One-on-one interviews exploring personal journeys to atheism and the challenges of leaving faith. Guests share their stories, insights, and perspectives in a candid, conversational format.
Carlos Pesioto grew up immersed in Catholic and Jewish cultures before finding inspiration in Carl Sagan’s Cosmos and stepping away from religion entirely. In this candid interview, he unpacks his journey from childhood rituals to atheist conviction, and explains how that evolution led to his embrace of anarcho-communism. We talk religion, politics, morality, science, and…
What happens when faith and identity collide? Cynthia McDonald shares her powerful journey from Christian belief to unapologetic atheism—and how that decision sparked unexpected reactions within her community. In this episode of “Ask an Atheist,” we talk about religion in Black culture, breaking free from indoctrination, and what it really means to be true to…
Carlos and I dive into three very different viewer questions in this episode. The silliest one asks if atheists believe we “evolved from fish,” which lets us clear up a common misconception about evolution. The strangest one involves a mysterious $32,523 reference (we’re still not sure what that’s about). And the most thoughtful one asks…
Join us for a fascinating conversation with Carlos Pecciotto, whose unique journey from devout Catholic to anarcho-communist atheist offers profound insights into the intersection of faith, politics, and social justice. Growing up in a religiously diverse family with Catholic Bolivian roots, culturally Jewish influences, and Unitarian connections, Carlos made the rare choice to embrace Catholicism…
📄 : Mike Gonzalez grew up immersed in the Lutheran church—attending private school, leading youth groups, and serving on the church board by age 16. But a single question—why is there suffering?—sparked a journey that took him from devout believer to outspoken atheist. In this candid conversation, Mike opens up about his struggles with faith,…
📱 Description: What happens when leaving religion feels like leaving your culture? In this episode, we talk about the deep entanglement of Christianity and Black identity in the U.S., the isolation felt by those who walk away, and the historical myths around Black churches and the civil rights movement. Our guest opens up about their…
📄 In this powerful conversation, we explore the deep contradictions between Christian scripture and the lived Black experience—especially when it comes to slavery. Our guest shares her personal journey from belief to atheism, shaped by critical questioning within the church and a confrontation with biblical passages that justified slavery. What happens when a faith tradition…
📄Description What does it mean to be a Black atheist in a culture where faith is often seen as essential to identity? Cynthia shares her powerful journey from an Episcopal upbringing and Catholic school education to leading a gospel choir and diving deep into Pentecostal dogma. Her story isn’t just about leaving religion—it’s about navigating…
📃 In this clip from Ask an Atheist, Annette Tannian Brandt shares the unexpected path that led her from casual Christianity to atheism—beginning with a childhood memory, deepened by a college philosophy class, and ultimately unraveling with questions about free will and God’s plan. From cognitive dissonance to ironic revelations at a Catholic university, this…
📄 YouTube Description What happens when you raise a child without religion—especially in a family divided between faith and skepticism? In this episode, our guest shares how she navigated pressure from religious in-laws, raised her son with critical thinking values, and handled awkward moments like explaining who “Christ” is in “Keep Christ in Christmas.” This…
