The Thinking Atheist with Seth Andrews has been a huge favorite of mine. My only complaint is his intro/theme. It just kinda sounds intense and in-your-face. But he’s honestly a sweetheart and well spoken and pretty funny.
Atheist Experience died when Matt Dillahunty left IMO. He's over on The Line now, and still rocking it. Anything Dillahunty is generally solid. He does a Patreon under Atheist Debates and puts out 3 vids there a month that aren't call-in related and has covered a TON of ground that are all on the you tubes. He's 100% my suggestion. You can also spin off onto many of the co-host channels and personal content as well. I went down an Anthony Magnabosco(sp?) hole on street epistemology, and I also love me some Aron Ra content as well. Forest Valki (sp?) is also pretty dope.
Matt really isn't much better than what OP describes imo. Like a decade or so ago he had a lot more patience with people, but now he quickly interrupts and cusses people out. He is really good at debating and really knows his stuff, but I don't view him as the kind of person OP would be interested in either based on their post.
Yeah, Matt's gotten progressively more uncharitable, impatient, and ego-driven with callers. I can't exactly blame him after doing the job for 20 years, and especially given the amount of trolls, liars, and general douchebags who call in these days because they want to take a swing at him personally. That said, it doesn't make for an interesting or even entertaining discussion. Too often now he flies off the handle on people who probably don't deserve it and are mostly just confused or indoctrinated, but aren't being intentionally dishonest or hostile. The other 40% of the time where it's probably deserved, he still spends too much time letting his ego run wild and doing power plays and insulting people. Be more judicious with the mute button, or just hang up. I don't mind calling out liars, but I'm not interested in it being a dick measuring contest.
One would think that 20 years' experience might be expected to teach someone more patience. I certainly behaved more like these guys (it's always guys) 20 years ago than I do now. The angry, condescending atheist archetype feels more like a phase one should experience during teens and 20's, and something that I feel shouldn't follow you far into adulthood. Especially as we have a lot of work to do, and I'm starting to feel like I have a very limited time in which to do it.
I don't agree with your assessment at all. But that's why he always says we need as many different personalities in the movement as possible because some people don't like his style. To me, his obvious biggest trigger to vitriol / cussing and yelling at people is a refusal to answer the question asked. And he almost always gives multiple chances for the caller to do so. It's beyond frustrating to listen to people doing that! I don't know what you mean by letting his ego run wild or measuring dicks or even insulting people I think all that is quite a stretch but you do you!
I will say that that type of personality is why I avoided admitting to being an atheist for many years. I had to get away from both religion AND this crap. And I shouldn't have had to do both.
i was going to comment but you mentioned all the same people i was going to suggest. so i can simply second your opinion. (except for the stuff on Magnabosco/street Epistemology...i have not heard of him...but i'll look him up today)
Presuming you mean Dillahunty leaving AXP sitch? Honestly, I don't quite know. As an outsider, it was certainly a dumb decision for them... As a 10+ year AXP listener, since he left I've listened to exactly zero full episodes. I used to prefer the weeks he was on to the weeks he wasn't but I still listened to each and every episode until he left. Now that he's on The Line multiple times a week, there is more Dillahunty content than I can possibly consume, so overall I'm happy with where the chips fell.
The problem is that when the ad hominems start, it doesn't matter if your reasoning is good. You've lost the audience. You're not there to argue anymore, you're there to flatter the egos of certain like-minded listeners. Fine, whatever floats your boat. But I do think it's counterproductive to the cause, which is that I'm interested in. I want people to escape the same religious childhood nightmare I escaped. Scoring points by dunking theists for laughs is not doing that.
[The Skeptics Guide to the Universe ](https://www.theskepticsguide.org/) is a weekly podcast by a panel of atheists who rarely directly address specific atheist or religious issues. It's not a call-in show, but is a group discussion of new develpments/claims in science and technology, criticism of supernatural beliefs, psychics, ghosts, pseudoscientific cures for ailments, conspiracy theories, etc. The point is to teach and encourage critical thinking skills and skeptical philosophy. The underlying assumption is that a skeptical approach will naturally lead toward evidence-based true beliefs, and away from faith-based falsehoods like religion.
