast. Interested in science fiction?  Then check out John’s other online project, SciFiDimensions.com. Theme music by Body Found. Recorded May 28, 2009.  Hosted by John C. Snider and David Driscoll. christianity, commentary, ethics, news, podcast, politics, religion, superstitions American Freethought no no http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/05/18/podcast-53-gay-marriage-in-the-news/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/05/18/podcast-53-gay-marriage-in-the-news/#comments Mon, 18 May 2009 05:01:20 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=714 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/05/18/podcast-53-gay-marriage-in-the-news/feed/ 8 1:18:40 You can’t turn on the news lately without hearing multiple items involving gay marriage: Maine’s legislature passes (and its governor signs) a bill legalizing same-sex marriage; former NYC mayor and failed Republican presidential candida[...] You can’t turn on the news lately without hearing multiple items involving gay marriage: Maine’s legislature passes (and its governor signs) a bill legalizing same-sex marriage; former NYC mayor and failed Republican presidential candidate Rudy Giuliani skips the wedding of the gay couple who put him up (and put up with him) during his messy divorce; and Miss California USA Carrie Prejean puts foot in mouth in support of “opposite marriage” (and here I thought that was the definition of divorce). Plus: David gets into (another) knock-down-drag-out with a Christian (this time his neighbor).  What can we say–the guy’s a magnet for trouble. California high school teacher James Corbett is sued (successfully) by a student for making anti-Christian statements in the classroom. (Thanks to Liz in Texas for prompting us to talk about this on the show…) Three Georgia Congressmen sponsor a bill aimed at declaring 2010 “The Year of the Bible.” The Eye of Sauron wants Sony Pictures to insert disclaimers ahead of screenings of the film Angels & Demons, the sequel to The Da Vinci Code starring Tom Hanks and directed by Ron Howard.  Apparently Catholics are so reality challenged that won’t be able to tell fact from fiction. David’s Secular Nation Podcast makes it onto Christian blog twoorthree.net‘s list of “Essential Atheist/Secularist/Anti-theist Podcasts” (with American Freethought still in the running). Mexican skeptic Danny Zepeda (Un Papá Escéptico) gives us an update on the swine flu panic, the lamentable side effects include the movie theatres being shut down (which prevents Danny from seeing the new Star Trek). ANNOUNCEMENTS Participation and Feedback: Email contact@americanfreethought.com – attach voicemail in mp3 or wav format. American Freethought on Twitter.  We’re new on Twitter!  Get auto-tweets everytime we post something to the website, plus the occasional random news item. American Freethought on Atheist Nexus – What’s Atheist Nexus?  Well, it’s like Facebook for nonbelievers.  Join up! American Freethought on Facebook American Freethought Yahoo Group – Chat with fellow freethinkers. iTunes – If you listen to us via iTunes, take a moment and leave feedback. Shop or Donate: CafePress – Buy cool American Freethought swag, including t-shirts and mugs. Amazon.com – Click-through and buy whatever you want. PayPal – Drop some change in our virtual tip-jar.  You’ll help offset the cost of maintaining the website and producing the podcast. Visit us online at AmericanFreethought.com.  We post new content (nearly) every day! David is podcasting new episodes of Secular Nation.  AtheistAlliance.org/podcast. Interested in science fiction?  Then check out John’s other online project, SciFiDimensions.com. Theme music by Body Found. Recorded May 15, 2009.  Hosted by John C. Snider and David Driscoll. christianity, commentary, humor, news, podcast, politics, religion American Freethought no no http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/05/07/podcast-52-feedback/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/05/07/podcast-52-feedback/#comments Thu, 07 May 2009 05:01:54 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=694 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/05/07/podcast-52-feedback/feed/ 0 1:14:33 We read and respond to lots of feedback we’ve gotten from listeners to the show.  We talk about (among other things) Christian opinions on the Creation Museum, Christian license plates in North Carolina and Florida, urotherapy, one-star iTunes[...] We read and respond to lots of feedback we’ve gotten from listeners to the show.  We talk about (among other things) Christian opinions on the Creation Museum, Christian license plates in North Carolina and Florida, urotherapy, one-star iTunes feedback and the problem of confirmation bias,  our communist boosterism(?), our racist tendencies(!),  whether or not atheism is compatible with conservatism, and how to pronounce “Hiroshima.” Plus: The Christian blogger “Daniel” at twoorthree.net has launched a project to find the best atheist/secularist/anti-theist podcasts, and American Freethought is in his crosshairs!  We’ll let you know how it turns out. ANNOUNCEMENTS Participation and Feedback: Email contact@americanfreethought.com – attach voicemail in mp3 or wav format. American Freethought on Twitter.  We’re new on Twitter!  Get auto-tweets everytime we post something to the website, plus the occasional random news item. American Freethought on Atheist Nexus – What’s Atheist Nexus?  Well, it’s like Facebook for nonbelievers.  Join up! American Freethought on Facebook American Freethought Yahoo Group – Chat with fellow freethinkers. iTunes – If you listen to us via iTunes, take a moment and leave feedback. Shop or Donate: CafePress – Buy cool American Freethought swag, including t-shirts and mugs. Amazon.com – Click-through and buy whatever you want. PayPal – Drop some change in our virtual tip-jar.  You’ll help offset the cost of maintaining the website and producing the podcast. Visit us online at AmericanFreethought.com.  We post new content every day! David is podcasting new episodes of Secular Nation.  AtheistAlliance.org/podcast. Interested in science fiction?  Then check out John’s other online project, SciFiDimensions.com. Theme music by Body Found. Recorded May 5, 2009.  Hosted by John C. Snider and David Driscoll. atheism, commentary, ethics, humor, podcast, politics, religion American Freethought no no http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/04/22/podcast-51-bart-ehrman/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/04/22/podcast-51-bart-ehrman/#comments Wed, 22 Apr 2009 05:01:37 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=647 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/04/22/podcast-51-bart-ehrman/feed/ 3 0:40:28 We interview Bart Ehrman, Biblical scholar and author of the new book Jesus, Interrupted: Revealing the Hidden Contradictions in the Bible (And Why We Don’t Know About Them). Dr. Ehrman is the James A. Gray Distinguished Professor and Chair of[...] We interview Bart Ehrman, Biblical scholar and author of the new book Jesus, Interrupted: Revealing the Hidden Contradictions in the Bible (And Why We Don’t Know About Them). Dr. Ehrman is the James A. Gray Distinguished Professor and Chair of the Department of Religious Studies at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill.   He has written 21 books and numerous articles, but he is best known for his nonfiction books on Biblical scholarship aimed at general audiences–books that reveal Christianity’s dirty little secret: that what scholars know about the problems with the Bible rarely makes it to the pulpit. For more info about Dr. Ehrman and his work visit bartdehrman.com. Also mentioned in the podcast: Read John’s review of Jesus, Interrupted.  You can buy it at Amazon.com or Amazon.co.uk. Misquoting Jesus – Another great book by Dr. Ehrman published in 2005.  You can buy it at Amazon.com or Amazon.co.uk. Does the God of Christianity Exist? A panel discussion from the Christian Book Expo, in which Christian apologist Lee Strobel claims that there’s a solid case for the historical accuracy of the Gospels. 2010 Mythicist Prize – Organized by author Rene Salms (who makes the controversial claim that the city of Nazareth didn’t even exist during Jesus’ time) and coordinated with the blessing of American Atheists, this prize offers $1,000 to the best academic paper proving that Jesus did not exist. ANNOUNCEMENTS Participation and Feedback: Email contact@americanfreethought.com – attach voicemail in mp3 or wav format. American Freethought on Twitter.  We’re new on Twitter!  Get auto-tweets everytime we post something to the website, plus the occasional random news item. American Freethought on Atheist Nexus – What’s Atheist Nexus?  Well, it’s like Facebook for nonbelievers.  Join up! American Freethought on Facebook American Freethought Yahoo Group – Chat with fellow freethinkers. iTunes – If you listen to us via iTunes, take a moment and leave feedback. Shop or Donate: CafePress – Buy cool American Freethought swag, including t-shirts and mugs. Amazon.com – Click-through and buy whatever you want. PayPal – Drop some change in our virtual tip-jar.  You’ll help offset the cost of maintaining the website and producing the podcast. Visit us online at AmericanFreethought.com.  We post new content every day! David is podcasting new episodes of Secular Nation.  AtheistAlliance.org/podcast. Interested in science fiction?  Then check out John’s other online project, SciFiDimensions.com. Theme music by Body Found. Recorded April 17, 2009.  Hosted by John C. Snider and David Driscoll. books, christianity, history, interviews, podcast, religion American Freethought no no http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/04/16/podcast-50-american-atheists-convention/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/04/16/podcast-50-american-atheists-convention/#comments Thu, 16 Apr 2009 05:01:13 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=622 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/04/16/podcast-50-american-atheists-convention/feed/ 3 1:01:35 We discuss our experience at the recent America Atheists National Convention, which was held at the beautiful Emory Conference Center Hotel in Decatur, Georgia.  How did the impressive slate of presenters (including activist and retired evolutionary[...] We discuss our experience at the recent America Atheists National Convention, which was held at the beautiful Emory Conference Center Hotel in Decatur, Georgia.  How did the impressive slate of presenters (including activist and retired evolutionary biologist Richard Dawkins) do?  What’s “the vibe” at AA nowadays?  And what is it with atheists and microphones? ANNOUNCEMENTS Participation and Feedback: Email contact@americanfreethought.com – attach voicemail in mp3 or wav format. American Freethought on Twitter.  We’re new on Twitter!  Get auto-tweets everytime we post something to the website, plus the occasional random news item. American Freethought on Atheist Nexus – What’s Atheist Nexus?  Well, it’s like Facebook for nonbelievers.  