Beyond Atheism Podcast

In this episode, we’re joined by Christian Lomsdalen, the president of the Norwegian Humanist Association. We learn about the history of the organization and how it has grown to over 100,000 members (2% of Norway’s population). We talk about how the organization was organized around rituals and ceremonies and their plans to expand their outreach by placing humanist chaplains in prisons, hospitals, and the military. We also learn about Christian’s personal hopes to be composted in his garden. In the lightning round, we explore humanism’s connection to the welfare state.In the bonus section, available exclusively to supporters on Patreon, we talk about the world chess champion (and arguably the most famous Norwegian) Magnus Carlsen. Christian also points out problems with previous “Can a True Atheist” rounds.The Norwegian Humanist Association: https://www.human.no/ Nathan and Todd recently appeared on the Graceful Atheist podcast: https://anchor.fm/gracefulatheist/episodes/Nathan-and-Todd-Beyond-Atheism-e1qmpe9 Follow Nathan on Twitter: https://twitter.com/NathGAlexander Nathan’s website: https://www.nathangalexander.com/ If you find the podcast valuable and want to support it, check out our Patreon page, where you will also find bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/beyond_atheism We are grateful for every contribution.Beyond Atheism is produced and distributed by Atheists United Studios: https://www.atheistsunited.org/podcasts

In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Timothy Stacey, a researcher at Utrecht University in the Netherlands. Past episodes of Beyond Atheism have examined the “secular paradox” and the isolation felt when people begin to challenge and lose their faith. In this episode we talk about creating and maintaining community using myth and magic (but they don’t mean what you think they mean!). We learn about Tim’s research with the Metro Vancouver Alliance and how it can teach us to forge meaningful atheist spaces. In the lightning round, we get a surprising answer about belief in God!In the bonus section, available exclusively to supporters on Patreon, we ask Tim about how we can create communities between people with widely divergent viewpoints. We also learn his thoughts on recent environmentalist protests like throwing soup at a Van Gogh painting.Check out Tim’s book, Saving Liberalism from Itself: The Spirit of Participation: https://bristoluniversitypress.co.uk/saving-liberalism-from-itself For more on Tim: https://www.uu.nl/staff/TJStacey Follow Tim on Twitter: https://twitter.com/godsandsods Nathan and Todd recently appeared on the Graceful Atheist podcast: https://anchor.fm/gracefulatheist/episodes/Nathan-and-Todd-Beyond-Atheism-e1qmpe9 Follow Nathan on Twitter: https://twitter.com/NathGAlexander Nathan’s website: https://www.nathangalexander.com/ If you find the podcast valuable and want to support it, check out our Patreon page, where you will also find bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/beyond_atheism We are grateful for every contribution.Beyond Atheism is produced and distributed by Atheists United Studios: https://www.atheistsunited.org/podcasts

In this episode, we’re joined by Rachele Walter, the current Vice Chair of Secular Democrats of Nebraska and the President of Lincoln Atheists. We talk about the state of secularism in Nebraska and how secular activism and political activism can be both deeply intertwined and yet be kept separate. She also gives us an inside look at how the Secular Democrats have had success getting their party to adopt more secular positions to the party platform. In addition to hearing predictions for the upcoming midterm elections in the US, we also learn whether a true atheist can date someone who is religious or even vote Republican.In the bonus section, available exclusively to Patreon supporters, we gossip about her funny interactions in political life and learn about the Bad Ass Bitches Brigade. Follow Secular Democrats of Nebraska on Twitter: @SecularDemsofNEOn Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/seculardemsofne/ And check out their Linktree: http://linktr.ee/seculardemsofne Official merchandise: https://www.bonfire.com/store/secular-democrats-of-nebraska/ Follow Nathan on Twitter: https://twitter.com/NathGAlexander Nathan’s website: https://www.nathangalexander.com/ If you find the podcast valuable and want to support it, check out our Patreon page, where you will also find bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/beyond_atheism We are grateful for every contribution.Beyond Atheism is produced and distributed by Atheists United Studios: https://www.atheistsunited.org/podcasts