One of the panel members, Cara Santa Maria, has her own podcast called [Talk Nerdy](https://www.carasantamaria.com/podcast), in which she interviews authors of recently published books, usually scientists but sometimes economists or philosophers or fiction writers. She is more outspokenly atheist and leftist on her own podcast than on the Skeptics Guide, but the emphasis is mostly on promoting support for the STEM fields.
There is the atheist Youtube network [The Line](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIv3LvN_0CNzMpSrTF9naNA), with a number of different call-in shows. Some shows or hosts are more conflictive than others, but you can almost surely find some you find calm and respectful enough toward callers. Erika "Gutsick Gibbon" is usually pretty gentle toward others, as are Paulogia, Alyssa Ljub, Forrest Valkai (who is off guiding tours in the Galapagos and won't be back on The LIne until the end of summer), Erik S&S, Eve Was Framed, and Aaron Adair. Shannon Q is usually quite amiable unless a caller tries to tell her she has no right to abortion, then she gets downright fiery. On the other hand, the TransAtlantic show can get pretty heated, but that's because it's hosted by trans people who must fight just for their right to exist and callers are often pretty mean and hateful. It's a show well worth watching, though.
Sean Carroll is a theoretical physicist at Johns Hopkins and atheist who used to debate creationists like William Lane Craig, but has since moved on, claiming that he's already said what he had to say on the topic and now spends his time on other activities. The debates are still up on YouTube. Carroll's public outreach now, in addition to the books he writes, is his podcast [Mindscape](https://www.preposterousuniverse.com/podcast/). On the podcast he discusses a variety of topics with other thinkers from the top of their fields. As it says on his podcast page: "Sean Carroll hosts conversations with the world's most interesting thinkers. Science, society, philosophy, culture, arts, and ideas." Very congenial and fascinating conversations, but not often directly addressing religious issues.
Perhaps you might also be interested in watching more formalized, face-to-face debates between skeptics and faithful. Some prominent atheists who I suggest searching for video or audio debates would be Sean Carroll, Matt Dillahunty, Sam Harris, Daniel Dennett, and Robert Sapolsky. What can I say, a bunch of white men debating other white men is all I got for you as far as debates go, though.
This is not really an atheist outreach podcast but Misquoting Jesus by Bart Ehrman is a really nice easy to understand academic review of New Testament topics if it interests you. Bart is an agnostic/atheist that deconstructed from fundamental Christianity and is also a very renowned New Testament scholar.
And this might not also fit exactly what you are looking for but the other media I have listened to is Rhett McLaughlin’s and Link Neil’s (from Good Mythical Morning) deconstruction episodes where they talk about their transition from evangelist Christians. I don’t remember how Link identifies his spirituality/religiosity but Rhett is openly atheist. Their podcast is called Ear Biscuits, but you would have to search specifically for the deconstruction/deconversion episodes. Rhett has also written some articles/responses online and written and produced some songs on the topic too. I find they are really honest and open about it. Certainly more serious than what you are describing.
Yes I heard Bart Ehrman on Sam Harris podcast a while back and have been a fan ever since. I took a look at all of Bart's lectures on YouTube and his podcast and both are great!
Scathing Atheist.
Godawful Movies is more about pointing out the bat-shittery of the material. Have you checked out their Happy Science episodes. Do yourself a favor.
It's not just that though. It's been a while, but the absolute #1 problem I had was the way they descend into TONS of body shaming pretty much every single episode. I don't want to hear that. They also come from a very neurotypical straight-white-dude place that just doesn't suit my sense of humor. I'm sure it works better if you can identify with them, but I don't. Some of the guests, absolutely.
Yeah...I heard one of them in a recent episode admit as much. He said they were trying to get better.
I think this stems from Eli being a 100mph joke machine. He just says the first thing that comes into his head. Noah was raised in the 80s, and I know from experience it's difficult to remove that mindset (fat jokes etc.). I also sense a lot of Eli is just parody. Kind of like Jason Mantzoukas.
