Talk Heathen cover art

Talk Heathen

Talk Heathen

By: Atheist Community of Austin
Listen for free

About this listen

 Talk Heathen is a weekly call-in television show in Austin, Texas geared toward long-form and on-going dialogue with theists & atheists about religion, theism, & secularism. Call 1-512-991-9242 every Sunday from 1-2pm CDT. Talk Heathen is produced by the Atheist Community of Austin.

The Atheist Community of Austin is organized as a nonprofit educational corporation to develop & support the atheist community, to provide opportunities for socializing & friendship, to promote secular viewpoints, to encourage positive atheist culture, to defend the first amendment principle of government-religion separation, to oppose discrimination against atheists & to work with other organizations in pursuit of common goals.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/talk-heathen--3195702/support.Copyright Atheist Community of Austin Social Sciences
Episodes
  • Talk Heathen 10.13 with Sydney Davis Jr. Jr. and ObjectivelyDan

    Talk Heathen 10.13 with Sydney Davis Jr. Jr. and ObjectivelyDan
    Mar 29 2026
    In today’s episode of Talk Heathen, Objectively Dan and Sidney Davis Jr. Jr. explore the blurry lines between organized religion and cult mentality. From the "American identity" to the ethical complexities of veganism, the hosts challenge listeners to examine the structures that demand their loyalty and silence their questions. Is there a safe way to belong to a community without losing one’s critical edge?
    Jamie the Blind Limey in TX asks if secular groups like the ACA can develop cult-like behaviors. Hosts discuss how hierarchy and groupthink are risks for any group, requiring internal critique and democracy. Can any organization remain truly objective?
    Lee in Canada compares leaving Catholicism to questioning American patriotism. Hosts argue national identity often mimics religious indoctrination through pledges and the demonization of dissent. Is national pride just a secular cult?
    Niyanth in India argues veganism extends human rights to all sentient beings. Hosts and guest Flabbergasted debate whether eating meat is inherently immoral or a matter of production. Does the line at humanity hold up under logic?
    notj186 on TikTok claims patriotism means questioning leadership, then critiques veganism as hypocritical. Hosts explain veganism seeks practical harm reduction over total purity. Where is the line between sustainable living and perfection?
    Thank you for joining us this week! We will see you next time!


    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/talk-heathen--3195702/support.
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 37 mins
  • Talk Heathen 10.12 with Christy Powell and Ben Clodfelter

    Talk Heathen 10.12 with Christy Powell and Ben Clodfelter
    Mar 23 2026
    In today’s episode of Talk Heathen, Christy Powell and Ben Clodfelter explore the bizarre intersection of religion and reality TV. From the "propaganda" of the Duggars to the normalization of fundamentalist behavior, the hosts deconstruct how faith-based media masks accountability and shifts cultural norms. Can a secular perspective help us see through the clever editing of religious narratives?

    Jack in MA shares how living in a liberal, secularized area made his exit from Catholicism feel more like trivia than a tragedy. The hosts discuss the social pressures of the "God virus" and challenge Jack’s thought experiment about a scientifically accurate Bible. Does a book full of magic and talking donkeys lose its religious power if it starts making too much sense?

    Lisa in Canada is tired of hearing the classic "it’s a relationship, not a religion" platitude. Ben cites studies showing that "God’s opinion" often activates the same brain regions as personal opinion, suggesting believers are essentially talking to themselves. How can we distinguish between the Holy Spirit and the messy, physical sensations of our own intuition?

    Anne in CA wants to know why theists claim atheists have no moral grounding while ignoring the horrific ethics of the Bible. Ben explains that secular morality is rooted in empathy and well-being, which requires no supernatural foundation. Is the "objective morality" of theists just a mask for cherry-picking verses that suit their personal values?

    Thank you for joining us this week! We will see you next time!


    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/talk-heathen--3195702/support.
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 28 mins
  • Talk Heathen 10.11 with Dr. Ben and Thomas Westbrook

    Talk Heathen 10.11 with Dr. Ben and Thomas Westbrook
    Mar 15 2026
    In today’s episode of Talk Heathen, Dr. Ben and guest host Thomas Westbrook (Holy Kool-Aid) dismantle the boundaries of belief and biology! They explore the expanding circle of morality, the scientific reality of observed evolution, and the historical gaps in biblical manuscripts. Can critical thinking bridge the distance between ancient mythology and modern skepticism?
    Louis in NY asks why species membership limits moral concern. Thomas notes the expanding circle of morality, while Ben emphasizes prioritizing immediate human rights crises over ethical perfection. Is the pursuit of total purity a mental health trap?
    Lee in TX claims evolution is defeated since no one has observed speciation. Ben cites antibiotic resistance as proof of change, while Thomas details ring species and transitional fossils. Why do theists rely on rigid categories like "kinds" to deny biology?
    Zil Zone in NY questions if the universe's initial state is just atheist magic. Ben argues for scientific models over placeholders, and Thomas uses textual criticism to expose gaps in biblical reliability. Why prioritize 2,000-year-old stories over modern forensic data?
    Thank you for joining us this week! We will see you next time!


    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/talk-heathen--3195702/support.
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 34 mins
No reviews yet