Atheists Talk Radio Show

"Denying Science" John Grant on Atheists Talk #152, January 29th, 2012

radio@mnatheists.org (Minnesota Atheists) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 03:47:51 -0700

John Grant joins Atheists Talk radio to speak with us about his newly published book, Denying Science: Conspiracy Theories, Media Distortions and the War Against Reality.

Attack of the Theocrats, Sean Faircloth on Atheists Talk #151, Sunday, January 22nd, 2012

radio@mnatheists.org (Minnesota Atheists) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 01:26:09 -0700

Sean Faircloth is the Director of Strategy and Policy for the Richard Dawkins Foundation for Science and Reason. In this role he is designing and leading innovative strategies to improve the secular movement. He is a passionate, outspoken advocate for the separation of church and state. In Attack of the Theocrats he urges Secular Americans to recognize and address the harm done to us all by religious privilege that has been written into our state and federal laws.

Women in Secularism Conference, Melody Hensley on Atheists Talk #150, January 15, 2011

radio@mnatheists.org (Minnesota Atheists) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 02:50:43 -0700

Melody Hensley and Stephanie Zvan discuss the Women in Secularism Conference, May 18-20, 2012. Details at womeninsecularism.org.

"The Knowledge of Good and Evil" Glenn Kleier on Atheists Talk #146, Sunday, December 18, 2011

radio@mnatheists.org (Minnesota Atheists) — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 21:29:17 -0700

Glenn Kleier will join Atheists Talk this Sunday to discuss his rousing new suspense thriller, The Knowledge of Good and Evil. Kleier has a background in advertising, marketing and communication. In 1998 he published his first book, The Last Day, which received international acclaim from reviewers. His works of fiction are known for their suspense and controversial interplay of religion and politics in our modern global society. In The Knowledge of Good and Evil, Kleier examines religious skepticism, belief and faith. The book's main character is Ian, a paranormal investigator and television report who was deeply damaged by the death of his parents when he was a child. He struggles with religion and his anger at God. When he learns of a journey that may prove the existence of God and Heaven, he becomes determined to undertake it. But while he seeks this knowledge, he is blocked by a secret society that will do everything in its power to keep him out. Join us on Sunday as we discuss the inspiration behind and the creation of The Knowledge of Good and Evil with Glenn Kleier. Interview by James Zimmerman. Hosted by Brianne Bilyeu. Related Links: Website for The Knowledge of Good and Evil http://www.kleier.com/DisplayPageContent.aspx?PageID=24360 Book Trailer for The Knowledge of Good and Evil http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V8hgmaPmaFo Facebook page for The Knowledge of Good and Evil http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Knowledge-of-Good-Evil-by-Glenn-Kleier/178362185514261 Review of The Knowledge of Good and Evil by host James Zimmerman http://mnatheists.org/news-and-media/book-reviews/657-book-review-the-knowledge-of-good-and-evil

"The Believing Brain" Michael Shermer on Atheists Talk #145, Sunday, December 11, 2011

radio@mnatheists.org (Minnesota Atheists) — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 08:05:24 -0700

Michael Shermer is the founder of the Skeptics Society and editor-in-chief of Skeptic magazine. He is the author of several books on the topics of belief and the history of science. His latest book is The Believing Brain: From Ghosts and Gods to Politics and Conspiracies---How We Construct Beliefs and Reinforce Them as Truths. "In this work synthesizing thirty years of research, psychologist, historian of science, and the world's best-known skeptic Michael Shermer upends the traditional thinking about how humans form beliefs about the world. Simply put, beliefs come first and explanations for beliefs follow. The brain, Shermer argues, is a belief engine. From sensory data flowing in through the senses, the brain naturally begins to look for and find patterns, and then infuses those patterns with meaning. Our brains connect the dots of our world into meaningful patterns that explain why things happen, and these patterns become beliefs. Once beliefs are formed the brain begins to look for and find confirmatory evidence in support of those beliefs, which accelerates the process of reinforcing them, and round and round the process goes in a positive-feedback loop of belief confirmation. Shermer outlines the numerous cognitive tools our brains engage to reinforce our beliefs as truths. "Interlaced with his theory of belief, Shermer provides countless real-world examples of how this process operates, from politics, economics, and religion to conspiracy theories, the supernatural, and the paranormal. Ultimately, he demonstrates why science is the best tool ever devised to determine whether or not a belief matches reality." Join us on Sunday as we discuss why the processes that help our brains makes sense of the world also trip us up and make it easy to believe strange things. Interview by Carl Hancock and August Berkshire. Hosted by Stephanie Zvan. Related Links The Believing Brain: From Ghosts and Gods to Politics and Conspiracies---How We Construct Beliefs and Reinforce Them as Truths http://www.amazon.com/Believing-Brain-Conspiracies---How-Construct-Reinforce/dp/0805091254 "The Believing Brain: Why Science Is the Only Way Out of Belief-Dependent Realism" http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=the-believing-brain The Believing Brain reviewed at Science-Based Medicine http://www.sciencebasedmedicine.org/index.php/the-believing-brain/ Michael Shermer's main page http://www.michaelshermer.com/ The Skeptics Society & Skeptic magazine http://www.skeptic.com/

"The Rap Guide to Evolution" Baba Brinkman on Atheists Talk #144, December 4th, 2011

radio@mnatheists.org (Minnesota Atheists) — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 07:56:40 -0700

Baba Brinkman is a Canadian rap artist, writer, actor, and tree planter. He is well known for blending rap music and literature and science. He coined the term "lit hop" to describe his literature-based rap music. Baba Brinkman earned a Master of Arts in Medieval and Renaissance English Literature and he studied human evolution and primatology with the orangutan researcher Biruté Galdikas. His thesis compared modern Hip hop freestyle battling with The Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer. From Baba Brinkman's website. To date Baba has written or co-written five hip-hop theatre shows, including The Rap Canterbury Tales, The Rap Guide to Evolution, and The Rebel Cell, with MC Dizraeli. He won three awards and entertained thousands while performing at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival for six of the past seven years. Baba is also the founder of Lit Fuse Records, which represents Aaron Nazrul and the Boom Booms, Smoky Tiger, and Mud Sun, as well as his own music. Besides executive producing and developing new talent through his label, Baba has recorded and released seven solo albums since 2004. The Rap Guide to Evolution won the prestigious Scotsman Fringe First Award in Edinburgh in 2009, and went on to tour the USA, Australia, and the UK, including three appearances at regional TED conferences, an off-Broadway showcase, and an appearance on The Rachel Maddow Show on US national television. The Rap Guide to Evolution is currently enjoying an extended off-Broadway run in New York, produced by Dovetail Productions. Baba Brinkman will join Atheists Talk to discuss The Rap Guide to Evolution this Sunday. Make sure to tune in! Related Links: Official website of Baba Brinkman http://www.bababrinkman.com/ Rap Guide to Evolution http://rapguidetoevolution.co.uk/ Rap Guide http://www.rapguide.com/ Baba Brinkman's YouTube Channel http://www.youtube.com/user/babasword

"Believing Bullshit" Stephen Law on Atheists Talk #143, November 27, 2011

radio@mnatheists.org (Minnesota Atheists) — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 07:53:22 -0700

Stephen Law (Oxford, England) is a senior lecturer in philosophy at Heythrop College, University of London; provost for the Centre for Inquiry UK; and the editor of Think: Philosophy for Everyone (a journal of the Royal Institute of Philosophy). He is the author of numerous books for adults as well as children, including The Greatest Philosophers, Companion Guide to Philosophy, The War for Children's Minds, and Really, Really Big Questions, among other works. His latest book, for adults, is Believing Bullshit: How Not to Get Sucked into an Intellectual Black Hole. "Wacky and ridiculous belief systems abound. Members of the Heaven's Gate suicide cult believed they were taking a ride to heaven on board a UFO. Muslim suicide bombers expect to be greeted after death by 72 heavenly virgins. And many fundamentalist Christians insist the entire universe is just 6,000 years old. "Of course it's not only cults and religions that promote bizarre beliefs. Significant numbers of people believe that aliens built the pyramids, that the Holocaust never happened, and that the World Trade Center was brought down by the US government. "How do such ridiculous views succeed in entrenching themselves in the minds of sane, intelligent, college-educated people and turn them into the willing slaves of claptrap? How, in particular, do the true believers manage to convince themselves that they are the rational, reasonable ones and that everyone else is deluded? "Believing Bullshit identifies eight key mechanisms that can transform a set of ideas into a psychological flytrap. Philosopher Stephen Law suggests that, like the black holes of outer space, from which nothing, not even light, can escape, our contemporary cultural landscape contains numerous intellectual black-holes—belief systems constructed in such a way that unwary passers-by can similarly find themselves drawn in. While such self-sealing bubbles of belief will most easily trap the gullible or poorly educated, even the most intelligent and educated of us are potentially vulnerable. Some of the world's greatest thinkers have fallen in, never to escape." Listen on Sunday as we discuss the book with Professor Law and try to avoid being bleeped by the engineer. Related Links Stephen Law's blog http://stephenlaw.blogspot.com/ Think, edited by Stephen Law http://www.royalinstitutephilosophy.org/page/34 "A field guide to bullshit," interview in New Scientist http://www.newscientist.com/article/mg21028160.200-a-field-guide-to-bullshit.html

Shawn Lawrence Otto on Atheists Talk #142, November 20, 2011

radio@mnatheists.org (Minnesota Atheists) — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 07:48:54 -0700

This week on Atheists Talk, hosted by Stephanie Zvan, Greg Laden will interview author Shawn Otto. Shawn Lawrence Otto has just launched his book, Fool Me Twice: Fighting the Assault on Science in America, a richly documented and well-reasoned analysis of modern science denialism, especially addressing climate change. Shawn notes that scientists are inherently apolitical in their work, but that science itself is always political, and ties this important observation into recent patterns of partisan maneuvering, questionable journalistic ethics even among the upper echelon of the fourth estate, and religious distortion of scientific findings and science-based policy making. Join us on air for what is guaranteed to be a lively and enlightening conversation, and then join us at Q. Cumbers for brunch. If you bring a copy of Shawn Otto's book and a pen, you can get it signed! Shawn Lawrence Otto's website - http://shawnotto.com/

Reason Rally 2012 and American Atheists National Convention with David Silverman on Atheists Talk #141, November 13, 2011

radio@mnatheists.org (Minnesota Atheists) — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 07:37:17 -0700

Steve Petersen and August Berkshire interview David Silverman, President of American Atheists, about the Reason Rally 2012, to be held on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., Saturday, March 24 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The Reason Rally is endorsed and will have speakers from most of the nation’s leading national freethought organizations, including the American Humanist Association, Atheist Alliance of America, Camp Quest, Center for Inquiry, Military Association of Atheists and Freethinkers, Secular Coalition for America, Secular Student Alliance, Society for Humanistic Judaism, Stiefel Freethought Foundation, The Brights, James Randi Educational Foundation, Richard Dawkins Foundation, and the United Coalition of Reason. Featured speakers include Richard Dawkins, Greta Christina, PZ Myers, Taslima Nasrin, James Randi, Hemant Mehta, Sean Faircloth, and Jamila Bey. The following two days, March 25-26, 2012, American Atheists will hold their annual convention in Bethesda, MD. We will discuss each of these events and more. Our host for this program will be Brianne Bilyeu. Related Links The 2012 Annual Convention of American Atheists http://atheists.org/events/2012_National_Convention Reason Rally 2012 http://reasonrally.org/ American Atheists http://atheists.org/

"50 Voices of Disbelief" Russell Blackford on Atheists Talk #140, November 6, 2011

radio@mnatheists.org (Minnesota Atheists) — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 07:35:00 -0700

50 Voices of Disbelief: Why We Are Atheists presents a unique and thought-provoking collection of original essays that address personal disbelief in a higher power . Drawn from an international cast of professionals in the fields of academia, science, literature, media and politics, contributors offer carefully considered statements of why they reject the idea of a deity governing the universe and human affairs. Several essays also address such issues as the social role of religion and its alternatives. The responses feature a stunning diversity of viewpoints and tone, ranging from rigorous philosophical arguments to highly personal — at times even whimsical — accounts of how each of these notable thinkers have come to reject religion in their lives. Whether you're a believer or not, 50 Voices of Disbelief: Why We Are Atheists offers an intellectually stimulating journey into the possibilities for rational and reasonable people everywhere to live without the crutch of religion. Join editor Russell Blackford as we discuss the book and why is was needed. Related Links: 50 Voices of Disbelief: Why We Are Atheists on Amazon http://www.amazon.com/50-Voices-Disbelief-Why-Atheists/dp/1405190469 Russell Blackford on Point of Inquiry http://richarddawkins.net/audio/4579-russell-blackford-50-voices-of-disbelief Russell's blog, Metamagician and the Hellfire Club http://metamagician3000.blogspot.com/

"The Atheist's Guide to Reality" Alex Rosenberg on Atheists Talk #139, October 30, 2011

radio@mnatheists.org (Minnesota Atheists) — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 07:32:51 -0700

Many religions claim to hold the answers to life’s big questions: What is the meaning of life? Why are we here? From where do we get our morals? Some say it’s all because of God, and that leaves us atheists throwing our hands in the air. But now Alex Rosenberg has written a book just for us. In The Atheist’s Guide to Reality: Enjoying Life Without Illusions, Dr. Rosenberg walks us through the science that succeeds in providing these answers without having to fall back on supernatural explanations. He celebrates scientism, embraces “nice nihilism” and takes us on a fast-paced, wild journey through the physics, chemistry and biology that explain our past, present and future. He shows how science influences our politics, ethics, and how we think about ourselves and the world around us. Dr. Alexander Rosenberg is the R. Taylor Cole Professor of Philosophy at Duke University, and the co-director of Duke’s Center for the Philosophy of Biology. His areas of interest include metaphysics, David Hume and causation, and the philosophy of economics, biology, and cognitive and behavioral science. He is a prolific author, with thirteen published books, contributions in two anthologies of philosophy and approximately 180 journal articles spanning from 1972 to the present. Related Links: Alex Rosenberg - Duke Faculty Page http://fds.duke.edu/db/aas/Philosophy/faculty/alexrose Alex Rosenberg - Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexander_Rosenberg Boston Globe Book Review of The Atheist's Guide to Reality http://www.bostonglobe.com/arts/books/2011/10/19/duke-professor-makes-thoughtful-argument-the-atheist-guide-reality/JTwxENxATQiOTOqsW9m7BI/story.html

"Religion, Patriarchy, and Sexual Repression" Sunsara Taylor on Atheists Talk #138, October 23, 2011

radio@mnatheists.org (Minnesota Atheists) — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 07:30:19 -0700

Why do all the world's major religions have patriarchy and the enslavement of women at their core? We examine why everyone who cares about equality and liberation for women should fight against the shackles of religion. Sunsara Taylor will explore these questions with regards to the conditions of women worldwide, but with an emphasis on dispelling any illusion that religion -- and Christianity in particular -- is any more "enlightened" as it is practiced here in the U.S. She will draw from AWAY WITH ALL GODS! Unchaining the Mind and Radically Changing the World by Bob Avakian. Sunsara Taylor writes for Revolution Newspaper, sits on the Advisory Board of The World Can't Wait, and is a co-host on "Equal Time for Freethought" on WBAI radio in NYC. Related links: Sunsara Taylor's Blog http://sunsara.blogspot.com/ From the Burkha to the Thong --Sunsara's campus tour speech http://www.revolutionbooksnyc.org/Webcast%20flyer.htm Away With All Gods: Sunsara Taylor on Atheists Talk Radio #0067, April 26, 2009 http://www.mnatheists.org/news-and-media/podcast/320-sunsara-taylor

"Exploring Religious Violence" David Eller on Atheists Talk #137, Sunday, October 16, 2011

radio@mnatheists.org (Minnesota Atheists) — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 07:22:52 -0700