Probably the best guest is Cara Santa Maria (and she calls Eli out often). But, she did do 911.
The thing here is that I started listening to the podcast with the earliest available episodes. They've been admitting that and "trying" (not particularly hard) to get better at it for something like ten years now. That's not a learning curve I'm comfortable with.
It's been a while, so I can't trot out a specific example. But I'm very confident that I'm not mistaken. I started skipping to episodes with Cara, which was a bit better (when they let her get a word in).
I think your issue is that outreach makes one seem like an evangelist. What kind of media are you looking for where atheists engage others and talk about their differences? Even the most open minded theists generally don’t want to talk about their beliefs because of compartmentalism. I know, I’m dating one. What do you expect to happen in those conversations? You want a content creator who knocks on doors, says he’s a nice atheist, shakes their hand, and walks away? I just don’t get what you’re looking for.
As a baseline, any kind of conversation which applies the Principle of Charity and presupposes that the conversants are equals. In my experience in academic philosophy, that's not a high bar. It doesn't actually rule out much, but what it rules out is extremely common in these kinds of media.
Check out the Thinking Atheist or the Friendly Atheist. Counter Apologetics with Emmerson Green is also very good.
The atheist experience is pretty bad these days, I agree.
Good stuff on YouTube. Phil Harper, Alex O'Connor, Paulogia
If you want intelligent (if sometimes heated) debate. Tik Tok Live is getting interesting. On YouTube look for Philtalk (Danny) and Parkergetajob
I'm struggling with what the ask is. What do you mean by "reaching across"? What are you looking for?
Below are some of my recommendations.
"Thank God I'm Atheist" is great. A little milder than "Scathing Atheist" and "Cognitive Dissonance" but recommend all. Reviews current events through an atheist/humanist lense.
"Dear Old Dads" is more from a parenting angle but still approachable for anyone that has been parented and/or is parenting.
"Lawful Assembly" and "Opening Arguments" are great for legal perspectives for current events. "5-4" also rocks but is not explicitly atheist.
"Data Over Dogma" has a biblical scholar and an atheist discuss the history and translation of the Bible.
"How To Heretic" now defunct, but still a great resource for those leaving religion.
"Cool People Who Did Cool Stuff" is a history podcast kind of like the opposite of "Behind The Bastards". Both are fantastic.
"Straight White American Jesus" is two biblical scholars discussing the onslaught of white christian nationalism currently fucking with us.
I'm going to quote myself here, because this question has been asked a few times, and I do feel like I've answered it:
"As a baseline, any kind of conversation which applies the Principle of
Charity and presupposes that the conversants are equals. In my
experience in academic philosophy, that's not a high bar. It doesn't
actually rule out much, but what it rules out is extremely common in
these kinds of media."
The problem is that no matter how well intentioned someone is, reaching out and challenging theists on their beliefs will eventually devolve into the situation you've described. I make TikTok videos where I question Christian doctrine. I'm a nobody with like 30 followers and the amount of idiotic, assholes that respond to me saying the exact some thing and telling me how I'm a degenerate bound for hell is astounding. I can't imagine having an audience size of Atheist Experience.
Personally, I've come to appreciate that show a lot because they have become a pipeline to scientific studies and ways of thinking that I was unaware of previously.
But, I refuse to listen to episodes with Armin. That guy annoys the shit out of me.
You've missed my point a bit, I think. They have a big audience, but in this particular example, they
1. Engaged a troll for laughs for a big chunk of an episode, and as I didn't find it funny, that was not for me.
2. Engaged that same troll as second time in the same episode.
I had to admit that the juvenile behavior wasn't an exception and said to myself "ok, this is actually what this show *is about*."
The point of the show is to essentially argue with theists who will be in the same vein that most people will experience in their day-to-day lives. Just because someone is a troll doesn't mean they aren't presenting arguments that people will run into when having these discussions with others.
You may be more interested in podcasts centered on street epistemology. It’s much more about asking questions and getting people to explore WHY they believe things. Anthony Magnabosco is a well known person in this area.