Join up! American Freethought on Facebook American Freethought Yahoo Group – Chat with fellow freethinkers. iTunes – If you listen to us via iTunes, take a moment and leave feedback. Shop or Donate: CafePress – Buy cool American Freethought swag, including t-shirts and mugs. Amazon.com – Click-through and buy whatever you want. PayPal – Drop some change in our virtual tip-jar.  You’ll help offset the cost of maintaining the website and producing the podcast. Visit us online at AmericanFreethought.com.  We post new content every day! David is podcasting new episodes of Secular Nation.  AtheistAlliance.org/podcast. Interested in science fiction?  Then check out John’s other online project, SciFiDimensions.com. Theme music by Body Found. Recorded April 14, 2009.  Hosted by John C. Snider and David Driscoll. atheism, christianity, commentary, interviews, news, podcast, skepticism American Freethought no no http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/04/06/podcast-49-james-morrow/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/04/06/podcast-49-james-morrow/#comments Mon, 06 Apr 2009 05:01:40 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=505 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/04/06/podcast-49-james-morrow/feed/ 1 1:09:46 We interview science fiction and fantasy writer– and scientific rationalist extraordinaire– James Morrow.  He takes a break from his usual religiously-themed satire in his latest novel Shambling Towards Hiroshima, a WWII rollick in which[...] We interview science fiction and fantasy writer– and scientific rationalist extraordinaire– James Morrow.  He takes a break from his usual religiously-themed satire in his latest novel Shambling Towards Hiroshima, a WWII rollick in which, instead of atomic bombs, the US military mulls the use of genetically-engineered, building-sized, fire-breathing iguanas to stomp and scorch the cities of Japan.  Jim’s previous novels include the Godhead Trilogy–Towing Jehovah (winner of the World Fantasy Award), Blameless in Abaddon, and The Eternal Footman–as well as The Last Witchfinder, The Philosopher’s Apprentice, and numerous shorter works. Jim also gives us a sneak peek at his upcoming presentation at the America Atheists national convention (Apr 9-12 in Atlanta).  For more information about James Morrow, visit JamesMorrow.net or his personal blog The Passionate Rationalist. Listen to John’s June 2008 interview with Jim here. Read John’s review of Shambling Towards Hiroshima here.  You can buy your very own copy at Amazon.com. Read John’s review of The Philosopher’s Apprentice here. Listen to John’s March 2001 interview with Jim here. Read John’s review of The Godhead Trilogy here. Join us for the Kennesaw State University Student Coalition for Inquiry’s kick-off celebration at Atlanta’s Central City Tavern, Wednesday, April 8th at 7PM.  We–John Snider and David Driscoll–will be guests of honor!  If that doesn’t convince you, should we mention that Tavern management has agreed to knock 10% off your tab???  Learn more about KSU’s Student Coalition for Inquiry on their Facebook page. ANNOUNCEMENTS Visit our CafePress store!  Buy cool American Freethought swag, including t-shirts and mugs. We also have an Amazon.com store–click through and buy whatever you want.  You get the same great Amazon prices, and we get a small commission.  Everybody wins! …And if you’re so-inclined, you can plop some change into our virtual tip jar via PayPal. A reminder that we post new material (news, commentary, links of interest) virtually every day at AmericanFreethought.com. If you’d like to talk about anything you’ve heard on our podcast (or anything related to freethought in general) join us at the American Freethought Yahoo Group.  And don’t forget our Facebook page. If you pick us up via iTunes please take a moment to leave feedback on our iTunes page. David will soon be podcasting new episodes of Secular Nation.  AtheistAlliance.org/podcast. Interested in science fiction?  Then check out John’s other online project, SciFiDimensions.com. Send feedback to contact@americanfreethought.com – attach voicemail in mp3 or wav format. Theme music by Body Found. Recorded April 2, 2009.  Hosted by John C. Snider and David Driscoll. books, humor, interviews, podcast, religion American Freethought no no http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/03/30/podcast-48-morality-without-gods/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/03/30/podcast-48-morality-without-gods/#comments Mon, 30 Mar 2009 05:01:16 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=453 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/03/30/podcast-48-morality-without-gods/feed/ 3 1:30:04 We present a recording of “Morality without Gods,” a debate held on the campus of Georgia State University on March 16th, 2009.  Sponsored by GSU’s Revolution Club (which is affiliated with the Revolutionary Communist Party USA), [...] We present a recording of “Morality without Gods,” a debate held on the campus of Georgia State University on March 16th, 2009.  Sponsored by GSU’s Revolution Club (which is affiliated with the Revolutionary Communist Party USA), the event was moderated by Associate Professor of Sociology Jim Ainsworth, and featured communist activist and journalist Sunsara Taylor, who is touring the country in support of RCP chairman Bob Avakian’s new book Away with All Gods (available at Amazon.com).  For this appearance, Ms. Taylor was joined by Dr. Kenneth L. Samuel of Victory for the World Church in Stone Mountain and Martin Cowen, founder of the Fellowship of Reason, a non-theistic organization based in metro Atlanta. ANNOUNCEMENTS We’ll be attending the America Atheists national convention, April 9-12 in Atlanta, Georgia.  Guest speakers include Richard Dawkins and AA president Ed Buckner. Visit our CafePress store!  Buy cool American Freethought swag, including t-shirts and mugs. We also have an Amazon.com store–click through and buy whatever you want.  You get the same great Amazon prices, and we get a small commission.  Everybody wins! …And if you’re so-inclined, you can plop some change into our virtual tip jar via PayPal. A reminder that we post new material (news, commentary, links of interest) virtually every day at AmericanFreethought.com. If you’d like to talk about anything you’ve heard on our podcast (or anything related to freethought in general) join us at the American Freethought Yahoo Group.  And don’t forget our Facebook page. If you pick us up via iTunes please take a moment to leave feedback on our iTunes page. David will soon be podcasting new episodes of Secular Nation.  AtheistAlliance.org/podcast. Interested in science fiction?  Then check out John’s other online project, SciFiDimensions.com. Send feedback to contact@americanfreethought.com – attach voicemail in mp3 or wav format. Theme music by Body Found. Recorded March 25, 2009.  Hosted by John C. Snider and David Driscoll. atheism, christianity, commentary, ethics, podcast, politics, religion American Freethought no no http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/03/23/podcast-47-freethought-in-nz/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/03/23/podcast-47-freethought-in-nz/#comments Mon, 23 Mar 2009 05:01:41 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=429 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/03/23/podcast-47-freethought-in-nz/feed/ 2 1:01:18 It’s our first “international” episode!  We talk to Ross Eddington, a self-described atheist from Christchurch, New Zealand.  Ross gives us the low-down on freethought Down Under, the influence of religion on Kiwi politics, and ho[...] It’s our first “international” episode!  We talk to Ross Eddington, a self-described atheist from Christchurch, New Zealand.  Ross gives us the low-down on freethought Down Under, the influence of religion on Kiwi politics, and how New Zealanders view us Bible-crazed Yanks.  (Ross was the winner of our recent “suggest an improvement to the podcast” contest, little realizing he was also volunteering himself as our first out-of-country guest.) Ross is a member of (but not a spokesman f0r!) the New Zealand Association of Rationalists and Humanists. In keeping with our international theme, we also hear from Dave in the United Kingdom, and from Mexico’s Danny Zepeda–check out Danny’s skeptical blog  Un Papá Escéptico (The Skeptical Dad). ANNOUNCEMENTS We’ll be attending the America Atheists national convention, April 9-12 in Atlanta, Georgia.  Guest speakers include Richard Dawkins and AA president Ed Buckner. Visit our CafePress store!  Buy cool American Freethought swag, including t-shirts and mugs. We also have an Amazon.com store–click through and buy whatever you want.  You get the same great Amazon prices, and we get a small commission.  Everybody wins! …And if you’re so-inclined, you can plop some change into our virtual tip jar via PayPal. A reminder that we post new material (news, commentary, links of interest) virtually every day at AmericanFreethought.com. If you’d like to talk about anything you’ve heard on our podcast (or anything related to freethought in general) join us at the American Freethought Yahoo Group.  And don’t forget our Facebook page. If you pick us up via iTunes please take a moment to leave feedback on our iTunes page. David is podcasting new episodes of Secular Nation.  AtheistAlliance.org/podcast. Interested in science fiction?  Then check out John’s SciFiDimensions Podcast.  SciFiDimensions.com. Send feedback to contact@americanfreethought.com – attach voicemail in mp3 or wav format. Theme music by Body Found. Recorded March 19, 2009.  Hosted by John C. Snider and David Driscoll. atheism, interviews, podcast, politics, religion American Freethought no no http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/03/19/were-on-skepticality/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/03/19/were-on-skepticality/#comments Thu, 19 Mar 2009 05:01:24 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=422 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/03/19/were-on-skepticality/feed/ 0 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/03/12/podcast-46-supreme-court-on-summum/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/03/12/podcast-46-supreme-court-on-summum/#comments Thu, 12 Mar 2009 05:01:35 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=358 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/03/12/podcast-46-supreme-court-on-summum/feed/ 5 0:49:15 We analyze three recent developments nationwide that affect the integrity of church-state separation: an Oklahoma legislator condemns evolution; an Arkansas legislator seeks to end discrimination against atheists in his state constitution; and the S[...] We analyze three recent developments nationwide that affect the integrity of church-state separation: an Oklahoma legislator condemns evolution; an Arkansas legislator seeks to end discrimination against atheists in his state constitution; and the Supreme Court rules against an obscure New Age sect called the Summum. Oklahoma legislator Todd Thomsen (member of the House Education Committee and chairman of the House Higher Education and Career Tech Committee!) filed a House Resolution 1014, condemning his state’s university system for teaching–gasp!