David Eller is a cultural anthropologist who has spent considerable time on the topics of violence and religion. In his recent book, Cruel Creeds, Virtuous Violence: Religious Violence Across Culture and History, he explores the intersection of the two. He examines the various types of religious violence and the interaction between the cultural and religious factors that contribute to that violence. He looks at how religion can shape a culture in ways that make violence more likely, or less. Please join us as we discuss this fascinating--and ever timely--topic. Links of interest: Cruel Creeds, Virtuous Violence: Religious Violence Across Culture and History http://www.amazon.com/Cruel-Creeds-Virtuous-Violence-Religious/dp/1616142189/ David Eller on Atheists Talk in 2009, discussing Atheism Advanced: Further Thoughts of A Freethinker http://www.mnatheists.org/news-and-media/podcast/317-david-ellier

Donald Prothero on Atheists Talk #136, Sunday, October 9, 2011

radio@mnatheists.org (Minnesota Atheists) — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 07:17:44 -0700

Donald Prothero is a palaeontologist who is very much disliked by the Discovery Institute and loved by skeptics, science aficionados, and students. He has written several books and over 200 papers for peer reviewed journals, popular magazines, and anthologies. He wrote "Evolution: What the Fossils Say and Why it Matters," "Catastrophes!: Earthquakes, Tsunamis, Tornadoes, and Other Earth-Shattering Disasters," "Greenhouse of the Dinosaurs: Evolution, Extinction, and the Future of Our Planet," as well as numerous text books and scientific monographs. Don is in town for the Geological Society of America meetings, and has agreed to come by the studio and chat with Greg Laden about dinosaurs, climate change, science denialism and, of course, the psychology of cryptozoology, which is the subject of one of his current writing projects. Professor Prothero is Professor of Geology at Occidental College and Lecturer in Geobiology at the California Institute of Technology. He is a Fellow of the Geological Society of America and the Paleontological Society. Links of interest: Donald Prothero - The Psychology of Cryptozoologists on Point of Inquiry - http://www.pointofinquiry.org/donald_prothero_the_psychology_of_cryptozoologists/ Skeptics Guide to the Universe Interview with Don Prothero - http://www.theskepticsguide.org/archive/podcastinfo.aspx?mid=1&pid=268 American Museum of Natural History Podcast - http://www.learnoutloud.com/Results/Author/Donald-R.-Prothero/14195 Don Prothero on the East Coast Earthquake - http://www.wypr.org/category/podcast-keywords/donald-prothero A short list of some of Donald Prothero's books: Evolution: What the Fossils Say and Why It Matters Catastrophes!: Earthquakes, Tsunamis, Tornadoes, and Other Earth-Shattering Disasters Greenhouse of the Dinosaurs: Evolution, Extinction, and the Future of Our Planet After the Dinosaurs: The Age of Mammals (Life of the Past) The Evolution of Artiodactyls

"Handy Humanism Handbook" Jen Hancock on Atheists Talk #135, Sunday, October 2, 2011

radio@mnatheists.org (Minnesota Atheists) — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 07:13:50 -0700

Scott Lohman will be talking to Jen Hancock, the author of Handy Humanism Handbook. Jen blogs at Happiness Through Humanism. She is an author, blogger and humanist activist. Her website is at Jen-Hancock.com. Scott is the president of the Humanists of Minnesota. Atheists Talk is produced with funding from the Minnesota Atheists, the Humanists of Minnesota, and the generous support of our members and donors. We also wish to thank Q. Cumbers restaurant for purchasing on-air advertising and for providing a great place to eat and gather. http://www.jen-hancock.com/handyhumanism/ http://humanisthappiness.blogspot.com/ http://www.jen-hancock.com/

American Atheists David Silverman on Atheists Talk #134 Sunday, September 25, 2011

radio@mnatheists.org (Minnesota Atheists) — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 07:05:34 -0700

Carl Hancock and Steve Petersen will interview David Silverman, President of American Atheists. We will discuss their current activities, including public campaigns to gain attention for atheists with billboards, aerial banners, appearances on television and radio. We'll examine why American Atheists filed suit to keep a surviving fragmented I-beam from becoming a Christian religious symbol at the world Trade Center tragedy. Additionally, we will spend some time discussing the Reason Rally convention 2012 and a host of other subjects in the news. http://atheists.org/ http://atheists.org/law/Ground_Zero http://www.atheists.org/events/National_Convention http://www.atheists.org/video

Good Sex Without God - Greta Christina on Atheists Talk #133, September 18, 2011

radio@mnatheists.org (Minnesota Atheists) — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 06:57:49 -0700

Religion has plenty to say about sex. Scriptures and religious leaders tell us who to have sex with, who not to have sex with, what forms and outcomes of sex are acceptable or unacceptable in what sorts of relationships. But does it help? How well can ancient religious texts address sexual ethics in a world that only recently has reliable contraception, recognizes that full emotional maturity lags sexual maturity by a number of years, and concedes that women have a legal right to say, "No,"--and"Yes"? Join us as we talk with writer and erotica editor Greta Christina about how we negotiate sexual ethics in a secular world and what we gain when we let go of the notion that sex should be "transcendent" and allow it to be earthy. Maybe even dirty. Greta Christina's Blog http://freethoughtblogs.com/greta/ Are We Having Sex Now Or What? http://gretachristina.typepad.com/greta_christinas_weblog/2006/09/are_we_having_s_1.html Sexual Fantasies and The Road Not Taken http://freethoughtblogs.com/greta/2011/09/14/sexual-fantasies-and-the-road-not-taken/

"Koran Curious" CJ Werleman on Atheists Talk #132, September 11, 2011

radio@mnatheists.org (Minnesota Atheists) — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 06:51:54 -0700

(Ed. 09/11/11 - We weren't able to connect by phone with CJ, but we did the show anyway.) On September 11, 2001 terrorists hi-jacked four planes and slammed into the Pentagon and the World Trade Center towers in New York City. This show will be on the tenth anniversary of that event, another in a series of events that "changed everything." It did bring more attention to Islam in the United States, in the form of bigotry and fear for people who have no understanding of this religion. It is a religion of peace, as much as Christianity and other religions. Islam is the invention of the prophet Muhammad, and is based largely on his interpretation of the Bible and the Gospels and re-interpreted for the Arabic world he sough to unite. In our effort to promote the understanding of the religions we don't accept, we have invited CJ Werleman back on the show for a second interview. CJ has written a book to give some background and information on the Koran and Islam. The book is written in two parts. The first section is a biography of Muhammad. It follows his rise from a caravan merchant to the leader of the religion that dominates the Arab culture and has spread throughout the rest of the world. The second section contains excerpts from the Koran. Koran Curious: A Guide for Infidels and Believers by CJ Werleman http://www.cjwerleman.com/my-books/koran-curious-a-guide-for-infidels-believers.html Renewal or Insult at Ground Zero? http://www.hudson-ny.org/960/mosque-at-the-world-trade-center-muslim-renewal-or-insult-near-ground-zero Does the Anti-Muslim Bigotry on Talk Radio Extend to the Republican Presidential Candidates? by Jason Salzman http://coloradopols.com/diary/16319/does-the-antimuslim-bigotry-on-talk-radio-extend-to-the-gop-prez-candidates The 80's Origins of Today's Anti-Muslim Bigotry by David Sirota http://www.salon.com/news/politics/war_room/2011/03/11/sirota_muslim_movies

"Humanists at the Fair" - Atheists Talk #131, Sunday Sept 4, 2011

radio@mnatheists.org (Minnesota Atheists) — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 06:46:32 -0700

What is humanism? What are its core principles? On what topics do humanists agree and disagree, and how do they live these principles? Sunday's show doesn't promise to have all the answers, but the conversation should be illuminating. Listen to Scott Lohman, president of the Humanists of Minnesota, and friends discuss the topic during one of Minnesota's greatest gatherings of humanity--the Minnesota State Fair. The panel at the live show at the AM950 KTNF booth are Scott Lohman, Audrey Kingstrom and Mark Thoson. Humanists of Minnesota - http://www.americanhumanist.org/ American Humanists Association - http://www.americanhumanist.org/

"Atheists at the Fair," Atheists Talk #130, August 28, 2011

radio@mnatheists.org (Minnesota Atheists) — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 07:50:30 -0700

Minnesota Atheists Live from the Minnesota State Fair Atheists like to go to the fair, too. Join us at the AM950 KTNF booth for our popular series of broadcasts from the fair. Many people still have questions about atheists and atheism and members of the Minnesota Atheists will be there to answer them as well as we can, for example: What evidence, if it were to be presented, would lead an atheist to believe in God? Where do we find our basis for ethics and morality? Where do we find guidelines for raising our children? Why do atheists fight so strongly for an absolute separation of state and religion? Are atheists anti-religion? Do we "hate" religious people? Do humans have souls? What happens to us after we die? Please stop by to say "Hello" and if you would like, to ask any questions that you may have. Minnesota Atheists Public Policy Positions http://mnatheists.org/information/public-policy-positions Frank Zindler of the American Atheists on Ethics Without Gods http://www.atheists.org/Ethics_Without_Gods Parenting Beyond Belief - Dale McGowan http://parentingbeyondbelief.com/ The Secular Web Library http://www.infidels.org/library/ Gerard McGarry on an Atheist's Approach to Death http://gerardmcgarry.com/blog/atheists-approach-death

"Marry Me, Minnesota Courts!" Atheists Talk #129, August 21, 2011

radio@mnatheists.org (Minnesota Atheists) — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 07:44:11 -0700

Guests Doug Benson and Peter Nickitas On March 6, 2009, three same-sex couples walked into the office of the Hennepin County local registrar in Minneapolis and applied for marriage licenses. They were denied. They sued and lost in Trial Court. Now they are headed for the Appellate Court, and Minnesota Atheists has filed a friend-of-the-court brief on their behalf. Our guests will be Doug Benson, the lead plaintiff in the case, and Peter Nickitas, their lawyer. Marry Me Minnesota http://marrymeminnesota.org/ Marry Minnesota (Facebook) https://facebook.com/group.php?gid=55040350688 Case Documents http://marrymeminnesota.org/casedocs.html Minnesota Atheists’ Amicus Brief (pdf) http://mnatheists.org/mna-amicus.pdf Minnesota Atheists’ Public Policy on GLBT Rights http://mnatheists.org/information/public-policy-positions Minnesotans United for All Families http://mnunited.org/

"World Population Balance." David Paxson on Atheists Talk #128, August 14, 2011

radio@mnatheists.org (Minnesota Atheists) — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 07:38:49 -0700

David Paxson is a national leader on the issue of population growth and stabilization and founder and president of World Population Balance. From their vision statement: "We envision a world where no one suffers in dire poverty and misery for lack of enough food, water, and other basic needs. We see a world where all species thrive and where lower consumption and population are in balance with Earth's finite resources."World Population Balance is further defined by their Mission Statement. "We alert, inform and educate that overpopulation is a root cause of resource depletion, species extinction, and rising poverty. To avoid more misery, catastrophe, and death, we advocate and support a smaller, truly sustainable population." David Paxson has spoken to audiences across the country and the world including the 1994 UN Population Conference in Egypt. Paxson has dedicated his life to educating the public on population issues. His philosophy is:"He believes that as people learn the realities about the current impact of rapid population growth upon declining global resources, they will take fair and humane action to help stop world and national population growth in order to maintain a viable planet for our children of the future." Paxson believes all people regardless of religious, political and social views can work together to solve overpopulation, and today he talks with the atheists, humanist and freethinkers. This is David's second appearance on Atheists Talk. World Population Balance http://www.worldpopulationbalance.org/ World Population Balance Mission Statement http://www.worldpopulationbalance.org/wpb_mission_statement Word Population Balance Exponential Growth Tutorial http://www.worldpopulationbalance.org/exponential-growth-tutorial/bacteria-exponential-growth.html Population Information Card http://www.worldpopulationbalance.org/content/population-information-card Scott Lohman will interview David, and Steve Petersen is the host for today's show. Production and direction by committee.

The New Atheist Books Atheists Talk #127, August 7, 2011

radio@mnatheists.org (Minnesota Atheists) — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 07:35:22 -0700

Scott and I will be discussing the two big watershed books for the New Atheism: Sam Harris' The End of Faith and Richard Dawkins' The God Delusion. The topic for this show turned out to be a broad range of approaches to atheism and skepticism. Rather than try to summarize it, I would invite you to listen to the podcast if you weren't able to stream it live.

"The Science of Global Warming." Science v Denialism on Atheists Talk #126, July 31, 2011

radio@mnatheists.org (Minnesota Atheists) — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 07:26:27 -0700

Kevin Zelnio and John Abraham Discuss Climate Change The National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration has released new temperature norms based on 30 year historical data. These are the "normals" that meteorologists compare the days' weather to the mean for any particular day. The temperature norms are higher than they were ten years ago, and ten years ago the norms were higher than those of the prior decade. Denialism has to be very strong in a person in order to pretend that the global climate is not getting warmer. The data accumulate in the air and in the sea, and on land and indicate with very little uncertainty that human activity is the leading cause of global warming. This is the scientific consensus. The seas are showing the effects of warmer water, as the level of carbonic acids absorbed into the water are having a dangerous effect on the biosphere under the waves. Reefs are bleaching. At a time when solutions need to be discussed in the public, scientists are facing an increasingly shrill level of "debate" and denial from those who claim that they are alarmists who are crying fire in a crowded theater when there is no need to worry. Denialists claim the atmosphere is too big and chaotic for us mere humans to have an effect. Those of us who are familiar with creationism's means and methods recognize the tactical similarities between creationism and global warming denialism. Our guests for this show are Dr. John Abraham and Kevin Zelnio. John Abraham is a Professor of Mechanical Engineering (Heat Transfer and Fluid Mechanics) at St. Thomas University in St. Paul, He responded to a presentation made by Chrisopher Monckton at Bethel University. Monckton is a leading denialist who has many convinced that scientists are lying about global warming, but Abraham showed how this charge is false. http://www.stthomas.edu/engineering/jpabraham/ Kevin Zelnio is a science journalist and blogger at Scientific American Blogs and at Deep Sea News. He has written on the effects of the change in climate on the ocean (and our fisheries,) in addition to far-ranging subjects involving sea invertebrates . Greg Laden and Mike Haubrich will co-host today's show. To Catch a Fallen Sea Angel by Kevin Zelnio http://www.scientificamerican.com/blog/post.cfm?id=to-catch-a-fallen-sea-angel-2010-11-05 Climate-Science Smackdown, Pt 2 , by Casey Selix http://virou.gr/u0jYi4 Abraham Reply to Monckton by John Abraham http://www.skepticalscience.com/Abraham-reply-to-Monckton.html

"The Ledge" Matthew David Chapman on Atheists Talk #125, July 24, 2011

radio@mnatheists.org (Minnesota Atheists) — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 07:18:13 -0700

The Ledge is a feature film that sets an atheist against a fundamentalist in a deadly love triangle. The plot and subplots examine in a taut, well-paced drama the conflicts that lie beneath in a society that assumes faith provides a firmer foundation for ethics and morals than does a secular, atheistic worldview. Matthew Chapman, today's guest, wrote, directed and co-produced the film, which debuted at the 2011 Sundance Film Festival. Chapman is a great-great-grandson of Charles Darwin, and is the president of ScienceDebate.org. Matthew Chapman's Blog Greta Christina's Review Stream or Download the movie at Sundance Now Photo and Video Clips CNN Religion Blog Interviews Chapman

"Deconstructing Biblical Ethics:" Hector Avalos on Atheists Talk #124, July 17, 2011

radio@mnatheists.org (Minnesota Atheists) — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 07:13:02 -0700

Whether the Bible is a collection of texts that can be used for moral guidance is an unresolved question for Western society. Bible-based religions use the book as a guide in order to shape ethics not only for their adherents, but for governance of the larger society as well. Hector Avalos, PhD, Professor of Religious Studies at Iowa State University, has been deconstructing the monolith of respect that we are supposed to afford the Bible in several books and collections. Avalos' method lays out a careful and critical examination of the book itself as well as the apologetics approach that believing scholars use to misrepresent the ethics of this collection of authoritative scriptures. Laying aside the verifiability of the texts collected into the Bible, which Avalos examined in his book The End of Biblical Studies, Avalos now turns to its ethics of slavery. Apologists claims that the Bible was a key tool in the 18th and 19th century abolitionist struggles for the ending of human slavery. In order to maintain the position that The Bible could be used to argue that God didn't want people to own other people, scholars need to misrepresent its clear teachings and Avalos shows in his forthcoming book Slavery, Abolitionism and the The Ethics of Biblical Scholarship. Avalos not only looks at the Bible itself, but also examines civilizations in the Middle East, both preceding the time line of the Bible and concurrent to discover whether or not its teachings were an improvement over the ethics of slavery for non-adhering societies. "Creationists for Genocide" article at Talkreason.org by Hector Avalos http://talkreason.org/articles/Genocide.cfm "Slavery in the Bible" at Christianthinktank.com http://christianthinktank.com/qnoslave.html