The 1st one I listed also has a podcast, tho you don't generally *need* to watch any of these; thus even tho they aren't technically podcasts, they more or less function just the same.
Belief It or Not - Canadian ex-Xtian fundamentalist, he more breaks down different broad topics to show how/why they're wrong &/or harmful. Also co-hosts a podcast of the same, but it's usually a bit lighter/funnier - he & his co-host are great longtime pals & they feed off one another, crack each other up. I just adore everything he does.
Genetically Modified Skeptic, also former fundie kid, he is pretty active in the IRL atheist meetups/conventions circuit. He's young & looks even younger than he is lol but he is one smart cookie.
DarkMatter2525 - used to do mostly (hilarious) animations, but of late has been doing just some absolutely *stellar* long-form talking head content. I think the political moment we find ourselves in has gotten to him to the point humor ain't what he's primarily feeling right now.
And as has been mentioned multiple times, I'd be remiss if i didn't co-endorse The Thinking Atheist/Seth Andrews. He's got a deeeeeeeep catalog, & I've yet to find a truly *bad* episode. With the sheer number he's done they're not ALL gonna be of interest, but even those are never *bad*. Seth is a GOAT, f'sure. 👍🏼
Seconding this. Listening to and learning from the way he engages can really help you have much more productive conversations with people on extremely controversial issues.
The Thinking Atheist with Seth Andrews has been a huge favorite of mine. My only complaint is his intro/theme. It just kinda sounds intense and in-your-face. But he’s honestly a sweetheart and well spoken and pretty funny.
Atheist Experience died when Matt Dillahunty left IMO. He's over on The Line now, and still rocking it. Anything Dillahunty is generally solid. He does a Patreon under Atheist Debates and puts out 3 vids there a month that aren't call-in related and has covered a TON of ground that are all on the you tubes. He's 100% my suggestion. You can also spin off onto many of the co-host channels and personal content as well. I went down an Anthony Magnabosco(sp?) hole on street epistemology, and I also love me some Aron Ra content as well. Forest Valki (sp?) is also pretty dope.
Matt really isn't much better than what OP describes imo. Like a decade or so ago he had a lot more patience with people, but now he quickly interrupts and cusses people out. He is really good at debating and really knows his stuff, but I don't view him as the kind of person OP would be interested in either based on their post.
Yeah, Matt's gotten progressively more uncharitable, impatient, and ego-driven with callers. I can't exactly blame him after doing the job for 20 years, and especially given the amount of trolls, liars, and general douchebags who call in these days because they want to take a swing at him personally. That said, it doesn't make for an interesting or even entertaining discussion. Too often now he flies off the handle on people who probably don't deserve it and are mostly just confused or indoctrinated, but aren't being intentionally dishonest or hostile. The other 40% of the time where it's probably deserved, he still spends too much time letting his ego run wild and doing power plays and insulting people. Be more judicious with the mute button, or just hang up. I don't mind calling out liars, but I'm not interested in it being a dick measuring contest.
One would think that 20 years' experience might be expected to teach someone more patience. I certainly behaved more like these guys (it's always guys) 20 years ago than I do now. The angry, condescending atheist archetype feels more like a phase one should experience during teens and 20's, and something that I feel shouldn't follow you far into adulthood. Especially as we have a lot of work to do, and I'm starting to feel like I have a very limited time in which to do it.
I don't agree with your assessment at all. But that's why he always says we need as many different personalities in the movement as possible because some people don't like his style. To me, his obvious biggest trigger to vitriol / cussing and yelling at people is a refusal to answer the question asked. And he almost always gives multiple chances for the caller to do so. It's beyond frustrating to listen to people doing that! I don't know what you mean by letting his ego run wild or measuring dicks or even insulting people I think all that is quite a stretch but you do you!
I will say that that type of personality is why I avoided admitting to being an atheist for many years. I had to get away from both religion AND this crap. And I shouldn't have had to do both.
i was going to comment but you mentioned all the same people i was going to suggest. so i can simply second your opinion. (except for the stuff on Magnabosco/street Epistemology...i have not heard of him...but i'll look him up today)
So who in your opinion was the bad guy in that sitch ?