In this episode, we’re joined by Gayle Jordan, the Executive Director of Recovering from Religion. We talk about how Gayle’s organization helps people through the pain and difficulty associated with leaving a faith. Additionally, we learn about many of the specific problems and traumas caused by religion through Gayle’s fascinating personal story of leaving the Southern Baptist church later in life and how it led her to Recovering from Religion. Finally, we learn whether a “True Atheist” can think religious people are stupid and what’s so great about a covered dish supper.In the bonus section, available exclusively to our Patreon supporters, we talk more about life as a Southern Baptist, the few outlets from religious repression offered in the community, and concerns over reading Harry Potter.[Note: This episode was edited to replace some of the questions due to technical difficulties. Gayle is a fantastic conversationalist and her answers remain unchanged.]For more on Recovering Religion: https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/Follow Nathan on Twitter: https://twitter.com/NathGAlexander Nathan’s website: https://www.nathangalexander.com/ If you find the podcast valuable and want to support it, check out our Patreon page, where you will also find bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/beyond_atheism We are grateful for every contribution.Beyond Atheism is produced and distributed by Atheists United Studios: https://www.atheistsunited.org/podcasts

In this episode, we are joined today by Jamie Woodhouse, the host of the Sentientism Podcast and YouTube channel. We learn about “sentientism” – the idea that we should have moral concern for all sentient creatures – and what its ethical consequences are. We also find out, among other things, whether a “True Sentientist” can eat honey or own a pet.In the bonus section, available exclusively to Patreon supporters, we ask Jamie whether he has come across any stereotypically obnoxious vegans in real life, and his thoughts on vegan cuisine. We also ask him about his thoughts on the recent controversy at Google about the potential creation of a sentient artificial intelligence.Find out more about Sentientism: https://sentientism.info/Sentientism YouTube channel: ​​https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMfzOpbOeXRhZBXYRHkpPEg/videos Sentientism podcast: ​​https://pod.link/1540408008 Sentientism Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/sentientism Sentientism on Twitter: https://twitter.com/sentientism Sentientism on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sentientism/ For more on Jamie: https://jamiewoodhouse.com/ Follow Nathan on Twitter: https://twitter.com/NathGAlexander Nathan’s website: https://www.nathangalexander.com/ If you find the podcast valuable and want to support it, check out our Patreon page, where you will also find bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/beyond_atheism We are grateful for every contribution.Beyond Atheism is produced and distributed by Atheists United Studios: https://www.atheistsunited.org/podcasts

In this episode, we’re joined by Anya Overmann, the host of The Nomadic Humanist podcast. We talk about how Anya’s humanist ideals developed and how they complement and complicate international travels, especially when she doesn’t have any set “home.” Through tales of her life as a digital nomad, she gives us her thoughts on other digital nomads, and on the secular movement today. We also learn whether a “True Nomadic Humanist” can travel by plane, feel disgusted by local food, and visit holy sites of foreign cultures.In the bonus section, available exclusively to our supporters on Patreon, we learn how living a nomadic lifestyle impacts how one maintains and grows personal relationships and how popular apps can help.The Nomadic Humanist podcast: https://nomadichumanist.com/ For more on Anya: https://www.anyaovermann.com/about Follow Nathan on Twitter: https://twitter.com/NathGAlexander Nathan’s website: https://www.nathangalexander.com/ If you find the podcast valuable and want to support it, check out our Patreon page, where you will also find bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/beyond_atheism We are grateful for every contribution.Beyond Atheism is produced and distributed by Atheists United Studios: https://www.atheistsunited.org/podcasts

In this engaging discussion, Dr. Christopher Cameron, a history professor and author of *Black Freethinkers: A History of African American Secularism*, dives into African American secularism's rich past. He explores the spiritual life of enslaved people and how religion evolved post-slavery. The role of atheism in the Civil Rights Movement is also highlighted, emphasizing key activists who leaned into secular beliefs for social change. Cameron shares personal reflections on his journey to atheism and tackles provocative questions surrounding the intersection of atheism and cultural identity.

