Kim Davis, the former Kentucky clerk jailed for denying marriage licenses to same-sex couples, seeks to overturn marriage equality via a Supreme Court petition. Though experts deem it unlikely to succeed, her case reflects ongoing efforts to undermine secular rights under “religious freedom.” The episode examines her history, court failures, and broader political challenges to LGBTQ rights.
In this Unholy Roundtable, atheists from diverse backgrounds discuss Christian nationalism, women’s place in religion, the social pull of church, and why leaving faith can be both liberating and challenging. From historical myths to personal journeys, we unpack how belief systems shape culture and control — and why walking away isn’t just about rejecting God,…
Join us LIVE for the Unholy Roundtable, a bold, unscripted conversation with five atheists from diverse backgrounds. Mike Smithgall is joined by Annette, Larry, Scott, and Mike as they answer real questions about deconstructing religion, dealing with faith-based family pressure, raising kids without religion, and navigating a society still steeped in Christian norms. Whether you’re…
Pastor Doug Wilson has spent decades building a global church network — and now he’s bringing Christian nationalism to the heart of Washington, D.C. From repealing women’s right to vote to reshaping laws by theology, his mission is clear. In this episode, Mike breaks down Wilson’s plan, his allies, and why it matters for everyone…
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…
When abuse happens in religious institutions, it’s not just a scandal, it’s a system. In today’s “Mike Drop” from the Pulpit of Reason, Mike Smithgall tackles one of the most disturbing moral failures in modern religious life: the widespread cover-up of child abuse by churches. From Catholic dioceses to evangelical megachurches, this isn’t just history,…
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…
📄 A new Trump-era memo is raising eyebrows by giving federal workers more freedom to express, and promote, their religious beliefs at work. But is it really about freedom, or is it just another way to privilege the majority? In this solo commentary, Mike Smithgall unpacks why this policy might seem harmless but carries troubling…
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…