–the “doctrinal dogmaticism” of evolution and for daring to invite that rapscallion Richard Dawkins to speak.  This resolution has not (thus far) been acted on by the legislature; in fact, in provided humorous fodder for Dawkins during his scheduled appearance on March 6th–view the YouTube video of it here. Newly elected Arkansas legislator Richard Carroll has filed House Joint Resolution 1009, aimed at REMOVING discrimination against atheists from his state’s constitution.  Article 19 Section 1 of the Arkansas constitution says “No person who denies the being of a God shall hold any office in the civil departments of this state, nor be competent to testify as a witness in a court.”  This provision has already effectively been ruled unconstitutional by the Supreme Court in Torcaso v. Watkins (which struck down a similar provision in the Maryland constitution); a warning shot fired by the US 8th Circuit Court of Appeals via a footnote in Flora v. White.  This is a much-need bit of housecleaning that even Rep. Carroll admits probably won’t even make it to a floor vote.  Check out this YouTube video posted by the Arkansas Society of Freethinkers. Allison is back!  Our resident attorney explains the Supreme Court’s recent ruling in Pleasant Grove (Utah) vs. Summum.  The Court concluded that government entities are not obligated to accept any old religious monument offered as a gift from a private organization.  How does this affect the thousands of Ten Commandment monuments that pepper the American landscape? Also mentioned in the podcast: Becket, the Academy Award winning 1964 film starring Richard Burton and Peter O’Toole.  It tells the story of Thomas Becket, the Archbishop of Canterbury assassinated by the knights of Henry II in 1170.  It’s a thought-provoking look at the historical struggle between church and state. ANNOUNCEMENTS We’ll be attending the America Atheists national convention, April 9-12 in Atlanta, Georgia.  Guest speakers include Richard Dawkins and AA president Ed Buckner. Visit our CafePress store!  Buy cool American Freethought swag, including t-shirts and mugs. We also have an Amazon.com store–click through and buy whatever you want.  You get the same great Amazon prices, and we get a small commission.  Everybody wins! …And if you’re so-inclined, you can plop some change into our virtual tip jar via PayPal. A reminder that we post new material (news, commentary, links of interest) virtually every day at AmericanFreethought.com. If you’d like to talk about anything you’ve heard on our podcast (or anything related to freethought in general) join us at the American Freethought Yahoo Group.  And don’t forget our Facebook page. If you pick us up via iTunes please take a moment to leave feedback on our iTunes page. David is podcasting new episodes of Secular Nation.  AtheistAlliance.org/podcast. Interested in science fiction?  Then check out John’s SciFiDimensions Podcast.  SciFiDimensions.com. Send feedback to contact@americanfreethought.com – attach voicemail in mp3 or wav format. Theme music by Body Found. Recorded March 8, 2009.  Hosted by John C. Snider and David Driscoll. evolution, news, podcast, politics, religion, science American Freethought no no http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/03/06/podcast-45-mr-deity/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/03/06/podcast-45-mr-deity/#comments Fri, 06 Mar 2009 05:01:34 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=340 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/03/06/podcast-45-mr-deity/feed/ 2 0:50:01 We interview Brian Keith Dalton, the writer, director, and star of the hit web series Mr. Deity, a wry, dry send-up of religious themes.  We also hear from Amy Rohren, who plays Lucifer (aka “Lucy”), Mr. Deity’s ex.  And Brian shar[...] We interview Brian Keith Dalton, the writer, director, and star of the hit web series Mr. Deity, a wry, dry send-up of religious themes.  We also hear from Amy Rohren, who plays Lucifer (aka “Lucy”), Mr. Deity’s ex.  And Brian shares some exciting news about Mr. Deity Season Three! For more about Mr. Deity visit MrDeity.com. ANNOUNCEMENTS We’ll be attending the America Atheists national convention, April 9-12 in Atlanta, Georgia.  Guest speakers include Richard Dawkins and AA president Ed Buckner. Distant Early Warning: We’ll be at this year’s Dragon*Con!  Even though the ‘Con takes place September 4-7, it’s never too soon to make hotel reservations and/or purchase your four-day membership (only $80 through May 15th). Visit our CafePress store!  Buy cool American Freethought swag, including t-shirts and mugs. We also have an Amazon.com store–click through and buy whatever you want.  You get the same great Amazon prices, and we get a small commission.  Everybody wins! …And if you’re so-inclined, you can plop some change into our virtual tip jar via PayPal. A reminder that we post new material (news, commentary, links of interest) virtually every day at AmericanFreethought.com. If you’d like to talk about anything you’ve heard on our podcast (or anything related to freethought in general) join us at the American Freethought Yahoo Group.  And don’t forget our Facebook page. If you pick us up via iTunes please take a moment to leave feedback on our iTunes page. David is podcasting new episodes of Secular Nation.  AtheistAlliance.org/podcast. Interested in science fiction?  Then check out John’s SciFiDimensions Podcast.  SciFiDimensions.com. Send feedback to contact@americanfreethought.com – attach voicemail in mp3 or wav format. Theme music by Body Found. Recorded March 5, 2009.  Hosted by John C. Snider and David Driscoll. humor, podcast, religion American Freethought no no http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/02/24/podcast-44-urotherapy/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/02/24/podcast-44-urotherapy/#comments Tue, 24 Feb 2009 05:01:22 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=255 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/02/24/podcast-44-urotherapy/feed/ 5 1:04:46 It’s our TMI edition!  First, we respond to recent listener feedback, and revisit our analysis of Joshua 10:12-13.  What would really happen if God made the sun “stand still” in the sky for a whole day?  Next, we tell you more than[...] It’s our TMI edition!  First, we respond to recent listener feedback, and revisit our analysis of Joshua 10:12-13.  What would really happen if God made the sun “stand still” in the sky for a whole day?  Next, we tell you more than you ever wanted to know about urotherapy.  What is it?  What benefits do its advocates claim?  And what does medical science have to say about it?  [Caution: While we don't go into graphic detail, some listeners may nonetheless find this discussion distasteful (no pun intended).] ANNOUNCEMENTS Visit our CafePress store!  Buy cool American Freethought swag, including t-shirts and mugs. We also have an Amazon.com store–click through and buy whatever you want.  You get the same great Amazon prices, and we get a small commission.  Everybody wins! …And if you’re so-inclined, you can plop some change into our virtual tip jar via PayPal. A reminder that we post new material (news, commentary, links of interest) virtually every day at AmericanFreethought.com. If you’d like to talk about anything you’ve heard on our podcast (or anything related to freethought in general) join us at the American Freethought Yahoo Group.  And don’t forget our Facebook page. If you pick us up via iTunes please take a moment to leave feedback on our iTunes page. David is podcasting new episodes of Secular Nation.  AtheistAlliance.org/podcast. Interested in science fiction?  Then check out John’s SciFiDimensions Podcast.  SciFiDimensions.com. Send feedback to contact@americanfreethought.com – attach voicemail in mp3 or wav format. Theme music by Body Found. Recorded February 23, 2009.  Hosted by John C. Snider and David Driscoll. podcast, science American Freethought no no http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/02/17/podcast-43-phil-plait/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/02/17/podcast-43-phil-plait/#comments Tue, 17 Feb 2009 05:01:57 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=230 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/02/17/podcast-43-phil-plait/feed/ 3 1:08:55 We interview Phil Plait, Bad Astronomy blogger, new president of the James Randi Educational Foundation, booster for the International Year of Astronomy, and author of the pop-science book Death from the Skies. Yes, he is busy.  [Late-breaking news:[...] We interview Phil Plait, Bad Astronomy blogger, new president of the James Randi Educational Foundation, booster for the International Year of Astronomy, and author of the pop-science book Death from the Skies. Yes, he is busy.  [Late-breaking news: Bad Astronomy was just named as one of the Top 25 blogs in the world by Time magazine!] You can read our review of Death from the Skies here.  You can buy your very own copy at Amazon.com or (if you live in the United Kingdom) at Amazon.co.uk. Also discussed: DARWIN DAY 2009 - Metro Atlanta’s DD celebration at Decatur’s Thinking Man Tavern saw a much larger than expected turn-out, with as many as 60 science buffs turning out to wish Charles Darwin a Happy 200th Birthday. EVOLUTION WEEKEND 2009 – Believe it or not, a number of churches and synagogues nationwide contributed to the discussion of the relationship between science and faith.  It’s an encouraging development, but… good luck on that one. HAPPY (BELATED) VALENTINE’S DAY – Except in India, where Hindu hardliners called the Sri Rama Sena do battle with the Consortium of Pubgoing, Loose and Forward Women.  We kid you not. For astronomy lovers, David recommends the podcast lectures by Ohio State University’s Professor Richard Pogge, as well as George Hrab’s new video for the song “Far,” which is the theme song for the International Year of Astronomy’s 365 Days of Astronomy podcast. ANNOUNCEMENTS Visit our CafePress store!  Buy cool American Freethought swag, including t-shirts and mugs. A reminder that we post new material (news, commentary, links of interest) several times a week at AmericanFreethought.com. If you’d like to talk about anything you’ve heard on our podcast (or anything related to freethought in general) join us at the American Freethought Yahoo Group.  And don’t forget our Facebook page. If you pick us up via iTunes please take a moment to leave feedback on our iTunes page. David is podcasting new episodes of Secular Nation.  AtheistAlliance.org/podcast. Interested in science fiction?  Then check out John’s SciFiDimensions Podcast.  SciFiDimensions.com. Send feedback to contact@americanfreethought.com – attach voicemail in mp3 or wav format. Theme music by Body Found. Recorded February 16, 2009.  