In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Kristina Lee, an assistant professor in Communication Studies at the University of South Dakota. We talk about the idea of “theistnormativity” – the way that Christianity and belief in God are subtly (or not!) privileged in the United States. This is seen in things like having “In God We Trust” on the money, the ubiquitous “God Bless America” in politicians’ speeches, and the way atheists are mistrusted and have had their citizenship challenged. We talk about how this theistnormativity is not inevitable but that it was Christian nationalists who have repeatedly tried to instill it. We also learn whether a “true atheist” can commit a sin, or say “Goddammit!” when they stub their toe.In the bonus section, we talk about persecution of Jehovah’s Witnesses in the 1940s and the reception of Kristina’s work in academia and as a teacher.Disclaimer: "Please note, Dr. Lee is expressing her own professional opinion, not those of USD or the South Dakota Board of Regents."Check out some of Kristina’s articles:“Why it matters that 7 states still have bans on atheists holding office”: https://theconversation.com/why-it-matters-that-7-states-still-have-bans-on-atheists-holding-office-161069“70 years ago Walter Plywaski fought for atheists' right to become citizens – here's why his story is worth remembering”: https://theconversation.com/70-years-ago-walter-plywaski-fought-for-atheists-right-to-become-citizens-heres-why-his-story-is-worth-remembering-164758“How 'In God We Trust' bills are helping advance a Christian nationalist agenda”: https://theconversation.com/how-in-god-we-trust-bills-are-helping-advance-a-christian-nationalist-agenda-164143Follow Nathan on Twitter: https://twitter.com/NathGAlexanderNathan’s website: https://www.nathangalexander.com/If you find the podcast valuable and want to support it, check out our Patreon page, where you will also find bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/beyond_atheism We are grateful for every contribution.

In this episode, we talk with Dr. Wil Jeudy, who was named Activist of the Year for 2022 by American Atheists. We talk with Wil about his experience as a secular activist in Texas, starting with a long journey to becoming an atheist and the desire for community.  We learn about how Wil has moved from finding like-minded people in Houston to becoming a state organizer and political activist.In the bonus section, available exclusively to Patreon supporters, we dig a little deeper into the risks and challenges of being an atheist in Texas, as well as Wil’s experience as an urgent care doctor during Covid.For more on Wil: ​​https://www.atheists.org/people/wil-jeudy/Secular Houston: www.secularhouston.com​​Wil’s questionnaire for political candidates:  https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdmY9LBKA7BoZaiM_yEzckqinIUdFwsSbiJC-3k0023gS7DJQ/viewform?usp=sf_linkCheck out Nathan’s recent review of Joseph Blankholm’s book, The Secular Paradox: On the Religiosity of the Not Religious: https://onlysky.media/nalexander/the-weirdness-of-being-secular/Follow Nathan on Twitter: https://twitter.com/NathGAlexanderNathan’s website: https://www.nathangalexander.com/If you find the podcast valuable and want to support it, check out our Patreon page, where you will also find bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/beyond_atheism We are grateful for every contribution.

In this episode, we’re joined by Rob Boston, Senior Adviser at Americans United for the Separation of Church and State, for a wide-ranging conversation on the work of Americans United and the religious right’s hold on the Supreme Court. In particular, we discuss the recent Kennedy v. Bremerton School District ruling, in which the court found that a high school football coach praying on the sidelines after the game was not unconstitutional. We also find out in the lightning round whether a true public official can say “God Bless America” or offer a prayer to the sun.In the bonus section, available exclusively to supporters on Patreon, we talk with Rob about the strangest church-state separation case he has come across in his 30+ years with Americans United, and his personal observations of the Supreme Court justices.Americans United: https://www.au.org/For more on Rob: https://www.au.org/about-au/people/rob-boston/Check out Andrew Seidel’s new book, American Crusade: How the Supreme Court is Weaponizing Religious Freedom: https://andrewlseidel.com/american-crusade/Follow Nathan on Twitter: https://twitter.com/NathGAlexanderNathan’s website: https://www.nathangalexander.com/If you find the podcast valuable and want to support it, check out our Patreon page, where you will also find bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/beyond_atheism We are grateful for every contribution.