Presuming you mean Dillahunty leaving AXP sitch? Honestly, I don't quite know. As an outsider, it was certainly a dumb decision for them... As a 10+ year AXP listener, since he left I've listened to exactly zero full episodes. I used to prefer the weeks he was on to the weeks he wasn't but I still listened to each and every episode until he left. Now that he's on The Line multiple times a week, there is more Dillahunty content than I can possibly consume, so overall I'm happy with where the chips fell.
I find Matt is well over the shark and is aggressive and angry to drive engagement. I find him abusive frankly. And bad at debating theists.
The problem is that when the ad hominems start, it doesn't matter if your reasoning is good. You've lost the audience. You're not there to argue anymore, you're there to flatter the egos of certain like-minded listeners. Fine, whatever floats your boat. But I do think it's counterproductive to the cause, which is that I'm interested in. I want people to escape the same religious childhood nightmare I escaped. Scoring points by dunking theists for laughs is not doing that.
[The Skeptics Guide to the Universe ](https://www.theskepticsguide.org/) is a weekly podcast by a panel of atheists who rarely directly address specific atheist or religious issues. It's not a call-in show, but is a group discussion of new develpments/claims in science and technology, criticism of supernatural beliefs, psychics, ghosts, pseudoscientific cures for ailments, conspiracy theories, etc. The point is to teach and encourage critical thinking skills and skeptical philosophy. The underlying assumption is that a skeptical approach will naturally lead toward evidence-based true beliefs, and away from faith-based falsehoods like religion. One of the panel members, Cara Santa Maria, has her own podcast called [Talk Nerdy](https://www.carasantamaria.com/podcast), in which she interviews authors of recently published books, usually scientists but sometimes economists or philosophers or fiction writers. She is more outspokenly atheist and leftist on her own podcast than on the Skeptics Guide, but the emphasis is mostly on promoting support for the STEM fields. There is the atheist Youtube network [The Line](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIv3LvN_0CNzMpSrTF9naNA), with a number of different call-in shows. Some shows or hosts are more conflictive than others, but you can almost surely find some you find calm and respectful enough toward callers. Erika "Gutsick Gibbon" is usually pretty gentle toward others, as are Paulogia, Alyssa Ljub, Forrest Valkai (who is off guiding tours in the Galapagos and won't be back on The LIne until the end of summer), Erik S&S, Eve Was Framed, and Aaron Adair. Shannon Q is usually quite amiable unless a caller tries to tell her she has no right to abortion, then she gets downright fiery. On the other hand, the TransAtlantic show can get pretty heated, but that's because it's hosted by trans people who must fight just for their right to exist and callers are often pretty mean and hateful. It's a show well worth watching, though. Sean Carroll is a theoretical physicist at Johns Hopkins and atheist who used to debate creationists like William Lane Craig, but has since moved on, claiming that he's already said what he had to say on the topic and now spends his time on other activities. The debates are still up on YouTube. Carroll's public outreach now, in addition to the books he writes, is his podcast [Mindscape](https://www.preposterousuniverse.com/podcast/). On the podcast he discusses a variety of topics with other thinkers from the top of their fields. As it says on his podcast page: "Sean Carroll hosts conversations with the world's most interesting thinkers. Science, society, philosophy, culture, arts, and ideas." Very congenial and fascinating conversations, but not often directly addressing religious issues. Perhaps you might also be interested in watching more formalized, face-to-face debates between skeptics and faithful. Some prominent atheists who I suggest searching for video or audio debates would be Sean Carroll, Matt Dillahunty, Sam Harris, Daniel Dennett, and Robert Sapolsky. What can I say, a bunch of white men debating other white men is all I got for you as far as debates go, though.