"The Atheist Camel Rants Again." Bart Centre on Atheists Talk #123, July 10, 2011

radio@mnatheists.org (Minnesota Atheists) — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 07:00:23 -0700

Providing an oasis of reason in the desert of religious thought, Bart Centre's alter-ego, Dromedary Hump offers an atheist perspective at his blog The Atheist Camel , clarifying the muddles of theists, religion and politics, belief, God, gods, the supernatural; science, reason, reality, logic, ethics, morality and the lack thereof. Bart has a new book out, The Atheist Camel Rides Again: More Arguments and Observations From the Atheist Front. Bart is a veteran, a Foxhole Atheist as a matter of fact, who served in Vietnam. He is the creator and co-owner of Eternal Earth-Bound Pets , a service for pets of potentially raptured person. He will take care left-behind furry companions if you get sucked up to Heaven unexpectedly. Scott Lohman will be talking to Bart about the book, about life, about pets and more on today's show. http://atheistcamel.blogspot.com/ http://eternal-earthbound-pets.com/

"Pandagon;" Amanda Marcotte on Atheists Talk Radio #122, July 3, 2011

radio@mnatheists.org (Minnesota Atheists) — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 06:57:13 -0700

Amanda Marcotte is a feminist, atheist blogger and columnist whose views are nuanced and thoughtful but rarely careful. She recently noted that for all her work on feminism, her posts on atheism earn her the most negative attention. Tune in on Sunday, July 3, as she and Stephanie Zvan discuss the intersection between the two. Find out how feminism led Amanda to atheism and how it led to a conflict with the Catholic League over her work for John Edwards' presidential campaign. We'll also discuss the role of religion in the GOP's recently ramped-up War on Women. Expect a spirited discussion. Related Links: Pandagon, Amanda's blog http://pandagon.net/ Amanda on Twitter http://mnatheists.org/news-and-media/podcast#!/AmandaMarcotte Why I had to quit the John Edwards campaign http://www.salon.com/news/feature/2007/02/16/marcotte

"Liars for Jesus." Chris Rodda on Atheists Talk #121 June 26, 2011

radio@mnatheists.org (Minnesota Atheists) — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 06:54:39 -0700

Revision of history to modify the present is an old trick on the populace. The United States was not intended to be an officially Christian Nation by the founders, but there is a movement afoot to lie about our basic freedom to disbelieve or believe and be full citizens. David Barton is the most prominent of the revisionists, quote-mining his way through the past to create the impression that the deists, atheists and secularists who crafted the U.S. Constitution and the republic really wanted to make sure that God smiled on our government and people. The Liars for Jesus want us to believe that government would be crippled and ineffective without a reliance on Godly teaching and supplication. Chris Rodda never intended to be a writer, but as an observer of such revisionism she decided that she could not accept what the Liars for Jesus were foisting on an American public willing to accept their distortions. So, she started researching and writing and finding the source documents the faux historians were so deliberately mangling. She realized that she would need a three volume book in order to dispel (with these inconvenient things called "facts") the notion that this is an officially Jesus-directed nation. The first volume of Liars for Jesus is now out and available and Scott Lohman will be talking Rodda about what she has accomplished in her research so far. Liars for Jesus, the site for Rodda's articles and the book http://www.liarsforjesus.com/ Purchase the book at Amazon, or download the Kindle version http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1419644386/ref=nosim/liarsforjesus-20 http://www.amazon.com/Liars-Jesus-Religious-Alternate-American/dp/B002OHD23E/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=digital-text&qid=1252620303&sr=1-1 Wallbuilders Revisionist History Site http://www.wallbuilders.com/ Talk 2Action http://www.talk2action.org/ Revisionaries http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/features/2010/1001.blake.html

"Black Atheist Evangelism;" Jamila Bey on Atheists Talk #120, June 19, 2011

radio@mnatheists.org (Minnesota Atheists) — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 06:47:11 -0700

Black atheists experience isolation in several different ways. In their own families and community, they are often ostracized by a culture that assumes and values religion to a larger degree than the white culture in our society. While the number of atheists and non-religious whites is growing and currently, according to surveys, around 15% the number of black freethinkers is smaller at approximately 12%. The social bedrock of church attendance and belief runs deeper for blacks and so African-American atheists find themselves to be a "minority within a minority." We also observe that formal atheist and freethinking groups are to a large extent the domain of white people, and so when black people come to our meetings they find few of their own race in attendance. This can also give them the feeling of isolation. Fortunately there are activists within the black atheist community who are working to change things for black atheists, and to the benefit of atheist groups as a whole. When there are more better voices we all win. Jamila Bey is a comedian and a journalist in the Washington, D.C. area, and a black woman unafraid to use the "A" word. We are fortunate to have her on our show to talk about what she does to help spread the truths of Logic, Reason and Science to all who may hear. Minnesota Atheists President August Berkshire talked to her at the American Atheists Conference in Des Moines, IA in April, 2011. He will talk to her on our show. Jamila Bey's Articles at The Root - http://www.theroot.com/users/jamilabey Black Women Who Use the "A" Word - http://www.atheists.org/events/National_Convention African Americans for Humanism - http://www.secularhumanism.org/aah Jamila Bey on Facebook - https://facebook.com/jamilabey Black Atheists of America on Facebook - https://facebook.com/BlackAtheistsofAmerica Black Atheists of America - http://blackatheistsofamerica.org/

"Look at All the Crazy Preachers." Ed Brayton on Atheists Talk #119, June 12, 2011

radio@mnatheists.org (Minnesota Atheists) — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 06:18:20 -0700

When Harold Camping announced his calculated date for The Rapture to be May 22, rational people laughed at his certainty. We were also saddened that his deluded followers sold everything they owned and devoted their lives to spreading the word that the "End is Near." The rapture didn't happen, and Camping made excuses and decided that he meant that it will all happen in October of this year. But Camping is not the only crazy preacher out there, getting publicity by saying and writing outrageous things that no sane person would accept. Freelance writer Ed Brayton, who writes at ScienceBlogs' Dispatches from the Culture Wars has been following and writing about religion and politics and highlighting the more stupid and insane conservative and fundamentalist preachers, priests, rabbis and imams. He and Greg Laden and I will highlight the funny, and yet scary people who use fear, bigotry religious certainty to attract followers, money and even influence public policy because of their fractured religious beliefs. http://scienceblogs.com/dispatches/ http://freethoughtblogs.com/dispatches/ http://www.positiveliberty.com/ http://www.declaringindependenceradio.com/ Greg Laden is a frequent guest on Atheists Talk, as well as a frequent interviewer. Greg is an evolutionary anthropologist and blogs at ScienceBlogs.

"Skeptically Speaking;" Desiree Schell and Greg Laden on Atheists Talk #118, June 5, 2011

radio@mnatheists.org (Minnesota Atheists) — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 06:03:44 -0700

So, are we making inroads or not? Is skepticism spreading due to all the new media tools that we use in the 21st century? Desiree Schell, who produces the podcast "Skeptically Speaking" and Greg Laden will be bringing out the possibilities. We may be only reaching the already converted with our show and with Desiree's show, and other skeptic broadcasts; but even if so, there is always more to see, to hear and to learn about skepticism, atheism and humanism. This episode will touch on a broad range of topics, including a preview of what Desiree will be talking about at this year's Skepchick track at CONvergence. From I'm a Skeptic mini-bio of Desiree Schell: "Desiree explores the connections between science and skepticism, and strategies for promoting critical thinking beyond the ranks of current skeptics. She is also known for delving into the slippery social issues surrounding skepticism. Her show has been near the forefront of conversations about gender issues in skepticism, and about “Skepticism 2.0’s” rebirth as a demographically broad social movement. “We really want to spread critical thinking to the broadest possible audience,” Desiree says. “In order to do that, we as skeptics need to discuss ways that we can make our message more inclusive.” Greg Laden is a frequent guest on Atheists Talk, as well as a frequent interviewer. Greg is an evolutionary anthropologist and blogs at ScienceBlogs. Skeptically Speaking - http://skepticallyspeaking.ca/ Skeptical Review Interview with Desiree Schell http://www.skepreview.com/2010/06/interview-with-desiree-schell-of.html

"Choice In Dying," Eric MacDonald on Atheists Talk #117, May 29, 2011

radio@mnatheists.org (Minnesota Atheists) — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 05:58:09 -0700

Choosing one's own death should be the right of every living person facing the process of a long, debilitating, painful terminal illness. Not everyone finds "dignity in suffering," and yet religions insist that the value of "life above all else" trumps individual choice. Eric MacDonald and his wife faced the decision in her choice to end her life. The government of Canada and the authorities of the Anglican Church, of which MacDonald was a priest, threw up legal roadblocks and threats if Elizabeth were to choose to terminate her own life in Canada. Since his experience, Eric decided that the doubts he had been carrying about his religion could never be resolved considering the weight of the cruelty in not allowing Elizabeth to choose how she was to end her life. He has since become an outspoken atheist, defending the "New Atheists" against charges of shallow philosophy and a light understand of theology. He writes about his interpretations of Church authority and atheism at his blog. Eric's Blog A Choice In Dying - http://choiceindying.com/ More information on Dignitas http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dignitas_%28euthanasia_group%29

"Leaving Jehovah's Witnesses:" James Zimmerman on Atheists Talk #116, May 22, 2011

radio@mnatheists.org (Minnesota Atheists) — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 05:55:03 -0700

Jehovah's Witnesses are an offshoot of Christianity founded as a bible study group in the 1870's by Charles Taze Russell. They have since been evangelizing their unique view of the readings of the Bible all over the world and have grown to a membership, as they claim, of 7.5 million people worldwide. They believe that we have been in End Times since 1914, the year that the whole world went haywire as the end of the "Age of the Gentiles." Leaving the Jehovah's Witnesses is a difficult process because of the tremendous pressure to remain. Once a member leaves, they are "shunned" by the society. Even family members; sisters, brothers, parents, children along with cousins and uncles and aunts will refuse to have contact with apostate JW's. James Zimmerman, our guest, is a former Jehovah's Witness who could not believe the tenets of the faith. His wife also left the church, and they are now members of the Minnesota Atheists. James and I will talk about the beliefs of the Jehovah's Witnesses, how he came to question the faith and finally left it. James is the editor the Minnesota Atheists newsletter, and frequent host of the Atheists Talk television show.

"The Nature of Existence," Roger Nygard on Atheists Talk #115, May 15, 2011

radio@mnatheists.org (Minnesota Atheists) — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 05:45:24 -0700

Roger Nygard was our guest in January, but due to a time zone mix-up only joined towards the end of the program. We have invited him for a return call-in and he has agreed to do so, this time from an Eastern Daylight Time location. We will let Roger catch up on some sleep and he will be on the phones with us from 9 am to 10 am. The Nature of Existence is the film Roger produced in order to get at the best answers that religion and philosophy can provide to answer an age-old question: Is there a reason that we are here on Earth at this time? Is there a Grand Purpose to life? How can we know the answer, and if we do find the answer, what can we do in order to fulfill this grand purpose? Some day that wrestling for Jesus is the way to find one's purpose. Others say that it is simply a matter of finding Your Happiness and Living It. Since the first show, I have had the opportunity to watch the movie and found it thought-provoking and at times funny. Very funny in some spots. I highly recommend it. http://thenatureofexistence.com/ http://www.rogernygard.com/

"Rock Beyond Belief:" Sgt Justin Griffith on Atheists Talk #114, May 8, 2011

radio@mnatheists.org (Minnesota Atheists) — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 05:40:33 -0700

Sergeant Justin Griffith was aghast that the U.S. Army had organized and supported a Christian Rock festival for soldiers at North Carolina's Fort Bragg Army Base. In response, he organized an event for secular soldiers and officers to give the non-Christians an event "For the rest of us." He lined up great speakers including Richard Dawkins, Margaret Downey, Hemant Mehta, Jen McCreight and Mikey Weinstein along with performers Roy Zimmerman, Baba Brinkman and Spoonboy. The event was all scheduled and set to go, and the Command had approved the venue; but on March 4 the brass made some disheartening changes. They changed to a much smaller venue and pulled financial support. Due to these unacceptable changes, the Justin and his fellow organizers canceled the event. The military has been slowly taken over by fundamentalist Christians. Chaplains overstep their mission and proselytize rather than provide support to the troops. The military has been requiring members to submit to a "Spiritual Fitness Test," sending them the message that if they don't believe then they are not full members of the services. Now, instead of surrendering to the Christianists in the military, more atheists and non-Christians are standing up to be counted among the honorable men and women who serve our country in the military. The Military Atheists and Secular Humanists (M.A.S.H.), Operation Foxhole Atheist, the Military Religious Freedom Foundation , the Military Association of Atheists and Freethinkers and other groups are bravely telling command that the military is a place for all those who are willing to sacrifice. Justin is reorganizing Rock Beyond Belief. Now it's on! He will be talking to about the event, about Rock the Fort, about the move to end the unofficial policy of "Don't Pray, Don't Say."

"Day of Prayer or Day of Reason?" Sandhya Bathija on Atheists Talk #113, May 1, 2011

radio@mnatheists.org (Minnesota Atheists) — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 05:37:23 -0700

National Day of Prayer and National Day of Reason George Kane will interview Sandhya Bathija, who is the Communications Associate for Americans United for Separation of Church and State. She joined the AU staff in May 2008. Sandhya previously worked as a reporter for the legal trade publication The National Law Journal, and practiced law for a small civil rights firm in Detroit. She holds a law degree from The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law. George Kane is the Chair of the Minnesota Atheists. George and Sandhya will discuss both the National Day of Prayer and the secular alternative, The National Day of Reason. They will also discuss current issues regarding separation of government and religion. http://www.au.org/

"Mr. Deity," Brian Dalton on Atheists Talk #112, April 17, 2011

radio@mnatheists.org (Minnesota Atheists) — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 05:31:11 -0700

Brian Dalton is the writer, producer and director of the slyly subversive webcast comedy series "Mr. Deity." Mr. Deity has created our Universe with love and affection; mostly. This was not a simple production, you see, and there are many aspects to Creation of which we humans are not capable of understanding. Dalton's "Mr. Deity" is all too human, avaricious and behind his lovable exterior he hides a deep need to be worshiped. He is not above throwing a bunch of natural disasters in our way to get us to pay attention without "violating our free will." Mr. Deity is a funny look behind the scenes of Creation. Sure, things could have been done a bit differently. But would that have made as good of a story? Brian Dalton is the featured speaker for the Humanists of Minnesota's Spring Banquet on April 17th. He will be in our studio on Sunday and Scott Lohman, the President of the Humanists of Minnesota will be talking to him about the series. http://www.mrdeity.com/ http://www.youtube.com/user/misterdeity http://www.humanistsofmn.org/

"I'll Take Sweden, Ja Ja," Martin Rundkvist and Yusie Chou on Atheists Talk #111, April 10, 2011

radio@mnatheists.org (Minnesota Atheists) — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 05:23:36 -0700

Science Blogger and outspoken Atheist Dr. Martin Rundkvist is a Swedish archaeologist affiliated with the University of Chester. He is the managing editor of Fornvännen, Sweden's foremost archaeological journal. Yusie Chou is a journalist and broadcaster. She was raised in Mao's China and came to Sweden at age seven with her family. Rundkvist and Chou live and work in Sweden; a culture and a country in which atheism is the norm and the mention of god or Jesus by a politician is frowned upon. On the show, Dr. Greg Laden and our guests will discuss atheism from this perspective, and contrast what it is like to live in a primarily atheist vs. a primarily theist society. We will also discuss how atheism and atheists interface with the society in which they are embedded can be very different depending on context. In addition, we can find out if a nation transforming over to atheism actually does experience the doomsday scenario painted by many outspoken American religious leaders. We may also talk a bit about our guests' reaction to Nordic culture in Minnesota and Swedish archaeology. Greg Laden is a frequent guest and interviewer on our show. He is a biological anthropologist with field work experience in Africa. http://scienceblogs.com/aardvarchaeology/

"Science Communication" with Neil deGrasse Tyson on Atheists Talk #110, April 3, 2011

radio@mnatheists.org (Minnesota Atheists) — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 02:03:12 -0700

Neil deGrasse Tyson is one of the leading science communicators of our generation. As the host of Nova Science Now, Dr. Tyson conveys his enthusiasm and excitement for science and his presentation, nixed with wit and humor bring excitement to a variety of topics. Tyson is the Frederick P. Rose Director and astrophysicist at the Hayden Planetarium at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City. He hosts the Star Talk radio show. He is a frequent guest on the Colbert Report for whenever Colbert needs science to augment truthiness. Dr. Tyson is the author of several science books for the lay reader. Greg Laden is a frequent guest and interviewer for Atheists Talk. Dr. Laden is a biological anthropologist and lecturer at the University of Minnesota, and will talk to Tyson about science communication, science education and the role of magnetism in astrophysics (which is Tyson's specialty.)