Hosted by John C. Snider and David Driscoll. books, interviews, podcast, science American Freethought no no http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/02/10/podcast-42-ken-miller-on-darwin-day/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/02/10/podcast-42-ken-miller-on-darwin-day/#comments Tue, 10 Feb 2009 05:01:28 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=220 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/02/10/podcast-42-ken-miller-on-darwin-day/feed/ 1 1:11:57 Happy 200th Birthday, Charles Darwin!  To celebrate, we interview Ken Miller (a.k.a. Dr. Kenneth R. Miller), Professor of Biology at Brown University and co-author (with Joseph S. Levine) of Prentice-Hall’s Biology, one of the most-used and mo[...] Happy 200th Birthday, Charles Darwin!  To celebrate, we interview Ken Miller (a.k.a. Dr. Kenneth R. Miller), Professor of Biology at Brown University and co-author (with Joseph S. Levine) of Prentice-Hall’s Biology, one of the most-used and most-respected high school textbooks in the world.  Ken strikes a thoughtful balance between his Roman Catholicism and a deep appreciation of the reality of evolution.  He was a key witness for the plaintiffs in the 2005 Kitzmiller-v-Dover trial, which overturned an attempt by intelligent design creationists to infiltrate the local high school biology curriculum.  Ken is also the author of two science memoirs: Finding Darwin’s God and Only a Theory. For more about Ken and his work visit MillerandLevine.com. Read Jerry Coyne’s extensive critique of Ken Miller’s Only a Theory at The New Republic. Kudos to the organizers of Atlanta SkeptiCamp!  John and David recorded a live segment with Skepticality’s Derek and Swoopy.  To see video of all the presentations (including the joint Skepticality/American Freethought panel) go to Qik.com/DoctorAtlantis. DARWIN DONATIONS - Charles Darwin’s 200th birthday is coming up.  To celebrate, mark your calendars for February 12th; on that day, contact the charity of your choice and tell them you’re making the donation “in honor of Charles Darwin.” DARWIN DAY 2009 – If you live in metro Atlanta, join us at Decatur’s Thinking Man Tavern, 7:30PM, Thursday, February 12th.  Look for a crowd of attractive, well-dressed, extraordinarily intelligent people. Lest he get lost in the Darwin shuffle, let us remember Abraham Lincoln (born on the exact same day in 1809 as Charles Darwin).  As David points out, there’s plenty of evidence to suggest that Lincoln was a freethinker. ANNOUNCEMENTS We now have a CafePress store!  Buy cool American Freethought swag, including t-shirts and mugs. A reminder that we post new material (news, commentary, links of interest) several times a week at AmericanFreethought.com. If you’d like to talk about anything you’ve heard on our podcast (or anything related to freethought in general) join us at the American Freethought Yahoo Group.  And don’t forget our Facebook page. If you pick us up via iTunes please take a moment to leave feedback on our iTunes page. David is podcasting new episodes of Secular Nation.  AtheistAlliance.org/podcast. Interested in science fiction?  Then check out John’s SciFiDimensions Podcast.  SciFiDimensions.com. Send feedback to contact@americanfreethought.com – attach voicemail in mp3 or wav format. Theme music by Body Found. Recorded February 9, 2009.  Hosted by John C. Snider and David Driscoll. christianity, evolution, interviews, podcast, religion, science American Freethought no no http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/02/07/atlanta-skepticamp-a-spectacular-success/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/02/07/atlanta-skepticamp-a-spectacular-success/#comments Sun, 08 Feb 2009 01:57:34 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=222 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/02/07/atlanta-skepticamp-a-spectacular-success/feed/ 0 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/02/06/join-us-tonight-at-atlanta-skepticamp/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/02/06/join-us-tonight-at-atlanta-skepticamp/#comments Fri, 06 Feb 2009 05:01:00 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=221 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/02/06/join-us-tonight-at-atlanta-skepticamp/feed/ 0 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/02/03/podcast-41-neil-degrasse-tyson/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/02/03/podcast-41-neil-degrasse-tyson/#comments Tue, 03 Feb 2009 05:01:58 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=214 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/02/03/podcast-41-neil-degrasse-tyson/feed/ 3 1:05:05 We interview Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson, astrophysicist, science advocate, and author of The Pluto Files, a look at the cosmic dust-up that resulted from the demotion of the planet Pluto to “dwarf planet” by the International Astronomical U[...] We interview Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson, astrophysicist, science advocate, and author of The Pluto Files, a look at the cosmic dust-up that resulted from the demotion of the planet Pluto to “dwarf planet” by the International Astronomical Union.  Dr. Tyson occupies the Frederick P. Rose Directorship of the Hayden Planetarium at the American Museum of National History in NYC.  For more on Dr. Tyson visit HaydenPlanetarium.org/Tyson. The Pluto Files is available at Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk. If you haven’t already, you can read our review of The Pluto Files here. GET WELL SOON!  Father Reginald Foster, the Discalced Carmelite who is the Vatican’s chief Latinist (best known for his brief appearance in Bill Maher’s documentary Religulous, in which he openly scoffed at concepts like the Virgin Birth, the Resurrection, etc. – and this is a guy who resides in the Vatican!) has been having health problems since taking a bad fall last summer.  While Catholics are encouraged to pray for him (preferrably in Latin), freethinkers are encouraged to send their best wishes to Father Foster for a speedy recovery. DARWIN DONATIONS - Charles Darwin’s 200th birthday is coming up.  To celebrate, mark your calendars for February 12th; on that day, contact the charity of your choice and tell them you’re making the donation “in honor of Charles Darwin.” ANNOUNCEMENTS We’re giving away 2 free tix to the upcoming conference “The Religious-Secular Divide,” organized by the New School in NYC.  Just email us by February 7th at contact@americanfreethought.com or post your request on our Facebook Wall and you’ll be eligible to win. Speaking of February 7th, if you’ll be in metro Atlanta, join John and David at the first-ever Atlanta SkeptiCamp!  SkeptiCamp is a special kind of conference in which the content is provided by the attendees.  For fast-changing details visit BarCamp.org/AtlantaSkeptiCampFeb2009. We now have a CafePress store!  Buy cool American Freethought swag, including t-shirts and mugs. A reminder that we post new material (news, commentary, links of interest) several times a week at AmericanFreethought.com. If you’d like to talk about anything you’ve heard on our podcast (or anything related to freethought in general) join us at the American Freethought Yahoo Group.  And don’t forget our Facebook page. If you pick us up via iTunes please take a moment to leave feedback on our iTunes page. David is podcasting new episodes of Secular Nation.  AtheistAlliance.org/podcast. Interested in science fiction?  Then check out John’s SciFiDimensions Podcast.  SciFiDimensions.com. Send feedback to contact@americanfreethought.com – attach voicemail in mp3 or wav format. Theme music by Body Found. Recorded February 2, 2009.  Hosted by John C. Snider and David Driscoll. books, commentary, interviews, news, podcast, science American Freethought no no http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/01/27/podcast-40-the-galapagos-mountain-boys/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/01/27/podcast-40-the-galapagos-mountain-boys/#comments Tue, 27 Jan 2009 05:01:36 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=209 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/01/27/podcast-40-the-galapagos-mountain-boys/feed/ 0 1:04:28 We interview Dr. Stephen Baird, frontman for the Galapagos Mountain Boys, a (mostly) bluegrass band based in the San Diego area.  Dr. Baird talks about the term “scientific gospel,” the GMBs’ new album Darwin, Darn It!, and their u[...] We interview Dr. Stephen Baird, frontman for the Galapagos Mountain Boys, a (mostly) bluegrass band based in the San Diego area.  Dr. Baird talks about the term “scientific gospel,” the GMBs’ new album Darwin, Darn It!, and their upcoming gigs celebrating Darwin Day 2009.  For details visit ScientificGospel.com. Plus: The fallout from President Obama’s nod to “non-believers” in his inaugural address, and lots of listener feedback. DARWIN DONATIONS - Charles Darwin’s 200th birthday is coming up.  To celebrate, mark your calendars for February 12th; on that day, contact the charity of your choice and tell them you’re making the donation “in honor of Charles Darwin.” ANNOUNCEMENTS Listen to this episode to find out how you can win a package of cool freethought tchoch including Phil Zuckerman’s book Society without God; Stephen Uhl’s audiobook No Gods, No Guilt; the 2009 Skepchick and Skepdude calendars; and the CD “Darwin, Darn It!” by the Galapagos Mountain Boys.  The deadline for entries is January 31st. We’re also giving away 2 free tix to the upcoming conference “The Religious-Secular Divide,” organized by the New School in NYC.  Just email us by February 7th at contact@americanfreethought.com or post your request on our Facebook Wall and you’ll be eligible to win. We now have a CafePress store!  Buy cool American Freethought swag, including t-shirts and mugs. A reminder that we post new material (news, commentary, links of interest) several times a week at AmericanFreethought.com. If you’d like to talk about anything you’ve heard on our podcast (or anything related to freethought in general) join us at the American Freethought Yahoo Group [link].  And don’t forget our Facebook page. If you pick us up via iTunes please take a moment to leave feedback on our iTunes page. David is podcasting new episodes of Secular Nation.  AtheistAlliance.org/podcast. Interested in science fiction?  Then check out John’s SciFiDimensions Podcast.  SciFiDimensions.com. Send feedback to contact@americanfreethought.com – attach voicemail in mp3 or wav format. Theme music by Body Found. Recorded January 25, 2009.  Hosted by John C. Snider and David Driscoll. christianity, commentary, evolution, humor, interviews, music, news, podcast, politics, religion, science American Freethought no no http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/01/20/podcast-39-tellus-museum/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/01/20/podcast-39-tellus-museum/#comments Tue, 20 Jan 2009 15:53:06 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=205 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/01/20/podcast-39-tellus-museum/feed/ 1 1:00:15 We discuss our recent visit to the brand new Tellus Northwest Georgia Science Museum with Tellus marketeer Joe Schulman.  