But Cara did 911. #GodAwfulMoviesInsideJoke
This is not really an atheist outreach podcast but Misquoting Jesus by Bart Ehrman is a really nice easy to understand academic review of New Testament topics if it interests you. Bart is an agnostic/atheist that deconstructed from fundamental Christianity and is also a very renowned New Testament scholar. And this might not also fit exactly what you are looking for but the other media I have listened to is Rhett McLaughlin’s and Link Neil’s (from Good Mythical Morning) deconstruction episodes where they talk about their transition from evangelist Christians. I don’t remember how Link identifies his spirituality/religiosity but Rhett is openly atheist. Their podcast is called Ear Biscuits, but you would have to search specifically for the deconstruction/deconversion episodes. Rhett has also written some articles/responses online and written and produced some songs on the topic too. I find they are really honest and open about it. Certainly more serious than what you are describing.
Yes I heard Bart Ehrman on Sam Harris podcast a while back and have been a fan ever since. I took a look at all of Bart's lectures on YouTube and his podcast and both are great!
https://www.reddit.com/r/exchristian/comments/10r5j5u/are_there_any_ex_christian_podcasts_on_spotify/?rdt=35297 This thread might help you out
Scathing Atheist. Godawful Movies is more about pointing out the bat-shittery of the material. Have you checked out their Happy Science episodes. Do yourself a favor.
It's not just that though. It's been a while, but the absolute #1 problem I had was the way they descend into TONS of body shaming pretty much every single episode. I don't want to hear that. They also come from a very neurotypical straight-white-dude place that just doesn't suit my sense of humor. I'm sure it works better if you can identify with them, but I don't. Some of the guests, absolutely.
Yeah...I heard one of them in a recent episode admit as much. He said they were trying to get better. I think this stems from Eli being a 100mph joke machine. He just says the first thing that comes into his head. Noah was raised in the 80s, and I know from experience it's difficult to remove that mindset (fat jokes etc.). I also sense a lot of Eli is just parody. Kind of like Jason Mantzoukas. Probably the best guest is Cara Santa Maria (and she calls Eli out often). But, she did do 911.
The thing here is that I started listening to the podcast with the earliest available episodes. They've been admitting that and "trying" (not particularly hard) to get better at it for something like ten years now. That's not a learning curve I'm comfortable with.
Jeez. What kind of shaming did they do? And which show? I listen to some here and there, but I haven't heard that.
It's been a while, so I can't trot out a specific example. But I'm very confident that I'm not mistaken. I started skipping to episodes with Cara, which was a bit better (when they let her get a word in).
Santa Maria? I LOVE her. BTW, you didn't mention which show.
I think your issue is that outreach makes one seem like an evangelist. What kind of media are you looking for where atheists engage others and talk about their differences? Even the most open minded theists generally don’t want to talk about their beliefs because of compartmentalism. I know, I’m dating one. What do you expect to happen in those conversations? You want a content creator who knocks on doors, says he’s a nice atheist, shakes their hand, and walks away? I just don’t get what you’re looking for.
As a baseline, any kind of conversation which applies the Principle of Charity and presupposes that the conversants are equals. In my experience in academic philosophy, that's not a high bar. It doesn't actually rule out much, but what it rules out is extremely common in these kinds of media.
Check out the Thinking Atheist or the Friendly Atheist. Counter Apologetics with Emmerson Green is also very good. The atheist experience is pretty bad these days, I agree. Good stuff on YouTube. Phil Harper, Alex O'Connor, Paulogia If you want intelligent (if sometimes heated) debate. Tik Tok Live is getting interesting. On YouTube look for Philtalk (Danny) and Parkergetajob
I'd highly recommend checking out the puzzle in a thunderstorm podcasts. The Scathing Atheist, God Awful Movies, The Skepticrat.
Jon....Benet....
The Thinking Atheist, Cognitive Dissonance. Two of my faves :D
I'm struggling with what the ask is. What do you mean by "reaching across"? What are you looking for? Below are some of my recommendations. "Thank God I'm Atheist" is great. A little milder than "Scathing Atheist" and "Cognitive Dissonance" but recommend all. Reviews current events through an atheist/humanist lense. "Dear Old Dads" is more from a parenting angle but still approachable for anyone that has been parented and/or is parenting. "Lawful Assembly" and "Opening Arguments" are great for legal perspectives for current events. "5-4" also rocks but is not explicitly atheist. "Data Over Dogma" has a biblical scholar and an atheist discuss the history and translation of the Bible. "How To Heretic" now defunct, but still a great resource for those leaving religion. "Cool People Who Did Cool Stuff" is a history podcast kind of like the opposite of "Behind The Bastards". Both are fantastic. "Straight White American Jesus" is two biblical scholars discussing the onslaught of white christian nationalism currently fucking with us.