"Let My People Wed" Monica Meyer on Atheist Talk #109, March 27, 2011

radio@mnatheists.org (Minnesota Atheists) — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 01:56:47 -0700

Our guest this week will be Monica Meyer, executive director of OutFront Minnesota. She will discuss their upcoming Lobby Day at the State Capitol in St. Paul on April 14, 2011. She will also discuss the threat of the Minnesota State Legislature putting a State Constitutional Amendment on the ballot that would specifically ban same-sex marriage. http://www.outfront.org/home

"The Outsider Test for Faith." John Loftus on Atheists Talk #108, March 20, 2011

radio@mnatheists.org (Minnesota Atheists) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 11:09:24 -0700

John W. Loftus was a preacher and scholar under theologist William Lane Craig who left his church and then Christianity altogether. As an elder of his church he was involved in a discussion on how to handle a situation between a youth counselor and an elder; and members of the board were using the same bible verses to justify their positions on how to approach a resolution. He questioned a scripture that could be adaptive to whatever point was being made by a person who quoted them as to find different conclusions as to what was being taught by God. Since then, Loftus has written one book and edited two others on the subject of Atheism and Christianity. I read Why I Became an Atheist in 2008 and have now read the book he edited The Christian Delusion . I look forward to reading The End of Christianity. This show takes a look at Loftus' version of the "Outsider Test of Faith," which invites believers to look at their own religious beliefs from the standpoint of someone who doesn't cling to the faith aspect. Can their religion survive rational scrutiny?

"God's Lady Problem" with Jen McCreight on Atheists Talk #107, March 13, 2011

radio@mnatheists.org (Minnesota Atheists) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 10:54:49 -0700

Jen McCreight will be on a speaking tour in Minnesota in March, and in advance of her visit she will be our guest on Atheists Talk. Jen writes the popular blog "Blag Hag," and in 2010 popularized the idea that a little bit of cleavage isn't to blame for earthquakes. No, seriously! Boobquake, although misinterpreted by some who thought it was just another concession to reducing women by focusing on breasts, was actually a test to see if God would be so upset with women dressing a bit more provocatively than normal that he would show his displeasure by making the earth move. It didn't seem to work the way that an Iranian cleric had predicted. While fun, the event illustrated the way that religions devalue women. Women's shapes, women's reproductive organs, woman's biological processes and women's desirability to males cause great problems for mankind according to religious teaching. They must be covered, shunned, kept away when they are 'unclean," subject to the rule of their husbands as the church is subject to Christ, they must not be allowed to be priests, yada yada yada... So, why are so many women religious? Why do they cling to a system that subjugates them? Jen McCreight wants answers. "Why are women more religious than men when most religions are so anti-woman? Jen McCreight will address this paradox, make the case for why it's time for women to leave religion, and discuss why skepticism and atheism are empowering for women. "Jen McCreight blogs about atheism, feminism, science, and sex at Blag Hag. She is a board member of the Secular Student Alliance and a contributor to The Atheist’s Guide to Christmas. She was recently listed as one of More Magazine’s top "New Feminists.” Her day job is geeking out about human genetics and evolution as a PhD candidate at the University of Washington." http://www.blaghag.com

"Humanism" with Scott Lohman on Atheists Talk #106, March 6, 2011

radio@mnatheists.org (Minnesota Atheists) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 10:51:23 -0700

Scott Lohman has been the president of the Humanists of Minnesota for a number of years now. He has acted as an interviewer and as a backup host for our "Atheists Talk" radio program, but he has never been personally interviewed about his journey from small town Minnesota to the leader of the oldest and largest humanist organization in Minnesota. That will change as this week we ask Scott about his life and activities as a humanist. Scott is especially attracted to the humanism found in the Star Trek series. Minnesota Atheists President August Berkshire will conduct the interview. http://www.humanistsofmn.org/ How Star Trek Made Me an Atheist, by Nick Farantello in The Humanist http://www.thehumanist.org/humanist/09_jul_aug/Farrantello.html http://www.americanhumanist.org/ Humanism and Its Aspirations (Humanist Manifesto III) http://www.americanhumanist.org/who_we_are/about_humanism/Humanist_Manifesto_III

"AHA Conference" with Maggie Ardiente on Atheists Talk#105, February 27, 2011

radio@mnatheists.org (Minnesota Atheists) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 10:42:49 -0700

Maggie Ardiente is the director of development at the American Humanist Association, where she coordinates the AHA's fundraising programs and serves as editor of the AHA's membership newsletter, Free Mind. She graduated with a B.S. in sociology and second major in religion from James Madison University and served as Vice President of the JMU Freethinkers, a student group for atheists, agnostics, and humanists.She is a former member of the Board of Directors of the Secular Student Alliance and a current member of Class 15 of the Humanist Institute. http://www.americanhumanist.org/ http://www.secularstudents.org/ Rant and Reason Blog of the American Humanists Assn. - http://blog.thehumanist.com/

"Zebrafish and Dictionary Atheism," PZ Myers and Greg Laden on Atheists Talk #104, February 20, 2011

radio@mnatheists.org (Minnesota Atheists) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 10:36:18 -0700

Drs PZ Myers and Greg Laden will be our guests on today's show. PZ is in the Minneapolis/St Paul metro for a pair of talks this weekend. First he will be presenting "The Evolution of Cooperativity" to the Humanists of Minnesota on February 19th, and on the 20th he will be explaining the broader topic of Evolution to the Minnesota Atheists. PZ Myers is not shy of controversy, as he seems to invoke and generate it at will through his blog, Pharyngula. He writes about atheism, science, politics from a liberal perspective, zebrafish, critical thinking, pirates, sexism and poorly reasoned e-mails. Greg Laden joins PZ for a question and answer session in our studios. Greg generates his own share of controversy at his own blog. Sunday's show is more open ended than our usual format. Greg is culling questions posted in the comment section at this post from Greg Laden's Blog(http://scienceblogs.com/gregladen/2011/02/what_am_i_going_to_ask_pz_myer.php). I invite callers and e-mailers during the live show as well.

"The Moral Landscape" with Russell Blackford on Atheists Talk #103, February 13 2011

radio@mnatheists.org (Minnesota Atheists) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 10:33:34 -0700

Sam Harris makes a case for using science to evaluate and direct morality for society, and he makes the strong point that religion has made a muck of the whole issue over the course of human civilization. Can science do better? We have new tools with which to work, including MRIs to evaluate the inner workings of human thought and emotional state. The questions raised by Harris are many, and philosophers have joined a large discussion on what next can be done in an atheist approach to society. Can science carry on such a task? Should science take on such a task? How do we measure "morality" in a way that tests can be run, hypotheses formed, and how can we apply what it learned? Russell Blackford has been examining the book The Moral Landscape and whle he agrees with many of Harris' points, the approach of Moral Scepticism finds key disagreements with Harris. On this show, Blackford will expand on his own arguments with Harris. We encourage listeners who have read the book to either e-mail or call in to this show and tell us what you see on the horizon of The Moral Landscape.

"Literature, Atheism, Humanism and Existentialism." Nick Pease on Athiests Talk #102, Feb 6, 2011

radio@mnatheists.org (Minnesota Atheists) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 10:20:49 -0700

This Sunday’s guest is Nick Pease.Nick and George Kane will discuss the humanistic principles that infuse great literature bringing inspiration to the contemporary atheist movement. These values are universal and timeless, and they present an antidote to the political and religious “isms” that divide the nation. In literature as well as in other arts, the most perceptive interpreters of the human condition provide a coherent vision of human life unbound by such academic formalism. Nick Pease was the featured speaker at one of Minnesota Atheists’ public meetings last year. There he spoke on the related topic of existentialism, which, quoting Jean-Paul Sartre, he defined as a lucid, compelling account of what it means to live a meaningful life in a world devoid of ultimate meaning. Pease will show that this is a major theme running through the great literature of all ages. Nick Pease, is currently the Principal of Pease Prose Services, providing Design, write marketing and print and electronic communication services to corporate, governmental and nonprofit clients. He earned a Doctorate Degree from the State University of New York at Buffalo and has been an Adjunct Professor at the University of St. Thomas and the University of Minnesota, teaching critical reading and writing, speechwriting and cross-currents in Literature, Arts and Culture. George Kane is the Chair of the Minnesota Atheists.

"The Creation Museum" Jessie and Casey Clausen on Atheists Talk #101(b), January 30, 2011

radio@mnatheists.org (Minnesota Atheists) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 10:15:04 -0700

Creationism may seem like a joke to most atheists. After all, how could the universe and everything in it be only 6000 years old, when the light from galaxies 10 billion light years away takes (you guessed it) 10 billion years to get here from there?That was the question I had initially asked when I heard that there are serious people who insist that the Biblical story of creation should be taken literally in all ways. I was using Man's Reason on which to base my beliefs that the universe is old. I wasn't going to the "true source" of all knowledge to get the straight dope on Creation. Creationism is no joke. Creationists consider it essential to the cause of converting people to evangelical Christianity, and they spend a lot of money promoting creationism, and a great deal of effort to oppose the teaching and understanding of "atheistic evolution." Jessie and Casey Clausen were in Indiana on a vacation, and realized that they were close to the Creation Museum in Petersburg, Kentucky. Who would refuse the opportunity to see a $27 million monument to biblical inerrancy? Jessie and Casey have developed an entertaining presentation based on their experience and will talk about what they learned from the museum as guests on today's show.

"The Nature of Existence" Roger Nygard on Atheists Talk #101(a), Sunday, January 23, 2011

radio@mnatheists.org (Minnesota Atheists) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 10:06:02 -0700

Roger Nygard is a film maker, writer, producer and director whose new film seeks to answer the questions that drive us crazy: Who are we and why are we here? What is the universe and why is it here? Is there a purpose in life and if so, who better to explain it to us than a rasslin' evangelical preacher, or a mormon science fiction writer (ignore the potential redundancies) or Richard Dawkins? Scott Lohman, President of the Minnesota Atheists, will talk to Roger about the movie, what he has found out and what you can learn by watching and listening to "little questions with big answers." http://thenatureofexistence.com/ http://www.rogernygard.com/

"Enountering Naturalism" Tom W. Clark on Atheists Talk # 100, January 16, 2011

radio@mnatheists.org (Minnesota Atheists) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 08:41:53 -0700

Tom Clark's short book Encountering Naturalism: A Worldview and Its Uses is a great introduction to naturalism. I have read it a few times, and while the concepts may seem obvious upon reflection, the implications are enlightening. Many people have difficulty understanding the concept of free will and why it doesn't exist, often confusing "Free Will" and "Free Choice." It has clear implications for the definitions and deriving of morality, and yes, a worldview. Tom will explain how naturalism can help you fit into your world more accurately and help you determine your courses of action. "Statement On Naturalism Naturalism is the understanding that there is a single, natural world as shown by science, and that we are completely included in it. Naturalism holds that everything we are and do is connected to the rest of the world and derived from conditions that precede us and surround us. Each of us is an unfolding natural process, and every aspect of that process is caused, and is a cause itself. So we are fully caused creatures, and seeing just how we are caused gives us power and control, while encouraging compassion and humility. By understanding consciousness, choice, and even our highest capacities as materially based, naturalism re-enchants the physical world, allowing us to be at home in the universe. Naturalism shows our full connection to the world and others, it leads to an ethics of compassion, and it gives us far greater control over our circumstances." http://www.centerfornaturalism.org/

"The Humanist Institute" Kristin Wintermute on Atheists Talk #99, January 9, 2011

radio@mnatheists.org (Minnesota Atheists) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 08:38:31 -0700

For over 28 years, The Humanist Institute has trained the next generation of leaders for the humanist movement, graduating over 100 students, many of whom work as Ethical Culture Leaders, Unitarian Ministers, Humanist Counselors, professional administrators in our national organizations, and as officers and other volunteers leaders in humanist fellowships, chapters, associations. Kristen Wintermute is a member of the Board of Directors of the American Humanist Association, and the director of the Humanist Institute. She will discuss with Scott Lohman the programs of studies and the goals of the Institute as a whole. http://www.humanistinstitute.org/

"Science and Reason 2011: Future Watch" on Atheists Talk, #98, January 2, 2011

radio@mnatheists.org (Minnesota Atheists) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 08:37:04 -0700

As 2010 rolls out, we all hope the future is bright for 2011. Along with hope, there's always hype. Bringing us a reality check from their areas of expertise are these savvy thinkers: Greg Laden, bio anthropologist and bogger for Scienceblogs.com, will give his top ten list of science stories for 2010, with commentary on the new field of paleogenomics Maggie Koerth-Baker, science journalist and writer for BoingBoing.net, will talk about the Future of Energy in the US. Steve Borsch, media trend expert at Connecting the Dots, has insights for a year of accelerating change. Will Steeger, WillSteeger.com, arctic explorer and eyewitness to the on-going catastrophic consequences of global climate change will tell us the latest observations. Interviewer Lynn Fellman, FellmanStudio.com, is an artist communicating science through art, and a frequent science interviewer on "Atheist Talk". Host Brent Michael Davids, FilmComposer.us, is an award winning composer and creator of the music for the "Atheist Talk".

"The Amazing World of Quantum Mechanics!" James Kakalios on Atheists Talk #97, Sunday, Dec. 19, 2010

radio@mnatheists.org (Minnesota Atheists) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 08:32:41 -0700

Quantum mechanics make no sense. It is a set of propositions that prove that something can be in more than one place at one time. It is a set of propositions that show that light is both wave and particle. Yet, with all the contradictions shown in by quantum mechanics, our modern life would not be modern without an understanding of how the tiniest particles of matter behave. Think of life without computers, lasers, cell phones, CDs and DVDs, MRIs and now e-readers. Life would be positively primitive! Fortunate we are that James Kakalios of the University of Minnesota has found a way to communicate physics and quantum mechanics to the general public using science fiction. He answers the questions about how things work in the tiny world to make them work in our world. Dr. Kakalios has a new book on the shelves now: The Amazing Story of Quantum Mechanics. A Math-Free Exploration of the Science That Made our World. Scott Lohman, the president of the Humanists of Minnesota and a voracious reader of all things science fiction and fantasy, has invited Jim Kakalios back for an interview on this new book. It is a lot of fun to read, (but there is actually a tiny bit of math) and Kakalios is a fun guest to listen to. Listen for his sly and dry wit if for nothing else!

