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Friendly Atheist Podcast

Hemant Mehta and Jessica Bluemke Greiff cover the latest news, politics, and pop culture with a focus on atheism and religion. This is the official podcast for FriendlyAtheist.com.

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30 episodes
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Avg 1 hr 17 min
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#657
Wednesday · 1 hr 8 min
656 - The Grifty Legacy of Jim Bakker
Patreon supporters who give $5 a month will get an ad-free AND VIDEO version of the show! Join our private Facebook group and Discord server! Jessica and I spoke about several stories from the past week involving religion and politics. — Jim Bakker, the godfather of scamvangelism, is dead at 86. (0:21) — A Christian influencer says he went to Heaven and met a testosterone-fueled Jesus. (16:27) — A restaurant stood up to Doug Wilson’s Christian Nationalists—and won. (25:47) — Texas judge forces Galveston school district to display Ten Commandments posters. (40:22) — Idaho’s attorney general gave churches a dark-money loophole to fight abortion rights. (48:48) — The Mormon Church’s own lawyer just undermined its case against John Dehlin. (58:23) This content is CAN credentialed, which means you can report instances of harassment, abuse, or other harm on their hotline at (617) 249-4255, or on their website at creatoraccountabilitynetwork.org. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
#656
September 30 · 1 hr 20 min
655 - Noah's Ark Was Not "100% Confirmed"
Patreon supporters who give $5 a month will get an ad-free AND VIDEO version of the show! Join our private Facebook group and Discord server! Jessica and I spoke about several stories from the past week involving religion and politics. — The Christian grift behind Life Surge’s celebrity-packed wealth seminars. (0:32) — Scientists have not “100% confirmed” the resting place of Noah’s Ark. (14:35) — Pete Hegseth gutted the military’s list of official religions. Now Air Force members must choose. (27:15) — Albert Mohler’s blasphemy reversal exposes the cruel logic of Christian Nationalism. (39:35) — Christian school board member melts down over class trip to “Satanic” Salem Witch Museum. (59:07) This content is CAN credentialed, which means you can report instances of harassment, abuse, or other harm on their hotline at (617) 249-4255, or on their website at creatoraccountabilitynetwork.org. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
#655
September 23 · 1 hr 14 min
654 - Jehovah's Witnesses Gut Their Blood Ban
Patreon supporters who give $5 a month will get an ad-free AND VIDEO version of the show! Join our private Facebook group and Discord server! Jessica and I spoke about several stories from the past week involving religion and politics. — Jehovah’s Witnesses just gutted their deadly blood transfusion policy. (0:20) — Trump’s “Top 250 Victories for People of Faith” collapse under scrutiny. (18:32) — An Alabama church says God made a paraplegic man walk again. There’s a better explanation. (36:50) — Nearly half of people raised Mormon have left the LDS Church. (52:00) — James Talarico’s pastor welcomes atheists. Conservatives think that’s a scandal. (1:02:53) This content is CAN credentialed, which means you can report instances of harassment, abuse, or other harm on their hotline at (617) 249-4255, or on their website at creatoraccountabilitynetwork.org. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
#654
September 16 · 1 hr 12 min
653 - This Megachurch Has Eyes Everywhere
Patreon supporters who give $5 a month will get an ad-free AND VIDEO version of the show! Join our private Facebook group and Discord server! Jessica and I spoke about several stories from the past week involving religion and politics. — A Texas megachurch’s 400 AI-powered surveillance cameras are deeply disturbing. (0:40) — GOP candidate Michael Whatley’s “integrity” prayer was led by a registered sex offender. (30:11) — Lawsuit says Christian school in Denver tried to “squash” a 13-year-old’s assault allegation. (39:22) — Virginia middle school students win LGBTQ club fight as school board members play victim. (52:12) — A teacher told a Kansas lawmaker “Trans rights are human rights.” Hours later, she was fired. (1:02:20) This content is CAN credentialed, which means you can report instances of harassment, abuse, or other harm on their hotline at (617) 249-4255, or on their website at creatoraccountabilitynetwork.org. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
#653
September 9 · 1 hr 10 min
652 - Can White Evangelicals Be Defended?