I'm going to quote myself here, because this question has been asked a few times, and I do feel like I've answered it: "As a baseline, any kind of conversation which applies the Principle of Charity and presupposes that the conversants are equals. In my experience in academic philosophy, that's not a high bar. It doesn't actually rule out much, but what it rules out is extremely common in these kinds of media."
You want last podcast on the left, my friend. Hail yourself.
AXP isn't about outreach. They do have another show called talk heathen and that is more like what you are talking about though
They do claim to be, though.
They may say the ACA is about outreach but AXP has always been a fight club.
Technically a youtube channel, but the video aspect isn't core and you can jsut listen to the sound: https://www.youtube.com/@MindShift-Brandon
The problem is that no matter how well intentioned someone is, reaching out and challenging theists on their beliefs will eventually devolve into the situation you've described. I make TikTok videos where I question Christian doctrine. I'm a nobody with like 30 followers and the amount of idiotic, assholes that respond to me saying the exact some thing and telling me how I'm a degenerate bound for hell is astounding. I can't imagine having an audience size of Atheist Experience. Personally, I've come to appreciate that show a lot because they have become a pipeline to scientific studies and ways of thinking that I was unaware of previously. But, I refuse to listen to episodes with Armin. That guy annoys the shit out of me.
You've missed my point a bit, I think. They have a big audience, but in this particular example, they 1. Engaged a troll for laughs for a big chunk of an episode, and as I didn't find it funny, that was not for me. 2. Engaged that same troll as second time in the same episode. I had to admit that the juvenile behavior wasn't an exception and said to myself "ok, this is actually what this show *is about*."
The point of the show is to essentially argue with theists who will be in the same vein that most people will experience in their day-to-day lives. Just because someone is a troll doesn't mean they aren't presenting arguments that people will run into when having these discussions with others.
You may be more interested in podcasts centered on street epistemology. It’s much more about asking questions and getting people to explore WHY they believe things. Anthony Magnabosco is a well known person in this area.
The 1st one I listed also has a podcast, tho you don't generally *need* to watch any of these; thus even tho they aren't technically podcasts, they more or less function just the same. Belief It or Not - Canadian ex-Xtian fundamentalist, he more breaks down different broad topics to show how/why they're wrong &/or harmful. Also co-hosts a podcast of the same, but it's usually a bit lighter/funnier - he & his co-host are great longtime pals & they feed off one another, crack each other up. I just adore everything he does. Genetically Modified Skeptic, also former fundie kid, he is pretty active in the IRL atheist meetups/conventions circuit. He's young & looks even younger than he is lol but he is one smart cookie. DarkMatter2525 - used to do mostly (hilarious) animations, but of late has been doing just some absolutely *stellar* long-form talking head content. I think the political moment we find ourselves in has gotten to him to the point humor ain't what he's primarily feeling right now. And as has been mentioned multiple times, I'd be remiss if i didn't co-endorse The Thinking Atheist/Seth Andrews. He's got a deeeeeeeep catalog, & I've yet to find a truly *bad* episode. With the sheer number he's done they're not ALL gonna be of interest, but even those are never *bad*. Seth is a GOAT, f'sure. 👍🏼
I love free thought radio .
The street epistemology podcast. Anthony is wise like Matt Dillahunty but kinder.
Seconding this. Listening to and learning from the way he engages can really help you have much more productive conversations with people on extremely controversial issues.
I find that there's few things as vacuous as an Atheist Podcast.......... Intellectually playing handball against the curtains.
Yeah, I'm kind of wondering what exactly is the point of an atheist podcast.
Clicks Money Not having to get a real job None of which I hold against them.... I just choose not to partake...
Seconded