"The Trouble With Christmas," Tom Flynn on Atheists Talk #96, Sunday, Dec 12, 2010

radio@mnatheists.org (Minnesota Atheists) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 08:25:34 -0700

August Berkshire, President of Minnesota Atheists, and Steve Petersen, Associate Chair, will interview Tom Flynn, whose Wikipedia page describes him as "an author, journalist, novelist, entertainer, folklorist, Executive Director of the Council for Secular Humanism, and Editor of its journal Free Inquiry magazine. He is also director of the Robert Green Ingersoll Birthplace Museum. "Much of his work addresses church-state issues, including the best-selling book The Trouble With Christmas, about which he has made hundreds of radio and TV appearances in his role as the curmudgeonly "anti-Claus." He is also the author of the critically acclaimed anti-religious black comedy science fiction novel, Galactic Rapture (2000) and its sequel, Nothing Sacred (2004). His latest work, The New Encyclopedia of Unbelief (2007), is a comprehensive reference work on the history, beliefs, and thinking of America's fastest growing minority: those who live without religion. He is currently writing a third science-fiction novel set in the Galactic Rapture universe." Tom is affectionately known as the Anti-Santa Claus and Scrooge. A happy curmudgeon, he will discuss his book The Trouble With Christmas. His book and research put into historical context the Western celebration of Christmas. He challenges his fellow atheists and freethinkers to leave this holiday alone and raise the consciences of everybody. We will discuss what many secular humanists celebrate - The Winter Solstice, HumanLight, or Festivus - and talk about those who just ignore the religiosity of the holiday and celebrate the togetherness of one another and humanity. Oh, yes, we will also cover the culture war of Christmas, Happy Holidays, and government's enchantment of supporting religious displays. So Happy Solstice, Merry Christmas, Happy Chanukah, Happy Eid, Happy Holidays, Happy Festivus, or Bah Humbug everybody!

"Fossils, Genes and Art," Atheists Talk Radio #95, Sunday Dec 5, 2010

radio@mnatheists.org (Minnesota Atheists) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 08:25:29 -0700

The religious despair for atheists that with nothing but science and rationality for inspiration, we can't appreciate the beauty of art, music, poetry, prose nor the weaving of a rainbow. By unweaving a rainbow, we are told that we miss out on the deepar beauty that underlies the "mystery of being." Don't try to tell that to my guests on this show. They will look at you, baffled, because they both draw inspiration for their art from the wonders of science. Lynn Fellman is a frequent guest on the show, interviewing scientists she has met through the course of her art career. She rarely gets the chance to talk about her own specialties in art and so I asked her to be an interviewee. I also asked one of my friends I haven't met, but only know through internet interactions, Glendon Mellow of Toronto, Canada. Glendon digs the artistic inspiration of fossils and trilobites. Both artists are highly inventive in the ways thet they draw science into their art and I will mostly be listening in to the conversation as Glendon and Lynn talk about atheism, science and art. Lynn Fellman is an artist bridging science and humanities through art. Working in multiple media to make complex concepts accessible, she I also speaks and writes about the intersection of art and science; most recently at the "Personal Genomes" meeting at Cold Spring Harbor Lab. See examples of her work at http://www.fellmanstudio.com/ Glendon Mellow is a freelance artist living and working in Toronto, Ontario. His work has been chosen for magazine covers and the book cover for The Open Laboratory 2008. Glendon's website: http://glendonmellow.com/ http://glendonmellow.blogspot.com/ http://flyingtrilobite.redbubble.com/

"World Population Balance." David Paxson on "Atheists Talk" #94, Sunday, November 28, 2010

radio@mnatheists.org (Minnesota Atheists) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 08:22:27 -0700

There are just too many people for the earth to support. One billion people are starving to death. We are using up the planet's resources to feed and keep ourselves warm, and doing so at an alarming rate. Our population has doubled over the last 40 years. We run into our annual overfeast on Thanksgiving with the realization that if we are not cognizant of the effects of humanity's continual growth, we will starve ourselves to death. Workd Population Balance is an organization promoting a plan to restore balance to the population so that we can sustain not only ourselves but the rest of the biosphere. David Paxson will be Scott Lohman's guest on Atheists Talk to explain constructive steps that can be taken to maintain a sensible population of people.

"Written in Stone" Brian Switek on Atheist Talk #93, Sunday, November 21, 2010

radio@mnatheists.org (Minnesota Atheists) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 08:09:46 -0700

Paleontology is a set of tools of discovery in science. Explorers look to the rocks, and the quarries and the fossils encased within to read the story of the evolution of life on Earth, from which single-celled beings radiated to what Darwin described as "Endless forms most beautiful." Brian Switek is a science writer and blogger whose new book explains the processes by which paleontologists from the 17th century forward analyzed the bones of past eras and eons to give us avian dinosaurs (we call them birds), whales, elephants and more. Despite creationist claims, there are transitional fossils. Brian's book is written clearly and with an entertaining voice and I have been thoroughly enjoying it.

"At the Dawn of Personal Genomics" Misha Angrist on Atheists Talk #92, Sunday, Nov 14, 2010

radio@mnatheists.org (Minnesota Atheists) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 08:08:04 -0700

Although its been ten years since publication of the first draft of the Human Genome, scientists still seek to understand and apply the data. As we enter 2011, genetics research is getting more audacious and a lot more personal. One ambitious plan, the "Personal Genome Project" (PGP), was started by Dr. George Church to discover the relationship between our genotype, phenotype and environment. Dr. Church invited Misha and eight other people for complete sequencing of their genomes and to make the information public. Misha will explain this fascinating leap into the future — the technology, the research personalities and how it impacts our privacy and well being. Misha Angrist, PhD, is an assistant professor at Duke University's Institute for Genome Sciences and Policy. He also holds an MS in genetic counseling, and an MFA from the Bennington Writing Seminars. In 2009, as participant number four in the PGP, he had his entire genome sequenced. "Here is a Human Being: At the Dawn of Personal Genomics", published by HarperCollins in 2010, is Misha's adventure of being an early adopter of the brave new world of personal genomics.

"Jesus Lied" CJ Werleman on Atheists Talk #91, Sunday, November 7, 2010

radio@mnatheists.org (Minnesota Atheists) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 08:06:05 -0700

"Lunatic, Liar or Lord?" is referred to as Lewis' Trilemma. C.S. Lewis in his book Mere Christianity looked at the life of Jesus to conclude that he couldn't have been either a lunatic or a liar so he must have been God. Not so fast, according to our guest. C. J.Werlemen checks out he story of Jesus as according to the gospels and the epistles and the Acts of the Apostles and based on the contradictory stories and versions of stories told in the New Testament Jesus was more likely a liar. If Jesus existed at all, CJ finds, there is no way we can say that he was Lord. I am going to talk to C.J. about his new book from Dangerous Little Books. Jesus Lied - He Was Only Human: Debunking the New Testament is one of the most entertaining examples I have ever read of good Christian Unapologetics. It also contains some swear words, so be forewarned if you are offended by such things. We won't allow C.J. to swear on the radio. Also of note, we will be calling to his home in Indonesia, which is the farthest-flung guest shot we have ever had on the show. C.J. is a native Australian. He's an atheist in a majority Muslim country and a funny writer who also penned God Hates You, Hate Him Back. If you are seeking a solid review of the full Bible, C J. goes after the Almighty with both guns ablaze.

"Tom Flynn on Robert Ingersoll" on Atheists Talk #90, Sunday, October 31, 2010

radio@mnatheists.org (Minnesota Atheists) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 07:59:42 -0700

Robert Green Ingersoll (1833 – 1899) The Great Agnostic On Halloweeen, nothing is as scary to a Christian as a discussion of Robert Ingersoll... MNA members Jim Barri and Steve Petersen will interview Tom Flynn, Executive Director of Center for Inquiry and Editor of Free Inquiry and Manager of the Ingersoll Birthplace Museum in Dresden, NY. We will discuss the life and legacy of Robert Green Ingersoll, The Great Agnostic. Ingersoll is one of America’s great freethinkers. He was born in Dresden, NY. He was the son of a minister, had a photographic memory and was college educated. He became a lawyer and served as Illinois first Attorney General and during the Civil War he was given the rank of Colonel and the command of the 11th Illinois Calvary. He was quoted as his role in the Civil War was to “break the chains from the bodies of men.” Later, he would redefine his role in society to free people from the “phantoms of the soul.” Ingersoll was a successful lawyer and the premier orator of his time and Eugene Debs gave him the title of the “Shakespeare of Oratory.” He traveled the country speaking to large gatherings and politicians requested his endorsement. Ingersoll challenged the religious orthodoxy; he was a contemporary of Elizabeth Cady Stanton, he endorsed women’s rights for the vote, equal pay and equal opportunity to employment, and the right for birth control. Margaret Sanger admired his progressive philosophy. His writings on religion, ethics and other related topics are American Classics and are relevant today. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_G._Ingersoll http://www.secularhumanism.org/index.php?section=ingersoll&page=museum http://www.secularhumanism.org/index.php?section=ingersoll&page=audio http://www.freethought-trail.org/ http://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Robert_G._Ingersoll http://www.infidels.org/library/historical/robert_ingersoll/ http://www.centerforinquiry.net/

"Science in the Public Forum" Ira Flatow on Atheists Talk #89, October 24, 2010

radio@mnatheists.org (Minnesota Atheists) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 06:37:56 -0700

Where is Science in the Public Forum Heading? It's time for a discussion! Most know Ira Flatow as a science journalist, producer, and as the host of "Science Friday," broadcast on National Public Radio (NPR) every Friday afternoon. But did you know about his Minnesota connection? He was the original host and writer for the Emmy award winning "Newton's Apple," which broadcast from the television studios at KTCA in St. Paul, Minnesota. Science communicators Greg Laden and Lynn Fellman will ask Ira about the major changes in delivering science news and the effectiveness of new media for science education. Science is changing our culture and Ira has insights on the value of communicating science through the humanities. Ira Flatow is a national science journalist working in multiple media: TV, web, blogger, national speaker and book author, and most widely known as the host of the very popular radio show "Science Friday" which is a major stopping point for science geeks on their weekly rounds. Greg Laden is a scientist, a science educator, author and Scienceblogs.com blogger focused on biological anthropology, the creation-evolution "debate" and human evolution. Lynn Fellman is a visual artist who also speaks and writes about the intersection of art and science; most recently at the "Personal Genomes" meeting at Cold Spring Harbor Lab.

"Morality With and Without God" August Berkshire on Atheists Talk #88, October 17, 2010

radio@mnatheists.org (Minnesota Atheists) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 06:35:33 -0700

My least favorite claim is that morality has an absolute source in religion, and that humanity would have no morals if we were non-theistic. August Berkshire, the president of the Minnesota Atheists has been studying the morality found within religion, and the depvelopment through non-religious sources of morality and ethics. Sociology, social psychology and other social sciences have examined evolutionary roots of morality as have philosophers. Now even evolutionary biology has made some interesting discoveries, suggesting that morality is not necessarily unique to humans. If non-human animals can be good without God, are humans weaker and need God?

"Darwin and the Holocaust:" Dr. Hector Avalos on Atheists Talk #87, Sunday, October 10, 2010

radio@mnatheists.org (Minnesota Atheists) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 06:34:30 -0700

"The Humanist Approach to Happiness." Jennifer Hancock on Atheist Talk #86, October 3, 2010

radio@mnatheists.org (Minnesota Atheists) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 06:33:26 -0700

"The Humanist approach to Happiness is a book that basically says – here are personal ethics, here is why they are important, and here is how you can apply them to your daily life and why doing so will help you live a happier more productive life. It isn’t a philosophy book so much as a book about the pragmatic reasons for being an ethical, compassionate and responsible person." Jennifer Hancock is the author of the book and Scott Lohman will be getting more details from Jennifer as to what you can expect to learn about happiness as a humanist from reading this book. Jens Blog - http://humanisthappiness.blogspot.com/

"The Bible: Folkore as Fact." Dr. Mark Welter on Atheists Talk #85, September 26, 2010

radio@mnatheists.org (Minnesota Atheists) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 06:30:44 -0700

There are almost 3000 years of high culture and folklore preceding the Book of Genesis. Many of the stories that we consider to be original to the Bible are in fact shared across many cultures in slightly variant forms. Fables of the Sumerians, the Persians and other cultures have found their way into what Christians and Jews claim to be factual, historical records of events. Even the story of Jesus has antecedents dating back to 1000 years BCE. Dr. Mark Welter of St. Cloud State university teaches World History and the perspective of World Religions and will be our guest today for a discussion on the unsure footing on the rock of Christianity.

"Eyes Wide Open" George Erickson on Atheists Talk #84, Sunday, September 19, 2010

radio@mnatheists.org (Minnesota Atheists) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 06:28:34 -0700

George Erickson is a former board member and president of the Humanists of Minnesota. He also served as a board member and vice-president of the American Humanist Association. George has written 4 books. His first "True North: Exploring the great wilderness by bush plane" was based on 38 summers flying into the north and his observations from those flights. His latest book is "Eyes Wide Open" is collection of essays, book reviews and observations from a Humanist point of view.

"Astrology and Evidence" Atheists Talk #83, Sunday September 12, 2010

radio@mnatheists.org (Minnesota Atheists) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 06:26:54 -0700

Who says online arguments are worthless? All right, so it probably depends on what you're arguing about and who you're arguing with, but even arguing with a bunch of astrologers over whether there's any proof for astrology can teach you something. If nothing else, it can teach you how not to construct a valid argument over scientific evidence. Join Jason Thibeault (http://www.lousycanuck.ca/) and Stephanie Zvan (http://almostdiamonds.blogspot.com/) as they discuss what evidence there is for and against astrology, what evidence would be required to prove astrology, and what might happen if astrology were proven true.

"Humanists of Minnesota at the State Fair" Atheists Talk #82, Sunday, September 5, 2010

radio@mnatheists.org (Minnesota Atheists) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 06:25:44 -0700

Who better to explain humanism than the board members of the Minnesota Humanism? I will be at the State Fair for a discussion on the definitions and implications of humanism with Scott Lohman, Nathan Curland and Dale Handeen. We will have an open microphone, too, for you to come up and ask questions of humanists. What do we believe? What don't we believe? Are all humanists also atheists? If secular humanism is classified as a religion by the Supreme Court, how are schools allowed to teach evolution? Do humanists get as dizzy as regular people on The Scrambler or are they protected by their rationality? We know the answers to some, but not all of these questions and we invite you to join us at the KTNF booth at the State Fair prior to your day of stuffing yourself and checking out lambs being born.

"Minnesota Atheists at the Minnesota State Fair" Atheists Talk #81, Sunday August 29, 2010

radio@mnatheists.org (Minnesota Atheists) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 06:19:18 -0700

Who better to explain atheism than the board members of the Minnesota Atheists? I will be at the State Fair for a discussion on the definitions and implications of atheism with George Kane, August Berkshire and Laura Hutt. We will have an open microphone, too, for you to come up and ask questions of atheists. What do we believe? What don't we believe? If there is no God, then who made everything? (Sorry, that's a trick question.) What is the best approach to discuss issues with believers? How many angels can dance on a stick at the State Fair. We know the answers to some, but not all of these questions and we invite you to join us at the KTNF booth at the State Fair prior to your day of stuffing yourself and checking out lambs being born. "Atheists Talk" is produced by The Minnesota Atheists. August Berkshire is the director and Mike Haubrich is the host for today's show.

"Skeptical Confessions of a Ghosthunter" Atheists Talk #80, Sunday August 22, 2010

radio@mnatheists.org (Minnesota Atheists) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 06:18:10 -0700

Is there a ghost in my house? Is there a ghost in any house? What are ghosts? On this show we have a ghosthunter turned skeptic as our very own Todd Torkelson explains the answers to these questions and more. Todd spent his teens and early twenties renting "haunted" hotel rooms, leading ghost tours and investigating the paranormal in his hometown of Albuquerqe, New Mexico. Somewhere, he took a left turn and turned skeptical of the paranormal. He became skeptical of many things and is now an active member fo the Minneapolis Skeptics, the Humanists of Minnesota and the Minnesota Atheists. Todd is a speaker on the subject of skepticism; he explains how it works and how to approach claims critically. We want to know whether or not atheists are all good skeptics and whether or not all skeptics are atheists. Please listen to learn what we say is the truth.