Patreon supporters who give $5 a month will get an ad-free AND VIDEO version of the show! Join our private Facebook group and Discord server! Jessica and I spoke about several stories from the past week involving religion and politics. — Bonnie Kristian’s “Defense of Evangelicalism” avoids the real problem. (0:17) — Christian missionaries were not kicked out of Burning Man for preaching the Gospel. (38:04) — The Supreme Court could let Catholic preschools discriminate on the taxpayers’ dime. (46:19) — Here are the openly non-religious candidates for state/federal office in 2026. (56:30) This content is CAN credentialed, which means you can report instances of harassment, abuse, or other harm on their hotline at (617) 249-4255, or on their website at creatoraccountabilitynetwork.org. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
#652
September 3 · 1 hr 19 min
651 - Justice Dept. Releases False "Anti-Catholic" Bias Report
Patreon supporters who give $5 a month will get an ad-free AND VIDEO version of the show! Join our private Facebook group and Discord server! Jessica and I spoke about several stories from the past week involving religion and politics. — Justice Department “Weaponization” report falsely accuses FBI of anti-Catholic bias. (0:55) — Maine Supreme Court says dad can block daughter from attending mom’s harmful church. (27:30) — Texas evangelist raises flag lowered for Dolly Parton in anti-LGBTQ stunt. (46:17) — Christian Nationalist preacher claims his ministry has raised “over 50 people” from the dead. (57:30) — New Jersey didn’t ban prayer outside abortion clinics, but Christians are lying about it anyway. (1:06:20) — Jessica has a new website! This content is CAN credentialed, which means you can report instances of harassment, abuse, or other harm on their hotline at (617) 249-4255, or on their website at creatoraccountabilitynetwork.org. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
#651
August 26 · 1 hr 15 min
650 - A Demon Hunter Showdown
Patreon supporters who give $5 a month will get an ad-free AND VIDEO version of the show! Join our private Facebook group and Discord server! Jessica and I spoke about several stories from the past week involving religion and politics. — Conservative Christians in Texas are trying to harass Muslims out of existence. (1:08) — Dethroned Miss North Carolina USA sues pageant over her own bigoted posts. (19:56) — Christian metal band “Demon Hunter” sues Netflix over “KPop Demon Hunters.” (41:42) — Massachusetts High Court blocks Catholic statues from going up at Quincy police headquarters. (49:06) — How a ‘90s R&B star weaponized Christianity against his children. (54:09) — The GOP nominee for governor of Illinois doesn’t want to talk about his Creationist beliefs. (59:25) — Pete Hegseth is bringing Christian propaganda to schools on military bases. (1:08:19) This content is CAN credentialed, which means you can report instances of harassment, abuse, or other harm on their hotline at (617) 249-4255, or on their website at creatoraccountabilitynetwork.org. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
#650
August 19 · 1 hr 11 min
649 - Ten Commandments Showdown at Supreme Court
Patreon supporters who give $5 a month will get an ad-free AND VIDEO version of the show! Join our private Facebook group and Discord server! Jessica and I spoke about several stories from the past week involving religion and politics. — Texas’ Ten Commandments law is heading toward a Supreme Court showdown. (0:32) — Colorado school district dumps Bible-heavy curriculum borrowed from Texas after 3 days. (22:00) — Satanists sue Iowa officials for blocking them from erecting a holiday display in the Capitol. (31:40) — Arizona Supreme Court says pastor’s admission of abuse is NOT protected by religious privilege. (40:13) — Canada’s military tells chaplains: At public events, serve everyone, not just Christians. (54:07) — Connecticut Republicans finally rejected the Christian extremist they never vetted. (59:15) — Christian televangelist Katie Souza claims aliens stole her eggs and made a hybrid baby. (1:06:01) This content is CAN credentialed, which means you can report instances of harassment, abuse, or other harm on their hotline at (617) 249-4255, or on their website at creatoraccountabilitynetwork.org. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
#649
August 11 · 1 hr 8 min
648 - Christian Beauty Queen Loses Crown Over Racist Posts