Tellus is just 45 miles north of Atlanta, with an extensive mineral collection, impressive dino-displays, a planetarium, a 20-i[...] We discuss our recent visit to the brand new Tellus Northwest Georgia Science Museum with Tellus marketeer Joe Schulman.  Tellus is just 45 miles north of Atlanta, with an extensive mineral collection, impressive dino-displays, a planetarium, a 20-inch telescope, and more.  For details visit TellusMuseum.org. Plus: How many preachers does it take to inaugurate a president?  US Airways Flight 1549: “Miracle” or Expertise + Good Luck? DARWIN DONATIONS - Charles Darwin’s 200th birthday is coming up.  To celebrate, mark your calendars for February 12th; on that day, contact the charity of your choice and tell them you’re making the donation “in honor of Charles Darwin.” ANNOUNCEMENTS Listen to this episode to find out how you can win a package of cool freethought tchoch including Phil Zuckerman’s book Society without God; Stephen Uhl’s audiobook No Gods, No Guilt; the 2009 Skepchick and Skepdude calendars; and the CD “Darwin, Darn It!” by the Galapagos Mountain Boys.  The deadline for entries is January 31st. We’re also giving away 2 free tix to the upcoming conference “The Religious-Secular Divide,” organized by the New School in NYC.  Just email us by February 7th at contact@americanfreethought.com or post your request on our Facebook Wall and you’ll be eligible to win. We now have a CafePress store!  Buy cool American Freethought swag, including t-shirts and mugs. A reminder that we post new material (news, commentary, links of interest) several times a week at AmericanFreethought.com. If you’d like to talk about anything you’ve heard on our podcast (or anything related to freethought in general) join us at the American Freethought Yahoo Group [link].  And don’t forget our Facebook page. If you pick us up via iTunes please take a moment to leave feedback on our iTunes page. David is podcasting new episodes of Secular Nation.  AtheistAlliance.org/podcast. Interested in science fiction?  Then check out John’s SciFiDimensions Podcast.  SciFiDimensions.com. Send feedback to contact@americanfreethought.com – attach voicemail in mp3 or wav format. Theme music by Body Found. Recorded January 19, 2009.  Hosted by John C. Snider and David Driscoll. christianity, evolution, interviews, news, podcast, politics, religion, science American Freethought no no http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/01/15/is-atheism-a-religion-laci-responds/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/01/15/is-atheism-a-religion-laci-responds/#comments Thu, 15 Jan 2009 05:01:49 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=200 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/01/15/is-atheism-a-religion-laci-responds/feed/ 4 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/01/10/podcast-38-youtuber-laci-gogreen18/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/01/10/podcast-38-youtuber-laci-gogreen18/#comments Sat, 10 Jan 2009 16:58:38 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=195 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/01/10/podcast-38-youtuber-laci-gogreen18/feed/ 20 1:03:57 We interview Laci, a.k.a. “gogreen18″ of YouTube fame.  In just a few short months, Laci’s intelligent commentary on religion and rationalism (not to mention her charm and good looks) have attracted a legion of likeminded fans.  He[...] We interview Laci, a.k.a. “gogreen18″ of YouTube fame.  In just a few short months, Laci’s intelligent commentary on religion and rationalism (not to mention her charm and good looks) have attracted a legion of likeminded fans.  Her bluntness has also raised the hackles of religionists, who succeeded in getting her suspended from the ‘Tube for two weeks in late 2008 – that’s when her videos went viral.  Now fellow nonbelievers (including uber-blogger PZ Myers and us at American Freethought) take heart that Laci is now a role model and secular spokeswoman for America’s up-and-coming generation.  Visit Laci’s YouTube channel at YouTube.com/user/gogreen18. ANNOUNCEMENTS Listen to this episode to find out how you can win a package of cool freethought tchoch including Phil Zuckerman’s book Society without God, Stephen Uhl’s audiobook No Gods, No Guilt, and the 2009 Skepchick and Skepdude calendars.  The deadline for entries is January 31st. We now have a CafePress store!  Buy cool American Freethought swag, including t-shirts and mugs.  Sport your support for patriotism through rational thought! A reminder that we post new material (news, commentary, links of interest) several times a week at AmericanFreethought.com. If you’d like to talk about anything you’ve heard on our podcast (or anything related to freethought in general) join us at the American Freethought Yahoo Group [link].  And don’t forget our Facebook page. If you pick us up via iTunes please take a moment to leave feedback on our iTunes page. David is podcasting new episodes of Secular Nation.  AtheistAlliance.org/podcast. Interested in science fiction?  Then check out John’s SciFiDimensions Podcast.  SciFiDimensions.com. Send feedback to contact@americanfreethought.com – attach voicemail in mp3 or wav format. Theme music by Body Found. Recorded January 10, 2009.  Hosted by John C. Snider and David Driscoll. atheism, christianity, interviews, podcast, religion American Freethought no no http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/01/05/365-days-of-astronomy-podcast/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/01/05/365-days-of-astronomy-podcast/#comments Mon, 05 Jan 2009 04:01:19 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=189 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/01/05/365-days-of-astronomy-podcast/feed/ 0 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/12/28/podcast-37-year-end-wrap-up/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/12/28/podcast-37-year-end-wrap-up/#comments Sun, 28 Dec 2008 04:01:47 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=180 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/12/28/podcast-37-year-end-wrap-up/feed/ 1 0:39:08 As we look forward to 2009, we take a moment to review the success and progress of the American Freethought Podcast in 2008.  What was our best episode?  What could we have done better? We also unveil a new contest for our listeners with an impressi[...] As we look forward to 2009, we take a moment to review the success and progress of the American Freethought Podcast in 2008.  What was our best episode?  What could we have done better? We also unveil a new contest for our listeners with an impressive stack of cool prizes.  Tune in to find out how YOU could be the recipient of this treasure trove of nifty freethought-ish tchoch. Finally, Dr. Eugenie Scott of the National Center for Science Education (NCSEweb.org) gets the last word on Ben Stein’s ridiculous “Evolution = Nazi Holocaust” documentary Expelled.  This 5-minute segment of conversation was trimmed from our interview with her in episode #31 (in which we talked about the Texas BOE putting out-of-state creationists on the committee that reviews the science curriculum).  It was intended for inclusion in our coverage of the Expelled DVD in episode #34, but… we forgot (okay, I forgot – David shares none of the blame!).  Anyway, we thought it was worth hearing, even it we’re delivering it a tad late. ANNOUNCEMENTS We now have a CafePress store!  Buy cool American Freethought swag, including t-shirts and mugs.  Sport your support for patriotism through rational thought! A reminder that we post new material (news, commentary, links of interest) several times a week at AmericanFreethought.com. If you’d like to talk about anything you’ve heard on our podcast (or anything related to freethought in general) join us at the American Freethought Yahoo Group [link].  And don’t forget our Facebook page. If you pick us up via iTunes please take a moment to leave feedback on our iTunes page. David is podcasting new episodes of Secular Nation.  AtheistAlliance.org/podcast. Interested in science fiction?  Then check out John’s SciFiDimensions Podcast.  SciFiDimensions.com. Send feedback to contact@americanfreethought.com – attach voicemail in mp3 or wav format. Theme music by Body Found. Recorded December 18, 2008.  Hosted by John C. Snider and David Driscoll. evolution, interviews, podcast, science American Freethought no no http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/12/18/podcast-36-roy-zimmerman/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/12/18/podcast-36-roy-zimmerman/#comments Thu, 18 Dec 2008 04:12:04 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=176 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/12/18/podcast-36-roy-zimmerman/feed/ 1 0:48:59 Interview with singer/songwriter and sociopolitical satirist Roy Zimmerman.  Find out whether or not Roy succeeded in playing gigs in all 50 States before Election Day 2008!  Roy follows in the long tradition of socially progressive troubadour activ[...] Interview with singer/songwriter and sociopolitical satirist Roy Zimmerman.  Find out whether or not Roy succeeded in playing gigs in all 50 States before Election Day 2008!  Roy follows in the long tradition of socially progressive troubadour activists like Bob Dylan, Woody Guthrie and Pete Seeger. Roy’s lyrics are viciously clever and laugh-out-loud hilarious – and his singin’ ‘n’ playin’ ain’t half bad either.  His songs include audience favorites like “Defenders of Marriage”, “Ted Haggard Is Completely Heterosexual”, “Is America Ready?”, “I Approve This Message”, and “Thanks for the Support” (which is also the title of his latest album).  We also play “Chrisma-Hanu-Rama-Ka-Dona-Kwanzaa”, from his holiday-themed album Peacenick.  For more information visit RoyZimmerman.com or check out his YouTube Channel.   Some of his music is also available for download at iTunes. ANNOUNCEMENTS A reminder that we post new material (news, commentary, links of interest) several times a week at AmericanFreethought.com. If you’d like to talk about anything you’ve heard on our podcast (or anything related to freethought in general) join us at the American Freethought Yahoo Group [link].  And don’t forget our Facebook page. If you pick us up via iTunes please take a moment to leave feedback on our iTunes page. David is podcasting new episodes of Secular Nation.  AtheistAlliance.org/podcast. Interested in science fiction?  Then check out John’s SciFiDimensions Podcast.  SciFiDimensions.com. Send feedback to contact@americanfreethought.com – attach voicemail in mp3 or wav format. Theme music by Body Found. Recorded December 17, 2008.  Hosted by John C. Snider and David Driscoll. humor, interviews, music, podcast, politics, religion American Freethought no no http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/12/09/itunes-picks-skeptics-guide-5x5-for-top-list/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/12/09/itunes-picks-skeptics-guide-5x5-for-top-list/#comments Wed, 10 Dec 2008 03:39:19 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=169 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/12/09/itunes-picks-skeptics-guide-5x5-for-top-list/feed/ 1 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/12/06/podcast-35-war-on-christmas/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/12/06/podcast-35-war-on-christmas/#comments Sat, 06 Dec 2008 17:35:04 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=166 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/12/06/podcast-35-war-on-christmas/feed/ 7 1:03:47 We take a look at the (alleged) War on Christmas and the various over-reactions to it. But first…some Thanksgiving leftovers!  