"Old Bones and Modern Genetics." Greg Laden, Lynn Fellman. Atheists Talk #79 August 15, 2010

radio@mnatheists.org (Minnesota Atheists) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 06:16:49 -0700

Lucy, Ardi, Frodo, and us: what old bones and new genetics are revealing today. Who are these people and can we call them family? Listen to Greg Laden and Lynn Fellman discuss how recent fossil and tool discoveries are changing the shape of our family tree. A report earlier this week showed evidence for stone tool use at 3.39 million years ago — much earlier than previously thought. In addition to ancient bones and tools, genetics is filling some of the pre-historic knowledge gaps. For instance, genetic material from 40,000 year old bones show that some of us are one to four percent Neanderthal. As a biological anthropologist, Greg Laden has insight into how the recent finds are challenging intrenched ideas. He'll talk about what new trends are changing our understanding of human evolution. Taking us through past and recent discoveries, Greg's engaging way of thinking critically about the mixing of bones and genes reveal a remarkable and controversial family story.

"Conversion, Deconversion and Religious Indoctrination" Atheists Talk #78, Sunday August 8, 2010

radio@mnatheists.org (Minnesota Atheists) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 06:15:34 -0700

Conversion is the process through which a person's orientation on religion changes. How do people turn from and to new religious groups, ways of life, systems of belief and modes of relating to a deity or a the nature of reality. Dr. Grant Steves will be with me in the studio to discuss faith, conversion and deconversion with a dollop of religious indoctrination. Dr. Grant Steves is a member of the Minnesota Atheists. He has a doctorate in Theology, and is an atheist. Mike Haubrich is a director on the board of the Minnesota Atheists, a former Catholic and deconverted evangelical Christian. For more information on deconversion: http://deconversion.org/

"The Case Against the Case for Christ" Atheists Talk #77, Sunday August 1,2010

radio@mnatheists.org (Minnesota Atheists) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 06:11:26 -0700

Lee Strobel wrote his book The Case for Christ, masquerading as a skeptic, back in 1998, Strobel talked to theologians and biblical scholars to come to the conclusion there is sufficent extra-biblical support for the existence of Jesus Christ Robert M. Price read the book and found the evidence to be shy of convincing. He found the reasoning weak, the facts sketchy and a great deal to counter Rev. Strobel's conclusions. Price wrote a chapter by chapter refutation, The Case Against the Case for Christ, and is going to discuss the book. Scott Lohman, President of the Humanists of Minnesota, will interview price on our show.

Stephanie Zvan Interviews Dr. William Beeman - April 25, 2010

radio@mnatheists.org (Minnesota Atheists) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 06:09:48 -0700

Iran is never far from U.S. news headlines. Nuclear threats, unfair elections, captive reporters, a lack of religious freedom, all seem to demand that we do something. But what is to be done? What are the actual conditions in Iran, and what kind of leverage do we in the Western world, and particularly in the U.S. have to effect change? Last summer, Stephanie Zvan was privileged to chat with Dr. William Beeman, professor of anthropology at the University of Minnesota and a leading Western scholar of Iran. They discussed the intersection of religion and politics in Iran, U.S.-Iranian relations, and the culture of Iran, including conditions for women. Some of what she learned surprised her. It may surprise you too.

Brother Sam Singleton Atheist Evangelist: July 5, 2009

radio@mnatheists.org (Minnesota Atheists) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 05:57:19 -0700

What happens when a mean spirited snake handling evangelical becomes an atheist? Humorist Roger Scott Jackson dares to explore the possible outcome. Roger, as well as his alter ego Brother Sam Singleton Atheist Evangelist, joins Crystal Dervetski for an insightful and fun conversation about taking an atheist themed show on the road. Brother Sam will be in Saint Paul on July 11th presenting his newest play "Patriarchs and Penises" at Sweeney's Saloon starting at 8pm. After the show, feel free to stay and have a brew with Brother Sam.

Greg Laden: "Missionaries in Africa" on Atheists Talk #76, Sunday, June 28, 2009

radio@mnatheists.org (Minnesota Atheists) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 05:37:53 -0700

Missionaries tell us that they are saving the world, traveling to foreign lands to help the natives. Of course, "saving the world" means something a little different to those of us who don't believe there's a Satan who needs to be battled at every turn. We usually mean saving lives and bettering standards of living, actions that have meaning in the here and now. How do missionaries do in that regard? Biological anthropologist Greg Laden joins Stephanie Zvan to talk about his experiences with missionaries in the remotest parts of Africa and answer questions about what missions really offer the indigenous populations. He'll tell us about the good and the bad and let us know where we need to step up to provide secular help uncomplicated by the religion of the missionaries. This will be the final live Atheists Talk on the radio and the last podcast for a while, until we get the details of the ongoing podcast worked out. If you're not attending the Pride Parade with the Minnesota Atheists delegation, please consider joining us at Q.Cumbers after the show to celebrate our long and successful radio run.

"Towing Jehovah:" James Morrow on Atheists Talk #75, Sunday June 21, 2009

radio@mnatheists.org (Minnesota Atheists) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 05:36:06 -0700

First, let's suppose that Jehovah God is real. Good News for the religious, right? Then, let's twist it a bit and see what happens should Jehovah die. This would cause a major problem for at least the Abrahamic religions. After all, how could we hope for eternal life if the Provider Himself is subject to mortality? The guarantee of eternal life in His Presence would at that time become null and void. Steps must be taken and a cover up must be carried out. Hiding bodies is difficult enough, but when the body of Jehovah falls from Heaven and turns out to be two miles long, complications multiply. The beauty of novels is that they allow absurdities to shed light on reality, and James Morrow uses the device of the dead god to illuminate our notions on religion and philosophy. Scott Lohman, President of the Humanists of Minnesota, will interview Morrow on our show.

Massimo Pigliucci: "Politics, Philosophy and Atheism." Atheists Talk #0074, Sunday June 14, 2009

radio@mnatheists.org (Minnesota Atheists) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 05:31:24 -0700

Is there a direct correlation between atheism and liberalism? Why do so many atheists lean towards the left of the political spectrum? Many of our past shows have focused on the Conservative Christian influence over American politics, but does that necessarily mean that one needs to oppose their views in all areas? Politics, philosophy and atheism are the topic for today's show. Our guest is Massimo Pigliucci, who contacted us following our interview with Sunsara Taylor, because he wanted to address a few of the points she had made in regards to socialism and atheism. As a philosopher and an evolutionary biologist, Massimo regularly addresses the intersections of politics and religion. George Kane will lead the discussion.

Carrie Iwan: Skepchickcon/Convergence, Skeptics Track 2009 Atheists Talk #73 Sunday June 7, 2009

radio@mnatheists.org (Minnesota Atheists) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 05:29:18 -0700

Skepchick is a group of female (and one "deserving" male) bloggers dedicated to the idea that skepticism and fun can and should coexist. They turn sharp wit and sharper intellect on subjects such as religion, UFOs, medical quackery, and credulous and sensational reporting. At the same time, they dismantle the idea of skepticism as a dry, intellectual exercise at their many events and meetups, such as their Drinking Skeptically and Skeptics in the Pub events. This July, they're combining both strengths by hosting a series of panels and other events at Convergence, the Twin Cities largest current science fiction and fantasy convention. Many of the Skepchicks will attend, and special guests include astronomer Pamela Gay and MN Atheists own PZ Myers. In the studio, Stephanie Zvan will interview Skepchick Carrie Iwan about the Skepchick organization, Convergence and other ways to have fun while thinking skeptically.

Bart Ehrman: God's Problem. Athests Talk #72, Sunday May 31, 2009

radio@mnatheists.org (Minnesota Atheists) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 05:26:48 -0700

Bart Ehrman is a scholar of The Bible and has published popular works at a rapid clip on the subjects of theodicy and the literary history of the books some refer to as "Scripture." He was an evangelical who believed that The Episcopalian Church in which he was raised was too tame on the teachings of Jesus' Word of Salvation. Dedicating himself to the study of the original Greek versions of the Gospels and New Testaments in order to better understand the word of God, he made the discovery that (Whoops!) the Bible couldn't be an inerrant instruction manual. There were too many inconsistencies, too many obvious copying errors in the translations and too many differences in the theologies contained within the books we call the New Testament for it to be a coherent work of God. He has since become agnostic, strongly convinced that even if there be a Creator it is certainly not the one painted by our Christian religions. Scott Lohman and Grant Steves bring their intellectual prowess to bear in discussing the books of Bart Ehrman for this program. Grant and Scott are both impressed by Ehrman's writing, and they are entertaining thinkers and speakers on the subjects of literature and theology. This is sure to be a fun show as they discuss Ehrman's books.

John W Loftus: Why I am an Atheist. Atheists Talk #71. Sunday, May 24, 2009

radio@mnatheists.org (Minnesota Atheists) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 05:24:52 -0700

Secular Bible Study and CASH. Atheists Talk #70, Sunday May17th 2009

radio@mnatheists.org (Minnesota Atheists) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 05:23:56 -0700

Minnesota Atheists and Trinity United Methodist Church jointly participate in The Secular Bible Study. Grant Steves and Chester O'Gorman co-host this venture and today will be on the radio to explain the point and purpose of theists and atheists looking at the bible together. No blood is reported to have yet been spilt at these meetings. Listen in for more details on this meetup group. Mike Haubrich will have Hannah Heidt of the Campus Atheists, Skeptics and Humanists. Hannah is on the board of directors and will talk about why such groups exist and what it is they do. Our local CASH is at the University of Minnesota, and there is also one at the University of Minnesota at Morris.

Debunking Jesus, and Camp Quest on Atheists Talk #69, Sunday May 10th 2009

radio@mnatheists.org (Minnesota Atheists) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 04:42:02 -0700

Chris Hallquist's book UFO's, Ghosts and A Rising God is a tour through skepticism and applied to Christian apologetics. Chris is just finishing his undergrad degree in philosophy at the University of Wisconsin in Madison, and is all set to take on the world of grad school philosophy. He has written published articles on the philosophical approach to examining claims of Christianity and found such apologetics wanting. Stephanie Zvan will interview Chris in the first segment. Rick Rohrer, Jamie Sabel and Collin Bonde all volunteer for Minnesota Camp Quest. Camp Quest is a week long fun way for atheist and agnostic kids to learn about skepticism and to have fun doing so. Bing Haubrich will also be in the studio with us for the second segment of the show, as the Camp Quest crew talk about how much fun it is, what they learn when they do some weird science.

NCSE: Genie Scott and Greg Laden on Atheists Talk #68, Sunday May 3, 2009

radio@mnatheists.org (Minnesota Atheists) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 04:32:06 -0700

Lynn Fellman will be quizzing anthropologists Genie Scott of the National Center for Science Education and Greg Laden of the University of Minnesota on the subject of creationist attempts to weaken science education in K-12 education. Dr. Scott testified before the Texas State Board of Education as the board was considering how to rewrite the science standards. Texas is critical because of the number of pupils. Textbook publishers write their books to fit with the Texas standards, and if evolution is weakened at the whim of Texas creationists, it affects education in the rest of the states. Dr. Laden has been watching development of the Math and Science Standards for Minnesota and will provide some updates. Greg and Genie will also be discussing the various approaches to religion in promoting and protecting science education. The NCSE is careful to assure religious leaders that science, properly done, is not necessarily dangerous to their faith (unless strict creationism is a cornerstone of their faith.) Many atheist scientists think that this is a dangerous approach because it dilutes science's naturalistic methodology. They will discuss what the best approach may be, whether it is "New Atheism" or "Friendly Atheism."

Away With All Gods: Sunsara Taylor on Atheists Talk Radio #67, April 26, 2009

radio@mnatheists.org (Minnesota Atheists) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 04:31:06 -0700

Sunsara Taylor's approach to freedom and liberty of thought includes a logical progression moving humanity from theocratic oppression to a socialist atheism. She has been touring campuses in support of Revolutionary Communist Party USA chair Bob Avakian's book Away With All Gods! Unchaining the Mind and Radically Changing the World. Minnesota Atheists secretary George Kane will be talking to Sunsara Taylor on Atheists Talk this Sunday, April 26th for what certainly should be a controversial show. We invite callers and e-mailers, as Sunsara has proven that she is not afraid to discuss her positions frankly and honestly with those who disagree with her. Exercise your freedom of speech. Question everything. It's the atheist way!

AHA Annual Convention: Roy Speckhardt on Atheists Talk #66, April 19th 2009

radio@mnatheists.org (Minnesota Atheists) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 04:29:57 -0700

Scott Lohman, the President of the Humanists of Minnesota will be talking to American Humanists Association Executive Director Roy Speckardt. The AHA's 68th annual conference will be in Phoenix from June 5th to June 7th. A member of the Minnesota Atheists will be presented with a special honor at this conference, but we don't want to spoil the surprise. You will need to listen to find out! The AHA and the HOM are sponsors of Atheists Talk, and we thank them for their support. The mission of the American Humanists Association is to make our society more open and accepting of humanists. Roy is on the board of The Humanist Institute, an advisory member of both the Secular Student Alliance and the Women's Law and Public Policy Fellowship.

"Atheism Advanced: David Eller on Atheists Talk #0065, Sunday April 12th, 2009

radio@mnatheists.org (Minnesota Atheists) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 04:28:51 -0700

Dr.David Eller, anthropologist, is an atheist. He has written text books on violence and culture, religion and culture and culture and culture, He has also written very well received pop press books on atheism. He will be our guest on Sunday to talk to Dr. Grant Steves about his studies in cultural anthropology and his new book Atheism Advanced: Further Thoughts of A Freethinker. "Atheism Advanced answers many questions, including: Why must Atheists stop 'speaking Christian?' -- not only to prevent religionists from setting the terms of debate but also to prevent them from determining the very thoughts we think? Are there any religions without gods? How are gods created, and are they being manufactured today? Why is science necessarily atheistic? Why must Atheists advance from being simply 'without gods' to being 'Discredists,' thinkers who reject belief-based reasoning altogether? Includes an anthropology of comparative religion. " From the back cover.

"Final Exit Network:" Jerry Dincin on Atheists Talk #064 April 5, 2009

radio@mnatheists.org (Minnesota Atheists) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 04:26:31 -0700

The mission of the Final Exit Network is to servepeople who are suffering intolerably from irreversible conditions whichhave become more than they can bear. The Network was recently raidedand their funds confiscated by the State of Georgia under the falseaccusation that they have been assisting suicide, and this is somethingthey most emphatically do not do. Jerry Dincin is the president of theFinal Exit Network and is the Minnesota Atheists' scheduled speaker forour April 19th Monthly Member's' Meeting. Jerry will explain the purpose of this educationalorganization, their goals and the circumstances leading to this falselegal accusation. George Kane, the Secretary of the Minnesota Atheistswill ask Jerry for keen insights into the ethics of exit education, theinterference into the right-to-die by the religious "moral"organizations and about plans to fight this legal persecution.

"Remarkable Creatures." Sean B. Carroll on Atheists Talk # 063 March 29, 2009

radio@mnatheists.org (Minnesota Atheists) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 04:25:46 -0700

Have you heard of the new science of Evo Devo? If so, then you've probably read Endless Forms Most Beautiful by Dr. Sean B. Carroll. It is a captivating book describing the genetic tool kit that humans and animals share. His engaging narrative style and clear explanation for how developmental biology works is not only smart it is fun to read. His new book, Remarkable Creatures: Epic Adventures in the Search for the Origins of Species, shows what a gifted story teller he really is. It will also convince anyone (get this book, kids!) just how exciting, Indiana-Jones-style, adventuresome science can be. Epic adventures are just what Von Humboldt, Darwin, Wallace, Bates and other naturalist explorers experienced. Carroll selected the stories of 13 explorers for their courage, their tenacity and their respective abilities upon return to civilization to share their remarkable insights into how our world works. Just as enthralling as the stories of 19th century explorers are the tales of current adventurers like Neil Shubin and Svante Paabo. Dr. Carroll's admiration for his colleagues is very much in the 19th century spirit of acknowledging contributions from contemporaries. His explanation of how current research in molecular biology connects with how scientists historically used morphology, shows there are vistas in science yet to be explored. We catch the excitement of watching it unfold from this master storyteller as the age of discovery continues.