Patreon supporters who give $5 a month will get an ad-free AND VIDEO version of the show! Join our private Facebook group and Discord server! Jessica and I spoke about several stories from the past week involving religion and politics. — Miss North Carolina USA said she lost her crown due to her faith. Then the racist posts surfaced. (1:34) — Virginia school district sued after repeatedly changing rules to block LGBTQ student club. (10:55) — School officials face charges after trans wrestler controversy fueled by the religious right. (23:10) — An anti-trans Christian activist is furious that a reporter quoted her accurately. (35:15) — Trump is trying to change childhood vaccine recommendations. (43:00) — Oklahoma candidate James Taylor has turned his classroom into a Christian campaign studio. (54:30) This content is CAN credentialed, which means you can report instances of harassment, abuse, or other harm on their hotline at (617) 249-4255, or on their website at creatoraccountabilitynetwork.org. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
#648
August 5 · 52 min
647 - Anti-LGBTQ Food Bank Leader Rejects Gay Food
Patreon supporters who give $5 a month will get an ad-free AND VIDEO version of the show! Join our private Facebook group and Discord server! Jessica and I spoke about several stories from the past week involving religion and politics. — Annoying "Sky Evangelist" kicked off airline after scaring everyone with her preaching. (0:55) — West Virginia pastor rejects food over LGBTQ support. Now his food bank is empty. (13:03) — Missouri Republicans threaten to defund library over books about a rainbow dinosaur and a wig. (24:46) — Florida AG threatens to defund Catholic schools unless they loosen vaccination rules. (34:48) — Three Texas moms cite "religious freedom" to strike down state's Ten Commandments law. (46:20) This content is CAN credentialed, which means you can report instances of harassment, abuse, or other harm on their hotline at (617) 249-4255, or on their website at creatoraccountabilitynetwork.org. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
#647
July 29 · 1 hr 11 min
646 - Christian Preachers on Airplanes
Patreon supporters who give $5 a month will get an ad-free AND VIDEO version of the show! Join our private Facebook group and Discord server! Jessica and I spoke about several stories from the past week involving religion and politics. — NaNoCon is happening in Nashville, TN July 31-August 2. The atheist lineup is incredible! Tickets are still available! Come! — Nearly half of Gen Z says Trump makes them less likely to attend church. (1:20) — Christian preachers are turning airplanes into unwanted worship services. (15:45) — Kim Davis still owes $565,000. A new lawsuit says she hid her inheritance to avoid paying it. (22:51) — A Trump judge redefined "diversity" to excuse an almost entirely Christian "religious liberty" panel. (30:30) — The Justice Dept's new “religious liberty” memo gives Christians more power to discriminate. (40:45) — In 2026, atheists make up only 0.066% of the federal prison population. (50:53) — New survey suggests Australia's Census may dramatically undercount the non-religious. (57:45) This content is CAN credentialed, which means you can report instances of harassment, abuse, or other harm on their hotline at (617) 249-4255, or on their website at creatoraccountabilitynetwork.org. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
#646
July 22 · 1 hr 25 min
645 - Tribe Tells Pastor to Get Off Reservation
Patreon supporters who give $5 a month will get an ad-free AND VIDEO version of the show! Join our private Facebook group and Discord server! Jessica and I spoke about several stories from the past week involving religion and politics. — Arapaho tribe tells pastor to leave reservation after she trashes their sacred traditions. (1:07) — Mylie Biggs, who believes women shouldn’t vote, is now on the ballot to become an Arizona State Senator. (16:00) — Hospital rejects Christian pregnancy center's anti-LGBTQ doctor pledge. (23:12) — Focus on the Family has advice for estranged parents. An apology isn’t part of it. (40:05) — Arkansas won a fake "religious liberty" contest. Sarah Huckabee Sanders wants praise for it. (59:15) — An LGBTQ arts venue opened in a former church in Australia. Christians shut it down. (1:11:25) This content is CAN credentialed, which means you can report instances of harassment, abuse, or other harm on their hotline at (617) 249-4255, or on their website at creatoraccountabilitynetwork.org. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