Columnist Jim Griffith of the Newnan (Georgia) Times-Herald paints a bleak picture for atheists on Turkey Day. Lest [...] We take a look at the (alleged) War on Christmas and the various over-reactions to it. But first…some Thanksgiving leftovers!  Columnist Jim Griffith of the Newnan (Georgia) Times-Herald paints a bleak picture for atheists on Turkey Day. Lest you think it’s only small town news hounds who blame everything on the infidels, get a load of the recent essay by Daniel Henniger in The Wall Street Journal.  Who knew the economic implosion was triggered by the scrooges who don’t like to hear the words “Merry Christmas”. Bloviatin’ Bill O’Reilly has his loufa in a bunch over the fact that Washington State allowed an atheist display next to a Nativity scene on the capitol grounds.  But don’t worry Bill – some enterprising Christian kneecapped the Eighth Commandment and stole that pesky display.  Oh wait, it’s back! Who needs another installment of “Holey Scripture” when retired Episcopal Bishop John Shelby Spong is on the job?  Spong has spent a career letting the air out of the “Bible as literal history” tires, and his opinion of the Christmas Story is no exception.  Thus sayeth the Spong: “The gospel writers knew that they were not writing history, they knew they were creating an interpretive portrait.”  (I wouldn’t be so sure of that, but with Christians like Spong, who wants to argue?)  Sign up for the Bishop’s weekly newsletter at JohnShelbySpong.com. Our faithful listener Liz from Texas (who is allowed to play the AF podcast out loud at the office) shares her ingenious solution to obnoxious office Christmas Parties – hijack ‘em!  In a scenario worth of The Office, Liz convinced her boss to let her organize the year-end holiday bash, due to the fact that she can “keep it religion neutral and thus HR friendly.”  Nobody likes the end result except Liz, HR, and the Jews. Tom Melchiorre (the new editor of the Secular Nation newsletter) proves his uber-atheist street cred by refusing any observance or participation in holiday cheer.  (He responds to wishes of “Merry Christmas” with either a “No, thanks” or a Glare of Death.  He ‘splains himself in the current issue of Secular Nation magazine, which David will cover in an upcoming episode of the Secular Nation Podcast. Finally, we share our Top Five Holiday Gifts for the Nonbeliever!  Presented more or less in order from least-to-most recommended: John’s recommendations: 5. “How to Start Your Own Cult for Fun and Profit” by Heidi Lampietti.  A great stocking stuffer at $5, this 27-page chapbook helps you lay the groundwork for future fleecing of the dumb masses.  RedJackBooks.com 4. “The Resurrection and the Life” - a satirical retelling of the resurrection of Lazarus from the Book of John, this is a limited edition, handbound volume written by horror-meister Brian Keene, with woodcut engravings from Canadian artist George Walker.  Pricey and hard to come by, but worth the chase.  BitingDogPress.com 3.  There Will Be Blood (DVD) – Daniel Day Lewis and Paul Dano get biblical with a bowling pin in director Paul Thomas Anderson’s epic and unforgettable fable set in the oil fields of early 20th century California.  I… drink… your… milkshake!!! 2.  Fossils – From $10 bugs-in-amber to a $22K slab o’ Selenopeltis Buchii, the remains of creatures past are sure to please science lovers and annoy the yokels who still think the earth is 6,000 years old.  If you don’t have a local rock shop, try eBay.com. 1.  The Complete Discography of George Hrab – Musician, comedian, podcaster, freethinker, Hrab has accumulated a cult-like following to his Geologic Podcast.  His five albums are kinda nifty, too!  Buy the entire Hrab ouevre at CDBaby.com or check out GeologicRecords.net. David’s recommendations: 5.  Give the Gift of Godless Power Brokering [...] atheism, books, christianity, humor, movies, music, news, podcast, religion American Freethought no no http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/11/26/af-podcast-turns-one/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/11/26/af-podcast-turns-one/#comments Wed, 26 Nov 2008 14:15:33 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=162 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/11/26/af-podcast-turns-one/feed/ 3 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/11/22/podcast-34-mel-lipman/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/11/22/podcast-34-mel-lipman/#comments Sat, 22 Nov 2008 22:31:52 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=160 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/11/22/podcast-34-mel-lipman/feed/ 2 1:12:31 Interview with Mel Lipman (approx. 42 minutes into the show), president of the American Humanist Association (and, incidentally, the father of Lori Lipman Brown, lobbyist for the Secular Coalition for American, whom we talked to in podcast #23).  We[...] Interview with Mel Lipman (approx. 42 minutes into the show), president of the American Humanist Association (and, incidentally, the father of Lori Lipman Brown, lobbyist for the Secular Coalition for American, whom we talked to in podcast #23).  We talk to Mel about the AHA’s holiday ad campaign, which puts the message “Why believe in a god?  Just be good for goodness’ sake!” on buses in Washington, DC. But first!… Carl Raschke (Professor of Religious Studies at the University of Denver), commenting on fans of the role-playing game Playing Gods (created by Ben Radford, editor of Skeptical Inquirer), compares (some) atheists to jihadists. We discuss the new DVD release of Expelled.  Basically, refried baloney is still baloney.  If you must buy it, buy it at Amazon.com through us.  Also, a lover of science has created a way to insert fact-checking subtitles as you watch Expelled on your computer.  Here’s how. It’s three weeks after the elections, but there are still undecided Senate races around the country, including an upcoming runoff in Georgia between incumbent Senator Saxby Chambliss (R) and challenger Jim Martin (D). Gay rights advocates around the country are protesting the passage of California Proposition 8 (which bans gay marriage via amendment to the state constitution).  Former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich characterizes these protests as “fascist”. The Supreme Court hears a lawsuit seeking to force a Utah town to post the “Seven Aphorisms of Summum” next to the Ten Commandments. USA Today publishes a rare article that shows atheism in a positive light. We’re giving away a copy of Guy Harrison’s book 50 Reasons People Give for Believing in a God.  The first person who posts a request on our Facebook wall gets it. Announcements A reminder that we post new material (news, commentary, links of interest) every day at AmericanFreethought.com. If you’d like to talk about anything you’ve heard on our podcast (or anything related to freethought in general) join us at the American Freethought Yahoo Group [link]. If you pick us up via iTunes please take a moment to leave feedback on our iTunes page. David is podcasting new episodes of Secular Nation.  AtheistAlliance.org/podcast. Interested in science fiction?  Then check out John’s SciFiDimensions Podcast.  SciFiDimensions.com. Send feedback to contact@americanfreethought.com – attach voicemail in mp3 or wav format. Music by Body Found. Recorded November 20, 2008.  Hosted by John C. Snider and David Driscoll. atheism, commentary, interviews, news, podcast, politics, religion American Freethought no no http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/11/07/podcast-33-election-2008/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/11/07/podcast-33-election-2008/#comments Sat, 08 Nov 2008 00:42:33 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=152 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/11/07/podcast-33-election-2008/feed/ 0 1:06:43 Congratulations to President-Elect Barack Obama!  The possible ramifications of an Obama presidency will be shaking out for weeks and months to come, but freethinkers are particularly interested in the effect it will have on separation of church and[...] Congratulations to President-Elect Barack Obama!  The possible ramifications of an Obama presidency will be shaking out for weeks and months to come, but freethinkers are particularly interested in the effect it will have on separation of church and state, the integrity of government-funded science, gay rights, women’s rights, etc.  We’ll also take a look at various election results from across the country. Announcements A reminder that we post new material (news, commentary, links of interest) every day at AmericanFreethought.com. If you’d like to talk about anything you’ve heard on our podcast (or anything related to freethought in general) join us at the American Freethought Yahoo Group [link]. If you pick us up via iTunes please take a moment to leave feedback on our iTunes page. David is podcasting new episodes of Secular Nation.  AtheistAlliance.org/podcast. Interested in science fiction?  Then check out John’s SciFiDimensions Podcast.  SciFiDimensions.com. Send feedback to contact@americanfreethought.com – attach voicemail in mp3 or wav format. Music by Body Found. Recorded November 6, 2008.  Hosted by John C. Snider and David Driscoll. commentary, news, podcast, politics, religion, science American Freethought no yes http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/10/26/podcast-32-potpourri-and-feedback/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/10/26/podcast-32-potpourri-and-feedback/#comments Mon, 27 Oct 2008 02:03:44 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=145 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/10/26/podcast-32-potpourri-and-feedback/feed/ 0 0:43:51 In this episode we throw in a potpourri of items in the news or random events we think our subscribers will find interesting, plus we discuss some interesting listener feedback. Religulous Kicks Expelled‘s Ass – Comedian Bill Maher[...] In this episode we throw in a potpourri of items in the news or random events we think our subscribers will find interesting, plus we discuss some interesting listener feedback. Religulous Kicks Expelled‘s Ass – Comedian Bill Maher’s anti-religion documentary Religulous has earned $10.6M in four weeks on roughly 500 screens.  Compare that to Ben Stein’s “evolution means genocide” screed Expelled, which brought in $7.7M during its entire eight-week run on over 1,000 screens.  So maybe Americans aren’t as nuts as we’d feared. W – We talk briefly about Oliver Stone’s not-great-not-terrible biopic of our current lame-duck president.  