"Denialism and the Whitecoat Underground" Atheists Talk #062 March 22, 2009

radio@mnatheists.org (Minnesota Atheists) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 04:24:52 -0700

Skepticism is generally a healthy thing. Requiring evidence and questioning other people's claims can help us avoid falling prey to quacks and con artists of all stripes. It can keep us from throwing our time, money and hope into a pit from which we can never get it back. However, the tools of skepticism, like any other tools, can be misused. They can be selectively and inappropriately applied to create doubt even where almost no doubt remains. This tactic is referred to as bogus skepticism, or denialism. It's used frequently in discussion of politically charged topics, such as man-made global warming and the very existence of the Holocaust. PalMD is an internist (a doctor of internal medicine) who has blogged extensively about medical denialism at White Coat Underground, Science-Based Medicine and previously at denialism blog. He also hosts a podcast (or PalCast) in which he talks about many of the same issues. The contentious topics he's covered include the dangers of secondhand smoke, claims of a vaccine-autism link, "alternative" medicine and diagnoses of diseases without any physiological basis. He'll talk with us about the difference between skepticism and denialism and how to spot a denialist.

"America Losing Religion - And Morality?" - Atheists Talk #061 - March 15, 2009

radio@mnatheists.org (Minnesota Atheists) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 04:23:21 -0700

On this week’s show we’re going to try something different. We’ll have a discussion between an atheist and a Christian about the current state of morality in this country. Is the decline of religion really leading to a loss of moral values, as the Religious Right claims? Is America going to hell in a handbasket? Join us for what promises to be a lively debate between August Berkshire, past president of Minnesota Atheists, and Robert Dull of The Pearlygate Network.

The Humanism of Star Trek, Atheists Talk #0060, Sunday March 8, 2009

radio@mnatheists.org (Minnesota Atheists) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 04:22:07 -0700

Gene Roddenberry convinced the executives at Desilu Studios that a show about exploring space would appeal to a mass audience. They funded a weekly series for three beautiful years, and it turns out he was partially right. The show was not a ratings giant until it went into syndication and cartoons some five years after it had been canceled. From there it fostered a “Big Bang” of cultural infusion. Movies, fan fiction, spinoff series and “cons” exploded the concepts of Star Trek into our society. Is it the underlying humanist message which infuses the Star Trek Universe that has led to its huge popularity as a cultural phenomenon? Robert Price and Scott Lohman will spend some time on our airwaves examining the issues of humanism in the Start Trek Universe, and science fiction's role in teaching us about ourselves.

The Difference Between Science And Bunk: Massimo Pigliucci on Atheists Talk #059, March 1, 2009

radio@mnatheists.org (Minnesota Atheists) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 04:19:19 -0700

Prof. Massimo Pigliucci, of the Stonybrook Institute in New York,is a biologist and a philosopher who has published about a hundred technical papers and several books on evolutionary biology. He is a fellow of the American Associationfor the Advancement of Science, selected “for fundamental studies of genotype by environmental interactions and for public defense of evolutionary biology from pseudoscientific attack. ”Massimo is also an atheist, and has published articles in Skeptical Enquirer, Philosophy Now, The Philosopher's Magazine and American Atheist Magazine. Greg Laden, who has been a frequent and popular guest on “Atheists Talk,” is an evolutionary anthropologist and professor at the University of Minnesota. On Sunday Greg turns the tables and does the interviewing, talking to Massimo about Ken Miller and the role of God in tweaking the genome at strategic moments; whether or not man is some sort of elevated creature as according to biologists who should know better and the role of pseudoscience in weakening the public understanding of evolution.

The Atheist's Way: Eric Maisel on Atheists Talk Radio, #058, February 22, 2009

radio@mnatheists.org (Minnesota Atheists) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 04:17:50 -0700

Atheists who grew up without religion understand how to lead rich, ethical and fulfilling lives without appealing to gods or religious autority. Many atheists who have discarded religion are often left with an empty feeling and wonder “Okay, what now?” Eric Maisel, a noted author of 30 books on life coaching and guidance, offers a grounding in leading life in “The Atheist's Way.” No “masters of thought” are able to do for you what you can do for yourself.

The Changing of the Guard. Atheists Talk Radio #057 February 15, 2009

radio@mnatheists.org (Minnesota Atheists) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 04:16:10 -0700

Minnesota Atheists has reached an important milestone. The new elections today will mark the changeover from the founding members who will be leaving the board but remaining active, and turning over in democratic fashion the leadership to new and enthusiastic talent. Minnesota Atheists' goal was to create an organization that fosters and encourages growth and new ideas, and it shows in our achievements. August Berkshire and Steve Petersen will talk about the organization and how it has grown from the vision of the early years. Jeannette Watland and Crystal Dervetski will come in for the second half of the show to share their ideas for growth in the coming year. It's a changing of the guard.

"Celebrating Darwin and Evolution at the Bell Museum" Atheists Talk #056 February 8, 2008

radio@mnatheists.org (Minnesota Atheists) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 04:13:48 -0700

2009 is the 200th anniversary of Darwin's birth and 150th year of this book "On the Origin of Species". We're celebrating by talking with Dr. Greg Laden, biological anthropologist, U of M. If you haven't met Dr. Laden, you can get to know him through his nationally known blog. There you'll find "Congo Memoirs", his hilarious, hair raising, in-the-wild adventures while doing REAL science. Similar to 19th century explorers Darwin and Wallace, Dr. Laden writes about tangling with the wild beasts (pythons), disease (malaria), pirates (real pirates) while deciphering how the world works — we know it as Evolution. One hundred fifty years later some of the issues are the same. Our 21st century scientist, Dr. Laden, will give us new insights into how radical the theory was, what's new in our understanding of it and what to watch for in the future. Also, on the first segment of the show is Don Luce, curator of exhibits at the Bell Museum of Natural History. Don will talk about the Darwin Day party on Feb. 12th at the Museum, the multimedia presentations by U of M scientists and the exhibit of Frans Lanting's photography.

"Science Online 2009 with Bora Zivkovic" Atheists Talk #055, February 1, 2009

radio@mnatheists.org (Minnesota Atheists) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 04:11:11 -0700

Science is moving onto the internet. Collection of data, collaboration between researchers, communication and critique of results, teaching and learning--all are increasingly being done online. ScienceOnline, held January 16 - 18 in 2009, is a conference dedicated to discussing the intersection of science and online technologies. Bora Zivkovic, one of the founders and organizers of ScienceOnline will join Atheists Talk Sunday, February 1, to talk about the purpose of the conference, the results of this year's sessions, and why it's important to meet your online colleagues in person. We will also talk about why this is important for all of us.

"Dialogue With A Christian Sympathizer" Atheists Talk #054, January 25, 2009

radio@mnatheists.org (Minnesota Atheists) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 04:09:35 -0700

What if the Christian god really existed? That's the premise that author Todd Allen Gates takes in his book "Dialogue with a Christian Proselytizer." What conclusions can we reach about this Christian god? One of the book's main themes is: "If you understand why you reject all the other religions, you'll understand why I reject yours." Programming Note: Todd was our guest in November (Show #045) and we have invited him back.

Dan Barker: "Godless" - Atheists Talk #053 - Jan. 18, 2009

radio@mnatheists.org (Minnesota Atheists) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 04:08:04 -0700

Dan Barker is the co-president of the Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF), based in Madison, Wisconsin. (FFRF has 14,000 members.) He recently authored "Godless: How an Evangelical Preacher Became One of America's Leading Atheists." It is an update of his previous work "Losing Faith in Faith: From Preacher to Atheist." Dan has participated in more than 50 atheist-theist debates and is known for his "Friendly Neighborhood Atheism."

Michael Newdow & Inauguration Lawsuit - Atheists Talk #052 - Jan. 4, 2009

radio@mnatheists.org (Minnesota Atheists) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 04:07:14 -0700

On Dec. 30, 2008, Michael Newdow filed suit in U.S. District Court to stop prayers and religious invocations at Barack Obama's Jan. 20, 2009 presidential inauguration. The U.S. Constitution itself establishes the oath of office for the president (Article II, Section 1) and it properly contains no religious references. Newdow's lawsuit, titled "Newdow v. Roberts," included group plaintiffs such as the American Humanist Association, the Freedom From Religion Foundation, Atheist Alliance International, and Minnesota Atheists. The lawsuit also featured individual plaintiffs, such as Michael Newdow, Dan Barker, Annie Laurie Gaylor, and Minnesota Atheists president August Berkshire. Michael Newdow will be our guest for the entire hour to discuss his latest attempt to uphold the wall of separation between state and church.

Secular Coalition for America: 2008 & 2009 - Atheists Talk #050 - Dec. 21, 2008

radio@mnatheists.org (Minnesota Atheists) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 03:34:57 -0700

With Democrats soon to be in control of both the U.S. Congress and the Presidency, can we afford to relax our vigilance regarding Separation of State and Church? Hardly. The presidential candidates fell all over themselves trying to out-Christian each other. President-elect Obama has promised to expand government-funded faith-based charities. And, he just chose conservative pastor Rick Warren to give the invocation at the presidential inauguration. Secular Coalition for America's executive director Lori Lipman Brown joins us to discuss their activities this past year lobbying for Separation of State and Church and what we can expect in the coming year.

AHA: Winter Solstice, Bus Advertising, $1 Million Match Grant - Atheists Talk #049 - Dec. 14, 2008

radio@mnatheists.org (Minnesota Atheists) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 03:33:39 -0700

Maggie Ardiente of the American Humanist Association (AHA) joins us to discuss the Winter Solstice, AHA's “Just be good for goodness sake” advertising campaign on buses in Washington D.C., and the $1,000,000 Louis Appignani matching grant.

Austin Dacey: "The Islamic Threat to Secular Government" - Atheists Talk #048 - Dec. 7, 2008

radio@mnatheists.org (Minnesota Atheists) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 03:32:04 -0700

The two fastest growing groups of people in the world are atheists and Muslims. Most atheists support religious freedom and separation of state and church. Do most Muslims support Islamic theocracy? Our guest, Austin Dacey, will discuss "The Islamic Threat to Secular Government." Dacey is a representative to the United Nations for the Center for Inquiry in New York City, where he works on issues of science and secular values as Executive Director.

Robert M. Price: "Inerrant the Wind" - Atheists Talk #047 - Nov. 30, 2008

radio@mnatheists.org (Minnesota Atheists) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 03:30:26 -0700

What has been the modern history of viewing the Bible as "inerrant" - that is, literally true in all its details? Prolific author Robert M. Price joins us to discuss his new book "Inerrant the Wind: The Evangelical Crisis in Biblical Authority."

"Finding Your Family" - Atheists Talk #046 - Nov. 23, 2008

radio@mnatheists.org (Minnesota Atheists) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 03:29:37 -0700

Do you have questions about your ancestry before written time? When you've sent your DNA to a lab to find out about your ancient ancestors, are you curious about how they get the data? National Geographic was one of the first organizations to answer these questions. The result is the story of our deep ancestry – the true human lineage traced to 60,000 years ago. To get the story, the world famous Genographic Project tested DNA from over 260,000 people. The results tell the amazing story of how our species migrated from eastern Africa to all parts of the world. In conjunction with Thanksgiving, we discuss "Finding Your Family" with Dr. Matt Kaplan, head of the lab at the University of Arizona.

"Dialogue with a Christian Proselytizer" and "Fundamentalisms" - Atheists Talk #045 - Nov. 16, 2008

radio@mnatheists.org (Minnesota Atheists) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 03:28:08 -0700

What if the Christian god really existed? That's the premise that author Todd Allen Gates takes in his book "Dialogue with a Christian Proselytizer." What conclusions can we reach about this Christian god? One of the book's main themes is: "If you understand why you reject all the other religions, you'll understand why I reject yours." Then Grant Steves discusses "Fundamentalisms." What do religious, political, and other fundamentalisms have in common? Is there such a thing as atheist fundamentalism?

"Atheists in the Military" - Atheists Talk #044 - Nov. 9, 2008

radio@mnatheists.org (Minnesota Atheists) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 03:26:55 -0700

This week we have a Veteran's Day Special. Yes, there are atheists in foxholes, who serve bravely and honorably along side their religious colleagues. ("God and Country" is a false union.) What is it like to be an atheist in the military? There have been reports of persecution by evangelical Christians against atheists, Jews, Muslims, Catholics, and anyone else who does not have the "proper beliefs." What is being done about this? Kathleen Johnson will give us a report from the front lines.

"The State of Science Education in Minnesota" - Atheists Talk #043 - Nov. 2, 2008

radio@mnatheists.org (Minnesota Atheists) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 03:25:46 -0700

The Science Standards for the state of Minnesota for grades K-12 are coming up for review by the Minnesota State Legislature. The current Science Standards support evolution and exclude creationism, and we want to keep it that way. (Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty has expressed support for "intelligent design.") Lynn Fellman talks with science educators Scott Lanyon, Randy Moore, and Sehoya Cotner about effective public outreach, innovative ways to engage students in science, and new research on the impact of including creationism in high school biology classes.

"Ghosts of Minnesota" and "American Atheists" - Atheists Talk #042 - Oct. 26, 2008

radio@mnatheists.org (Minnesota Atheists) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 03:24:45 -0700

Just in time for Halloween, we interview John Funk about his website "Ghosts of Minnesota." John says, "I'm fascinated with stories of ghosts and hauntings despite my skepticism, both as cultural phenomena and as compelling works of living fiction superimposed onto real geographic locations." Then we interview Ed Buckner, the newly hired president of American Atheists. What are American Atheists' plans for the future? Ed has a distinguished career in the atheist/humanist movement, having previously worked for the Council for Secular Humanism and the Atlanta Freethought Society.

"Cosmology & The Origins Initiative" with Lawrence M. Krauss - Atheists Talk #041 - Oct. 19, 2008

radio@mnatheists.org (Minnesota Atheists) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 03:23:04 -0700

"Cosmology & The Origins Initiative" with Lawrence M. Krauss, interviewed by Lynn Fellman. World-renowned astrophysicist Lawrence M. Krauss joins us for the entire hour to discuss cosmology and the new Origins Initiative that he is heading at Arizona State University. Also a discussion about the upcoming Science and Technology Conference at the University of Minnesota and the Origins Symposium at Arizona State University.

"How to Fight I.D. and Win" & "Humanists of Minnesota" - Atheists Talk #040 - Oct. 12, 2008

radio@mnatheists.org (Minnesota Atheists) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 03:21:54 -0700

"How to Fight Intelligent Design and Win" with Hector Avalos, interviewed by Cynthia Egli. Scott Lohman, president of the Humanists of Minnesota, interviewed by Steve Petersen.

"Theistic Evolution" & "Islamic Threat to Secular Government" - Atheists Talk #039 - Oct. 5, 2008

radio@mnatheists.org (Minnesota Atheists) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 03:18:32 -0700

This week we have Stephen Matheson on "Defending Theistic Evolution," interviewed by Mike Haubrich and Fred Whitehead on "The Islamic Threat to Secular Government," interviewed by George Kane.

Physics on the Air - Atheists Talk #038 - Sept 28, 2008

radio@mnatheists.org (Minnesota Atheists) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 03:17:16 -0700

Dr. Keith Olive is a distinguished McKnight University Professor at the University of Minnesota. His research areas are high energy physics and properties of matter. Joining us from Princeton University is Professor James Peebles, theoretical cosmologist. Professor Peebles has made many important contributions to the big bang model. With Robert Dicke he predicted the cosmic microwave background radiation. Dr. Peebles lectured at the University this week at the Fine Theoretical Physics Institute. We'll be discussing the evolution of the universe, current theories about dark matter, and Keith's specialty — supersymmetry. Will the Large Hadron Collider really find the Higgs Boson — and why do we care? And closer to home — the MINOS neutrino experiment in northern Minnesota — what's that about. All this and more and just in one hour.

Secular Weddings and Atheism & Humanism - Atheists Talk #037 - Sept. 21, 2008

radio@mnatheists.org (Minnesota Atheists) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 03:15:33 -0700

"Secular Weddings" with recently married atheist couple Bjorn and Jeannette Watland. "What's the Difference Between Atheism and Humanism?" with Scott Lohman, president of the Humanists of Minnesota, and August Berkshire, president of Minnesota Atheists.