#645
July 15 · 1 hr 23 min
644 - Christian Momfluencer Wants White Babies
Patreon supporters who give $5 a month will get an ad-free AND VIDEO version of the show! Join our private Facebook group and Discord server! Jessica and I spoke about several stories from the past week involving religion and politics. — Christian influencer brags that she had six kids to "help the white race." (0:41) — Lindsey Graham was an opponent of church/state separation. (16:28) — Pastor files discrimination lawsuit after losing library job over pronouns. (21:51) — A pro-Trump activist is raising money to install a giant Christian cross on the moon. (33:45) — Indiana's Lt. Gov. says Muslims shouldn't be allowed to have "public calls to prayer." (45:35) — Evangelical GOP candidate Rod Joseph: "You cannot be born gay. That’s impossible." (53:27) — Tennessee gubernatorial candidate Monty Fritts is trying to out-Christian Marsha Blackburn. (1:03:59) This content is CAN credentialed, which means you can report instances of harassment, abuse, or other harm on their hotline at (617) 249-4255, or on their website at creatoraccountabilitynetwork.org. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
#644
July 8 · 1 hr 7 min
643 - This Christian Pastor Fooled Everyone
Patreon supporters who give $5 a month will get an ad-free AND VIDEO version of the show! Join our private Facebook group and Discord server! Jessica and I spoke about several stories from the past week involving religion and politics. — The pastor going viral for rejecting Christian Nationalism isn't what he seems. (0:45) — Chuck Schumer's favorite Founding Fathers quote is completely made up. (16:25) — Ken Ham is furious that a reporter didn't pretend Creationism is science. (25:17) — A Catholic hospital was sold. Reproductive care returned immediately. (44:35) — Even the "Great American State Fair" can't escape Christian preachers making it worse. (53:27) This content is CAN credentialed, which means you can report instances of harassment, abuse, or other harm on their hotline at (617) 249-4255, or on their website at creatoraccountabilitynetwork.org. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
#643
July 1 · 1 hr 15 min
642 - Worst Vacation Bible School Ever
Patreon supporters who give $5 a month will get an ad-free AND VIDEO version of the show! Join our private Facebook group and Discord server! Jessica and I spoke about several stories from the past week involving religion and politics. — Viral video shows church staging fake execution during Vacation Bible School. (0:26) — A Christian school that tried to shame a gay student just admitted defeat. (12:32) — Texas just made Bible reading mandatory in public schools. (32:16) — Trump's "Religious Liberty" report is really a blueprint to end church-state separation. (45:49) — Trump has now made over $1.5 million from his MAGA Bible grift. (54:45) — Texas judge who refused to perform same-sex weddings wins $640,000 reward for her bigotry. (1:02:17) This content is CAN credentialed, which means you can report instances of harassment, abuse, or other harm on their hotline at (617) 249-4255, or on their website at creatoraccountabilitynetwork.org. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
#642
June 24 · 1 hr 45 min
641 - The Downfall of Jackson Lahmeyer
Patreon supporters who give $5 a month will get an ad-free AND VIDEO version of the show! Join our private Facebook group and Discord server! Jessica and I spoke about several stories from the past week involving religion and politics. — SCOTUS says Rastafarian can't sue prison guards who violated his faith and cut off his dreadlocks. (1:07) — Trump-backed pastor Jackson Lahmeyer drops out of congressional race after sexting scandal. (14:30) — MLB warns San Francisco Giants players after anti-LGBTQ protest on "Pride Night." (34:50) — Conservatives claim a trans wrestler assaulted her opponent. The video tells a different story. (48:48) — The Mormon Church is trying to sue a critic into silence. Now he's fighting back. (1:16:39) — Christian adoption giant reverses course, shutting out prospective LGBTQ parents. (1:31:54) This content is CAN credentialed, which means you can report instances of harassment, abuse, or other harm on their hotline at (617) 249-4255, or on their website at creatoraccountabilitynetwork.org. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
#641
June 18 · 48 min