Bottom line: it’s worth seeing but offers no new insights into how a mediocrity like George W. Bush could wrangle his way into two full terms as the most powerful man on the planet.  Visit WtheFilm.com for more info. Wicked – The hit musical Wicked (based on the novel by which turns the premise of The Wizard of Oz upside-down) is playing at the historic Fox Theatre in Atlanta.  This of course leads to sidewalk preachers descending upong Peachtree Street like a plague of locusts to decry the desensitization of our youth to witchcraft and moral relativism (just like that brat Harry Potter). Track Rock Archaeological Site near Brasstown Bald is the only known example of prehistoric petroglyphs in Georgia.  Nobody – not even the Cherokee Indians – knows who carved them or when.  Paleontologists tell us that humans have lived in Georgia for as long as 15,000 years (but of course this estimate raises the hackles of some fundamentalists, who “know” the earth was created in 4,004 BC).  Atlanta’s Fernbank Museum of Natural History organizes occasional guided hikes, and if you’re ever available they’re well worth your while.  For more visit FernbankMuseum.org. Anti-Discrimination Survey – Margaret Downey (recently retired president of Atheist Alliance International) is working with the Anti-Discrimination Support Network.  If you have a few minutes, visit Atheist Research Online [link] and take their brief, anonymous survey [link]. Listener Feedback – Bill objects to our sarcastic asides about Arkansas from podcast #30.  Referencing our September 20 blog entry at AmericanFreethought.com, Jerry thinks Sam Harris is an elitist snob.  David shares a response to Secular Nation Podcast #17 from a listener who apparently wasn’t listening. Announcements A reminder that we post new material (news, commentary, links of interest) every day at AmericanFreethought.com. If you’d like to talk about anything you’ve heard on our podcast (or anything related to freethought in general) join us at the American Freethought Yahoo Group [link]. If you pick us up via iTunes please take a moment to leave feedback on our iTunes page. David is podcasting new episodes of Secular Nation.  AtheistAlliance.org/podcast. Interested in science fiction?  Then check out John’s SciFiDimensions Podcast.  SciFiDimensions.com. Send feedback to contact@americanfreethought.com – attach voicemail in mp3 or wav format. Recorded October 23, 2008.  Hosted by John C. Snider and David Driscoll. atheism, christianity, commentary, history, humor, movies, news, podcast, politics, religion, science American Freethought no yes http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/10/24/podcast-31-eugenie-scott/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/10/24/podcast-31-eugenie-scott/#comments Fri, 24 Oct 2008 21:05:28 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=143 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/10/24/podcast-31-eugenie-scott/feed/ 1 0:51:00 We talk to Dr. Eugenie Scott, executive director of the National Center for Science Education (NCSE) about the recent action by the Texas Board of Education [www.tea.state.tx.us/sboe] that places three creationists on the six-member committee that r[...] We talk to Dr. Eugenie Scott, executive director of the National Center for Science Education (NCSE) about the recent action by the Texas Board of Education [www.tea.state.tx.us/sboe] that places three creationists on the six-member committee that reviews science standards [link].  How damaging could this move be to the rest of the country? For more about NCSE visit NCSEweb.org – consider becoming a member, since the NCSE operates part on membership dues. Also visit the Texas Freedom Network at TFN.org, one of the major pro-science groups within the state. Announcements A reminder that we post new material (news, commentary, links of interest) every day at AmericanFreethought.com. If you’d like to talk about anything you’ve heard on our podcast (or anything related to freethought in general) join us at the American Freethought Yahoo Group [link]. If you pick us up via iTunes please take a moment to leave feedback on our iTunes page. David is podcasting new episodes of Secular Nation.  AtheistAlliance.org/podcast. Interested in science fiction?  Then check out John’s SciFiDimensions Podcast.  SciFiDimensions.com. Send feedback to contact@americanfreethought.com – attach voicemail in mp3 or wav format. Recorded October 23, 2008.  Hosted by John C. Snider and David Driscoll. christianity, evolution, interviews, podcast, politics, religion, science American Freethought no no http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/10/05/podcast-30-religulous/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/10/05/podcast-30-religulous/#comments Sun, 05 Oct 2008 21:43:08 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=136 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/10/05/podcast-30-religulous/feed/ 3 0:56:00 We discuss Religulous, the new documentary starring comedian Bill Maher (best known for his politically-oriented roundtable talk shows Politically Incorrect and Real Time with Bill Maher).  The early box office returns show Religulous making $3.5 mi[...] We discuss Religulous, the new documentary starring comedian Bill Maher (best known for his politically-oriented roundtable talk shows Politically Incorrect and Real Time with Bill Maher).  The early box office returns show Religulous making $3.5 million its first weekend on 500 screens (compare this to Ben Stein’s Expelled, which made $3 million on 1,000 screens). Our recommendation:  Go see Religulous!  Despite its many flaws, it’s funny, informative, and ultimately thought-provoking. Visit the Religulous Official Website at Lionsgate.com/Religulous. Announcements A reminder that we post new material (news, commentary, links of interest) every day at AmericanFreethought.com. If you’d like to talk about anything you’ve heard on our podcast (or anything related to freethought in general) join us at the American Freethought Yahoo Group [link]. If you pick us up via iTunes please take a moment to leave feedback on our iTunes page. David is podcasting new episodes of Secular Nation.  AtheistAlliance.org/podcast. Interested in science fiction?  Then check out John’s SciFiDimensions Podcast.  SciFiDimensions.com. Send feedback to contact@americanfreethought.com – attach voicemail in mp3 or wav format. Recorded October 5, 2008.  Hosted by John C. Snider and David Driscoll. humor, movies, podcast, politics, religion American Freethought no no http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/09/29/podcast-29-report-2-on-aai-convention-2008/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/09/29/podcast-29-report-2-on-aai-convention-2008/#comments Tue, 30 Sep 2008 00:32:09 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=134 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/09/29/podcast-29-report-2-on-aai-convention-2008/feed/ 1 0:29:25 David Driscoll gives a wrap-up on the 14th annual Atheist Alliance International convention in Long Beach, California, including his descriptions of presentations by Julia Sweeney, PZ Myers, Eddie Tabash, Michael Shermer and Michael Newdow.  Details[...] David Driscoll gives a wrap-up on the 14th annual Atheist Alliance International convention in Long Beach, California, including his descriptions of presentations by Julia Sweeney, PZ Myers, Eddie Tabash, Michael Shermer and Michael Newdow.  Details on the convention can be found here [link]. Announcements A reminder that we post new material (news, commentary, links of interest) every day at AmericanFreethought.com. If you’d like to talk about anything you’ve heard on our podcast (or anything related to freethought in general) join us at the American Freethought Yahoo Group [link]. If you pick us up via iTunes please take a moment to leave feedback on our iTunes page. David is podcasting new episodes of Secular Nation.  AtheistAlliance.org/podcast. Interested in science fiction?  Then check out John’s SciFiDimensions Podcast.  SciFiDimensions.com. Send feedback to contact@americanfreethought.com – attach voicemail in mp3 or wav format. Recorded September 29, 2008.  Hosted by John C. Snider and David Driscoll. atheism, news, podcast, politics American Freethought no no http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/09/27/podcast-28-report-from-aai-convention-2008/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/09/27/podcast-28-report-from-aai-convention-2008/#comments Sat, 27 Sep 2008 19:15:40 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=133 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/09/27/podcast-28-report-from-aai-convention-2008/feed/ 0 0:19:23 David Driscoll reports (almost) live from the 14th annual Atheist Alliance International convention in Long Beach, California.  Details on the convention – including the opportunity to watch it from home via live streaming – can be found[...] David Driscoll reports (almost) live from the 14th annual Atheist Alliance International convention in Long Beach, California.  Details on the convention – including the opportunity to watch it from home via live streaming – can be found here [link]. Announcements A reminder that we post new material (news, commentary, links of interest) every day at AmericanFreethought.com. If you’d like to talk about anything you’ve heard on our podcast (or anything related to freethought in general) join us at the American Freethought Yahoo Group [link]. If you pick us up via iTunes please take a moment to leave feedback on our iTunes page. David is podcasting new episodes of Secular Nation.  AtheistAlliance.org/podcast. Interested in science fiction?  Then check out John’s SciFiDimensions Podcast.  SciFiDimensions.com. Send feedback to contact@americanfreethought.com – attach voicemail in mp3 or wav format. Recorded September 27, 2008.  Hosted by John C. Snider and David Driscoll. atheism, news, podcast American Freethought no no http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/09/20/podcast-27-ed-buckner/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/09/20/podcast-27-ed-buckner/#comments Sat, 20 Sep 2008 21:59:09 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=128 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/09/20/podcast-27-ed-buckner/feed/ 6 0:46:51 Interview with Ed Buckner, the newly appointed president of American Atheists.  Ed was formerly an executive director of the Council for Secular Humanism, and at the time of his appointment to this new post was the Treasurer of the Atlanta Freethoug[...] Interview with Ed Buckner, the newly appointed president of American Atheists.  Ed was formerly an executive director of the Council for Secular Humanism, and at the time of his appointment to this new post was the Treasurer of the Atlanta Freethought Society. For more about American Atheists, visit Atheists.org. Announcements A call for listener input! We’re thinking of doing a show about the challenges atheists face in relationships, particularly in families with a mix of atheists and believers.  Send your stories to contact@americanfreethought.com (attach voice files in mp3 or wav format).  