Freedom From Religion Foundation Convention 2008 - Atheists Talk #036 - Sept 14, 2008

radio@mnatheists.org (Minnesota Atheists) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 03:11:43 -0700

Annie Laurie Gaylor, co-president of Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF), discusses FFRF’s upcoming national convention in Chicago, Oct. 10-12, 2008, at the Hyatt Regency in downtown Chicago. Produced by Minnesota Atheists. Directed by August Berkshire. Hosted by Mike Haubrich.

PZ Myers Goes to the Galapagos - Atheists Talk #035 - Sept 7, 2008

radio@mnatheists.org (Minnesota Atheists) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 03:10:29 -0700

PZ Myers visited the famed islands visited by Charles Darwin which inspired "On the Origin of Species." Rather than fuming with jealously, let us try to learn a bit about the unique environment and interesting biology which can be found on the Galápagos Islands.

All About Humanism - Atheists Talk #034 Aug 31, 2008

radio@mnatheists.org (Minnesota Atheists) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 03:08:11 -0700

Humanism is something many atheists are familiar with, but may not know enough about. This week at the Minnesota State Fair, we ask the Humanists of Minnesota to answer the touch questions about humanism from fairgoers.

All About Atheism - Atheists Talk #033 Aug 24, 2008

radio@mnatheists.org (Minnesota Atheists) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 03:06:08 -0700

Since you're listening to a show called Atheists Talk, you probably have an idea what atheism is. In case you don't, or you have no idea what the difference is between strong and weak atheism is, it's time to go to school with August Berkshire, Cynthia Egli, and George Kane as Mike Haubrich sit down at the Great Minnesota Get Together as we bring you an interactive show from the State Fair.

Greg Laden on Food and Evolution and John Coy on Box Out - Atheists Talk #032 Aug 17, 2008

radio@mnatheists.org (Minnesota Atheists) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 03:02:26 -0700

Few things connect atheists better then reading and food. This week, Lynn Fellman interviews anthropologist blogger Greg Laden who talks to us about how human food has impacted human evolution. Later, Grant Steves speaks with John Coy on "Box Out." Coy has written a novel targets to adolescent boys, an audience which has been a long ignored group. It focuses on how schools and sports can marginalize teens who may not fit a stereotype or expectation.

Lori Lipman Brown and Louis Appignani - Atheists Talk #031 Aug 10, 2008

radio@mnatheists.org (Minnesota Atheists) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 03:00:12 -0700

Lori Lipman Brown, Director, Secular Coalition for America, discusses the past legislative session.

Christian/Atheist Dialog With August Berkshire and Jeff and Lee - Atheists Talk #030 Aug 3, 2008

radio@mnatheists.org (Minnesota Atheists) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 02:58:38 -0700

Jeff Shell and Lee Michaels step into our studio this week for a conversation with President of Minnesota Atheists, August Berkshire. Why Jeff and Lee? They host a Christian talk radio show, "KKMS Live with Jeff and Lee," and have featured August as a guest on their show. As a show of "good faith," pardon the pun, they have agreed to visit Atheists Talk.

PZ Myers On Bat Wings and C.L. Hanson from Ex Mormon - Atheists Talk #029 Jul 27, 2008

radio@mnatheists.org (Minnesota Atheists) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 02:57:05 -0700

This week, Lynn Fellman sits down with Professor PZ Myers to discuss evolutionary science, including what a bat wing and a mouse paw have in common. C.L. Hanson is stateside to talk about her blog, Letters from a Broad and her novel, Exmormon.

Erin Davies on Fagbug and Hector Avalos on Biblical Studies - Atheists Talk #028 Jul 20, 2008

radio@mnatheists.org (Minnesota Atheists) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 02:52:09 -0700

You have a rainbow sticker on your car. Someone spray paints, "fAg" and "u r gay" onto your car. What do you do? If you're Erin Davies you leave the grafitti on your car and use it to promote tolerence and understanding for homosexuals and as an outlet for homosexuals to feel free from shame and guilt when similar things happen to them. Hector Avalos joins Grant Steves to talk about "The End of Biblical Studies" which profiles how terrible weak the evidence is for Biblical events in history are and how the field of Biblical Archeology is responding.

Robert M. Price on "Top Secret" - Atheists Talk #027 Jul 13, 2008

radio@mnatheists.org (Minnesota Atheists) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 02:50:42 -0700

Minnesota Atheist board member Grant Steves has invited Dr. Robert M. Price, author of "Top Secret: The Truth Behind Today's Pop Mysticisms," among many other works into the studio to talk about pop mysticisms, such as The Secret.

Eddie Tabash from Americans United - Atheists Talk #026 Jul 06, 2008

radio@mnatheists.org (Minnesota Atheists) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 02:35:54 -0700

For Independence Day, we're proud ot bring you Eddie Tabash of American's United to speak with us about the Founding Father's views on the separation of Church and State. If you've ever felt like the Founder's would not approve of our government's actions regarding the entanglement of church and state you can find out some good evidence about what they wrote and said on that topic to make up your own mind.

Wayne Bensen from Truth Wins Out and Jane Bowman from Project 515 - Atheists Talk #025 Jun 29, 2008

radio@mnatheists.org (Minnesota Atheists) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 02:34:03 -0700

In honor of Gay Pride events going on world-wide, Minnesota Atheists are proud to present Wayne Bensen of "Truth Wins Out," an organization which exposes the lies of ex-gay ministries. Next, we bring you Jane Bowman who has researched 515 Minnesota laws which discriminate against gay couples and their families. Minnesota Atheists strongly support those fighting for equal rights.

Michael Estes on African American Freethinkers and on Religion Atheists Talk #024 Jun 22, 2008

radio@mnatheists.org (Minnesota Atheists) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 02:32:24 -0700

Michael Estes and Steve Petersen talk in our first half hour about African American Freethinkers throughout history, such as Ella Baker, W.E.B.Du Bois and A. Philip Randolph. Next, we have Eric Harmon talking with Michael Estes about how religion affects the African American community.

Mark Borrello on the History of Science - Atheists Talk #023 Jun 15, 2008

radio@mnatheists.org (Minnesota Atheists) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 02:30:10 -0700

Be sure to check out Evolution 2008 at the University of Minnesota this year from June 20-24. If you need convincing, just listen to Mark Borrello, Assistant Professor in History of Science at the University of Minnesota speak with Minnesota Atheists Member Lynn Fellman. Author George Erickson steps in to speak with Grant Steves about his book, "Back to the Barrens." Enjoy, and Happy Father's Day!

James Kakalios on The Physics of Superheros and August Berkshire on Evil - Atheists Talk #022 6/8/08

radio@mnatheists.org (Minnesota Atheists) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 02:29:12 -0700

This week, we bring you author James Kakalios who wrote "The Physics of Superheros." Look for him later this summer at CONvergence in Bloomington, MN on July 3-6. Later in the show, President of Minnesota Atheists, August Berkshire, speaks with George Kane about the problem of evil.

Mark Decker on More Than Darwin and Laura Hutt on Freethought Toastmasters Atheists Talk #021 6/1/08

radio@mnatheists.org (Minnesota Atheists) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 02:27:50 -0700

Minnesota Atheists Talk is proud to bring you Lynn Fellman talking with Mark Decker, an evolutionary biologist at the University of Minnesota and co-author of "More Than Darwin." Also on the show, we have Geroge Kane and Laura Hutt talking about Freethought Toastmasters, a great way to work on your public speaking skills.

Matt Cherry on IHS and Blair Scott on Operation Foxhole Atheists - Atheists Talk #020 May 25, 2008

radio@mnatheists.org (Minnesota Atheists) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 02:26:35 -0700

We have a special Memorial Day show for you featuring Matt Cherry from the Insitute for Humanist Studies speaking about religious and non religious rights and humanism, and from Operation Foxhole Atheists, Blair Scott, talking about descrimination atheists and other freethinkers face in the military.

Bonnie Leroy on Genetic Counseling and Rich Roher on Camp Quest - Atheists Talk #019 May 18, 2008

radio@mnatheists.org (Minnesota Atheists) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 01:53:36 -0700

Bonnie LeRoy from the University of Minnesota's Graduate Program in Genetic Counseling speaks with Lynn Fellman about genetics and ethics. Later in the show, Rick Rohrer, president of Camp Quest of Minnesota and campers Sanjeev and Laura sit down to talk about Camp Quest, a secular summer camp for kids.

Annie Laurie Gaylor on Women and FFRF - Atheists Talk #018 May 11, 2008

radio@mnatheists.org (Minnesota Atheists) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 01:52:50 -0700

It's Mother's Day today in the US. To honor women, Annie Laurie Gaylor talks about women in the Bible with Grant Steves. Later, August Berkshire learns all about the founding mothers of freethought. We hope you enjoy Annie Laurie Gaylor. If you do, please support the Freedom From Religion Foundation.

lois Shadewald on Pseudoscience and Greg Laden on Academic Freedom - Atheists Talk #017 May 4, 2008

radio@mnatheists.org (Minnesota Atheists) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 01:51:32 -0700

Cynthia Egli talks with Lois Shadewald about pseudo science, including perpetual motion machines, and the Flat Earth Society which are mentioned in "Worlds of Their Own." Greg Laden steps in to talk with Mike Haubrich about legislation which is hoping around the country, proposing "Academic Freedom," that would require the teaching of Creationism in public schools yeast infection treatment.

Rob Boston from Americans United on Tax Earmarks for Religion - Atheists Talk #016 Apr 27, 2008

radio@mnatheists.org (Minnesota Atheists) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 01:47:34 -0700

Hold onto your Consitutional Rights, people! Rob Boston exposes the slippery slope of providing federal funds to religious organizations. Steve Petersen and August Berkshire discuss the National Day of Prayer and the National Day of Reason. Both events will be celebrated locally at the Capitol in Saint Paul on Thursday, May 1 at noon.

Lee Salisbury on Biblical Literalism and Bjorn Mastiaux on Atheists Atheists Talk #015 Apr 20, 2008

radio@mnatheists.org (Minnesota Atheists) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 01:46:17 -0700

Lee Salisbury gives us a lesson on living Biblically, and examines passages which most Christians, if not all, either do not take literally, or choose not to follow. Coming up after Lee is Bjorn Mastiaux who is here from Germany to research members of atheist organizations.

PZ Myers on Expelled and Lynn Fellman on Science Inspired Art - Atheists Talk #014 Apr 13, 2008

radio@mnatheists.org (Minnesota Atheists) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 01:45:23 -0700

PZ Myers talks about his experience with the producer for "Expelled" and explains some misconceptions about evolution which are made in the film. Lynn Fellman also stops by to describe her passion for science and art with her unique portraits called "The DNA Project."

Peter McGrath and Karen James from The Beagle Project - Atheists Talk #013 Apr 6, 2008

radio@mnatheists.org (Minnesota Atheists) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 01:43:21 -0700

Peter McGrath and Karen James from The Beagle Project call in to keep us informed about the upcoming attempt to recreate the historic voyage of the Beagle to the Galapagos.

Rob Boston from Americans United and Fred Edwords from the AHA - Atheists Talk #012 Mar 30, 2008

radio@mnatheists.org (Minnesota Atheists) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 01:42:17 -0700

Today, George Kane interviews Rob Boston of Americans United for Separation of Church and State about the importance of our First Amendment right. Scott Lohman, president of the Humanists of Minnesota speaks with Fred Edwords of the American Humanist Association about the history of humanism.

Bill Van Druten on the MergerWatch Project - Atheists Talk #011 Mar 23, 2008

radio@mnatheists.org (Minnesota Atheists) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 01:41:11 -0700

Even though the American Atheists National Conference is in town, our radio staff gave their time to talk about the dangers of religious dogma being imposed on medical staff and how that can affect patients. Cynthia Egli talks with Bill van Druten of the Lake Superior Freethinkers on the subject, and covers "ExpelledGate" as well as the American Atheists Conference.

Susan Jacoby on Freethinkers and The Age of American Unreason - Atheists Talk #010 Mar 16, 2008

radio@mnatheists.org (Minnesota Atheists) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 01:37:30 -0700

Minnesota Atheists are proud to bring you an interview with Susan Jacoby, author of "Freethinkers: A History of American Secularism" and "The Age of American Unreason." She speaks with Scott Lohman about freethinkers in the past, like Thomas Paine and Robert Ingersoll as well as offering a warning about our continuing adoption of passive infotainment.

Frank Zindler on the American Atheists Press and Ellen Johnson Atheists Talk #009 Mar 9, 2008

radio@mnatheists.org (Minnesota Atheists) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 01:36:08 -0700

This week, we speak with Frank Zindler about the American Atheists Press and exciting new books being published. Ellen Johnson, president of American Atheists talks with us about the upcoming American Atheists Conference in Minneapolis from March 21-23. We hope to see you there!

Hemant Mehta - I Sold My Soul on eBay and PZ Myers on Unintelligent Design Atheists Talk #008 3/2/08

radio@mnatheists.org (Minnesota Atheists) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 01:35:03 -0700

This week we spoke with Hemant Mehta about friendly atheism, his book, "I Sold My Soul on eBay," and the Secular Student Alliance. PZ Myers educated us on the topic of "Unintelligent Design," by examining physiology which would have been poorly designed, that is, if there were a designer.

Lori Lipman Brown from the SCA and Scott Forchler on Secular Ethics Atheists Talk #007 Feb 24, 2008

radio@mnatheists.org (Minnesota Atheists) — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 23:56:40 -0700

This week, we feature an interview with the Director of the Secular Coalition for America, Lori Lipman Brown. Scott Lohman, President of the Humanists of Minnesota asks her about discrimination in the military, as well as in the Boy Scouts of America. The second interview is with Scott Forschler regarding secular ethics. George Kane asks the tough questions about morality, and gets honest answers.

Dale McGowan on Parenting Beyond Beliefand Lori Lipman Brown on the SCA Atheists Talk #006 2/17/2008

radio@mnatheists.org (Minnesota Atheists) — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 23:50:42 -0700

We interview Dale McGowan, editor of parenting Beyond Belief about his upcoming seminars being held around the country, and online about secular parenting. Also featured is Lori Lipman Brown, Director of the Secular Coalition for America, giving us an update on the SCA, and teaching us how we can get involved in protecting the rights of nontheist Americans.

August Berkshire and Steve Petersen on the American Atheists Conference Atheists Talk #005 2/10/2008

radio@mnatheists.org (Minnesota Atheists) — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 23:48:19 -0700

We hear form August Berkshire and Steve Petersen about the upcoming American Atheists Conference in Minneapolis happening March 21-23.

Annie Laurie Gaylor on the FFRF and Grant Steves on Cults - Atheists Talk #004 Feb 3, 2008

radio@mnatheists.org (Minnesota Atheists) — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 23:47:16 -0700

We are proud to interview Annie Laurie Gaylor of the Freedom From Religion Foundation about FFRF's upcoming activities. Also featured is George Kane as he interviews Grant Steves on the subject of cults.

PZ Myers on Evolution and Robert M. Price on The Reason-Driven Life Atheists Talk #003 Jan 27, 2008

radio@mnatheists.org (Minnesota Atheists) — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 23:37:10 -0700

Mike Huckabee proposes a God-Centered US Constitution. National Academy of Sciences produces Science, Evolution and Creationism. Robert M. Price talks about The Reason Driven Life.

What is Atheism? Jennifer Tuder on Sex Across the Curriculum Atheists Talk #002 Jan 20, 2008

radio@mnatheists.org (Minnesota Atheists) — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 23:35:04 -0700

What is atheism? How many atheists are there? What does the public think about atheists? How are Christians viewed by non Christians? Also featuring a special interview with Jennifer Tuder of "Sex Across the Curriculum."

Richard Dawkins - Atheists Talk #001 Jan 13, 2008

radio@mnatheists.org (Minnesota Atheists) — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 23:33:35 -0700

In our first show, we discussed House Resolution 888, Robert G. Ingersoll, the discovery of a transitional fossil, and an interview with Richard Dawkins.