640 - Warren Throckmorton, The Christian Past That Wasn't
Patreon supporters who give $5 a month will get an ad-free AND VIDEO version of the show! Join our private Facebook group and Discord server! Warren Throckmorton is an author and speaker specializing in psychology and history. Now retired, he worked as a psychology professor at a Christian college and produced, wrote, and hosted the critically acclaimed podcast series Telling Jefferson Lies. Throckmorton is the coauthor with Michael Coulter of Getting Jefferson Right: Fact-Checking Claims About Thomas Jefferson. His latest book is called "The Christian Past That Wasn't: Debunking the Christian Nationalist Myths That Hijack History." In it, he investigates a series of Christian Nationalist myths and why they're wrong. I spoke with Throckmorton about his new book ad Christian Nationalism in general. This content is CAN credentialed, which means you can report instances of harassment, abuse, or other harm on their hotline at (617) 249-4255, or on their website at creatoraccountabilitynetwork.org. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
#640
June 10 · 1 hr 31 min
639 - Pete Hegseth Destroys Military Religion List
Patreon supporters who give $5 a month will get an ad-free AND VIDEO version of the show! Join our private Facebook group and Discord server! Jessica and I spoke about several stories from the past week involving religion and politics. — Hemant will be speaking in Atlanta this weekend at the Revival of Reason conference sponsored by Black Nonbelievers. Come if you’re able! — Pete Hegseth shrinks military's recognized religions list, erasing atheists and Humanists. (0:50) — Under guise of fighting anti-Catholic bias, Kash Patel fires FBI analysts who kept us safe. (31:11) — Christian employee sues L.A. County over a Pride flag outside the office. (55:52) — Connecticut GOP candidate's anti-gay extremism sparks party meltdown. (1:10:04) This content is CAN credentialed, which means you can report instances of harassment, abuse, or other harm on their hotline at (617) 249-4255, or on their website at creatoraccountabilitynetwork.org. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
#639
June 3 · 1 hr 25 min
638 - Ark Encounter's Decade-Long Disaster
Patreon supporters who give $5 a month will get an ad-free AND VIDEO version of the show! Join our private Facebook group and Discord server! Jessica and I spoke about several stories from the past week involving religion and politics. — Ark Encounter's decade-long disaster: How the Creationist theme park failed on its promises (0:48) — “Swallow it!”: A Christian "prophet" told a teen to eat a Bible page to receive God’s blessings. (20:11) — A Connecticut law protects kids from abusive homeschooling parents. Republicans opposed it. (31:38) — Colorado GOP candidate's wildest religious claims unravel in must-watch interview. (46:51) — The Catholic Church protected a predator priest. The courts punished the whistleblower. (1:10:49) This content is CAN credentialed, which means you can report instances of harassment, abuse, or other harm on their hotline at (617) 249-4255, or on their website at creatoraccountabilitynetwork.org. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
#638
May 27 · 1 hr 15 min
637 - This Religion Wants to Destroy Your Pets
Patreon supporters who give $5 a month will get an ad-free AND VIDEO version of the show! Join our private Facebook group and Discord server! Jessica and I spoke about several stories from the past week involving religion and politics. — James Talarico will face Ken Paxton this November in a battle for the Senate. Who will white evangelicals choose? (0:20) — A secretive Christian sect is pressuring members to purge their pets. (2:25) — Dozens of Oklahoma Republicans fought a bill banning child marriage. (17:25) — The evangelical Christian hit “Testify to Love” just got a powerful pro-LGBTQ reboot. (35:45) — Ché Ahn says drug users must choose between Christian rehab or Bible lessons in prison. (45:27) — Rockwall County courthouse in Texas unveils illegal Ten Commandments monument. (50:07) — The rising cost of reaching secular voters is good for democracy. (57:50) This content is CAN credentialed, which means you can report instances of harassment, abuse, or other harm on their hotline at (617) 249-4255, or on their website at creatoraccountabilitynetwork.org. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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