If you don’t know how to make a voice file, we can offer some assistance.  No deadline, but the sooner the better. David will be at the Atheist Alliance International convention in Long Beach, CA, Sept 25-28 [AtheistAlliance.org]. If you like science fiction, check out John’s SciFiDimensions Podcast [SciFiDimensions.com/podcast]. David’s Secular Nation Podcast [AtheistAlliance.org/podcast] has new episodes. Join us for discussion at the American Freethought Yahoo Group [link]. We also have a new Facebook page. Do you shop at Amazon.com?  If so, add [this link] to your browser Favorites (alternatively, you can just click through the Amazon.com link in the right-hand column of the AmericanFreethought.com website.  It won’t cost you a penny more; your purchases remain anonymous; and American Freethought gets a small percentage that will help offset our modest expenses and hopefully keep us out of the poor house. Send feedback to contact@americanfreethought.com – attach voicemail in mp3 or wav format. Music by Body Found [brickhouse-acoustics.com]. Recorded 09/19/2008.  Hosted by John C. Snider and David Driscoll. atheism, interviews, podcast American Freethought no no http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/09/09/three-words-shoe-other-and-foot/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/09/09/three-words-shoe-other-and-foot/#comments Tue, 09 Sep 2008 21:29:43 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=108 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/09/09/three-words-shoe-other-and-foot/feed/ 0 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/09/08/podcast-26-sarah-palin/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/09/08/podcast-26-sarah-palin/#comments Tue, 09 Sep 2008 01:12:06 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=107 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/09/08/podcast-26-sarah-palin/feed/ 1 1:09:30 First up, what does the selection of Sarah Palin for the Republican presidential ticket mean for the cause of secular government in America? (Spoiler Alert: It won’t be good.) Next, we offer a wrap-up of the extremely successful Skeptics Track[...] First up, what does the selection of Sarah Palin for the Republican presidential ticket mean for the cause of secular government in America? (Spoiler Alert: It won’t be good.) Next, we offer a wrap-up of the extremely successful Skeptics Track at this year’s Dragon*Con.  If you were in attendance, send an email to dragoncon@dragoncon.org and let them know what a fantastic job Track Director Derek Colanduno did. Plus: A special, super-secret guest panelist joins us for the first (and hopefully not the last) time! Announcements A call for listener input! We’re thinking of doing a show about the challenges atheists face in relationships, particularly in families with a mix of atheists and believers.  Send your stories to contact@americanfreethought.com (attach voice files in mp3 or wav format).  If you don’t know how to make a voice file, we can offer some assistance.  No deadline, but the sooner the better. David will be at the Atheist Alliance International convention in Long Beach, CA, Sept 25-28 [AtheistAlliance.org]. If you like science fiction, check out John’s SciFiDimensions Podcast [SciFiDimensions.com/podcast]. David’s Secular Nation Podcast [AtheistAlliance.org/podcast] has new episodes. Join us for discussion at the American Freethought Yahoo Group [link]. We also have a new Facebook page. Do you shop at Amazon.com?  If so, add [this link] to your browser Favorites (alternatively, you can just click through the Amazon.com link in the right-hand column of the AmericanFreethought.com website.  It won’t cost you a penny more; your purchases remain anonymous; and American Freethought gets a small percentage that will help offset our modest expenses and hopefully keep us out of the poor house. Send feedback to contact@americanfreethought.com – attach voicemail in mp3 or wav format. Music by Body Found [brickhouse-acoustics.com]. Recorded 09/07/2008.  Hosted by John C. Snider and David Driscoll. news, podcast, politics, religion, skepticism American Freethought no no http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/09/05/podcast-25-live-at-dragoncon/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/09/05/podcast-25-live-at-dragoncon/#comments Fri, 05 Sep 2008 04:13:03 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=98 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/09/05/podcast-25-live-at-dragoncon/feed/ 3 0:54:59 [Apologies for the sound glitch at the very beginning.  The theme music overpowers the voice track, but it only lasts a few seconds.] Presenting our first-ever live episode, recorded August 30th at Dragon*Con as part of the Skeptics programming trac[...] [Apologies for the sound glitch at the very beginning.  The theme music overpowers the voice track, but it only lasts a few seconds.] Presenting our first-ever live episode, recorded August 30th at Dragon*Con as part of the Skeptics programming track, directed by Derek Colanduno of Skepticality fame.  (Derek’s pod-partner Swoopy directed Dragon*Con’s Podcasting track.) In the segment “The Craziest $#!+ in Georgia”, we present real-life weirdness from the Peach State.  David discusses the Georgia Guidestones (“America’s Stonehenge”), a granite monument erected on a hillside outside Elberton, Georgia and paid for by an anonymous humanistic donor.  John offers a rambling Connections-style tale that links Stone Mountain, Creation Science, Superman and the KKK.  We also include a special Holey Scripture aimed at lovers of dragons and other mythological monsters (which can be found in the Bible if you know where to look). Thanks to everyone in our live audience, and especially to those who came up to say you’ve been listening to the podcast.  Derek and Company did a fantastic job all weekend with the Skeptics Track – packed audiences were entertained by skeptical superstars like James “The Amazing” Randi, Phil “The Bad Astronomer” Plait, George “Geologic Podcast” Hrab, D. J. “Point of Inquiry” Grothe, Lori Lipman Brown and several others.  It’s a sure bet that next year’s Dragon*Con will see improved and expanded programming for the fans. For more on Dragon*Con visit DragonCon.org. Visit Derek and Swoopy at Skepticality.com. Visit us online at AmericanFreethought.com. Send feedback to contact@americanfreethought.com – attach voicemail in mp3 or wav format and we might play your comments in a future show. Recorded 08/30/2008.  Hosted by John Snider and David Driscoll. commentary, history, humor, podcast, religion, science, skepticism American Freethought no no http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/08/25/podcast-24-saddleback-forum/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/08/25/podcast-24-saddleback-forum/#comments Mon, 25 Aug 2008 13:11:07 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=96 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/08/25/podcast-24-saddleback-forum/feed/ 5 1:12:28 Saddleback Civil Forum – On August 16, presidential candidates Barack Obama and John McCain appeared on stage together at Saddleback Church to be questioned by Pastor Rick “Purpose Driven” Warren.  We analyze their performance, esp[...] Saddleback Civil Forum – On August 16, presidential candidates Barack Obama and John McCain appeared on stage together at Saddleback Church to be questioned by Pastor Rick “Purpose Driven” Warren.  We analyze their performance, especially on matters of church-and-state.  But really, is it so much to ask our candidates to please please please stop the kowtowing to religious types? My Fundamentalist Friend -  David recounts his recent conversation with a Christian co-worker.  The man has more patience than I.  Oy. Announcements We’ll be at Dragon*Con [dragoncon.org] August 29-September 1 in Atlanta, Georgia, participating in both the Skeptics track and the Podcasting track – including a LIVE episode of American Freethought at 5:30PM, Saturday, August 30. David will be at the Atheist Alliance International convention in Long Beach, CA, Sept 25-28 [AtheistAlliance.org]. If you like science fiction, check out John’s SciFiDimensions Podcast [SciFiDimensions.com/podcast]. David’s Secular Nation Podcast [AtheistAlliance.org/podcast] has new episodes. Join us for discussion at the American Freethought Yahoo Group [link]. We also have a new Facebook page. Do you shop at Amazon.com?  If so, add [this link] to your browser Favorites (alternatively, you can just click through the Amazon.com link in the right-hand column of the AmericanFreethought.com website.  It won’t cost you a penny more; your purchases remain anonymous; and American Freethought gets a small percentage that will help offset our modest expenses and hopefully keep us out of the poor house. Send feedback to contact@americanfreethought.com – attach voicemail in mp3 or wav format. Music by Body Found [brickhouse-acoustics.com]. Recorded 08/24/2008.  Hosted by John C. Snider and David Driscoll. christianity, commentary, news, podcast, politics, religion American Freethought no no http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/08/06/podcast-23-lori-lipman-brown/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/08/06/podcast-23-lori-lipman-brown/#comments Wed, 06 Aug 2008 15:46:22 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=93 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/08/06/podcast-23-lori-lipman-brown/feed/ 4 0:58:41 We talk to Lori Lipman Brown, director and lobbyist for the Secular Coalition for America [secular.org].  Until recently, Lori was the only full-time lobbyist working with Congress on behalf of non-theistic citizens.  She recently got an assistant. [...] We talk to Lori Lipman Brown, director and lobbyist for the Secular Coalition for America [secular.org].  Until recently, Lori was the only full-time lobbyist working with Congress on behalf of non-theistic citizens.  She recently got an assistant. Announcements We’ll be at Dragon*Con [dragoncon.org] August 29-September 1 in Atlanta, Georgia, participating in both the Skeptics track and the Podcasting track – including a LIVE episode of American Freethought at 5:30PM, Saturday, August 30. David will be at the Atheist Alliance International convention in Long Beach, CA, Sept 25-28 [atheistalliance.org]. If you like science fiction, check out John’s SciFiDimensions Podcast [SciFiDimensions.com/podcast]. David’s Secular Nation Podcast [AtheistAlliance.org/podcast] has new episodes. Join us for discussion at the American Freethought Yahoo Group [link]. We also have a new Facebook page. Do you shop at Amazon.com?  If so, add [this link] to your browser Favorites (alternatively, you can just click through the Amazon.com link in the right-hand column of the AmericanFreethought.com website.  It won’t cost you a penny more; your purchases remain anonymous; and American Freethought gets a small percentage that will help offset our modest expenses and hopefully keep us out of the poor house. Send feedback to contact@americanfreethought.com – attach voicemail in mp3 or wav format. Music by Body Found [brickhouse-acoustics.com]. Recorded 08/0