Best Deconversion Podcasts (2025)

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Faith on the Blackboard , The Real Agenda Behind Ten Commandments Laws 10:13

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3h ago10:13

10:13

Send us a text In this episode, Mike Smithgall examines the growing push to hang the Ten Commandments in public classrooms and the larger campaign to rewrite history under the banner of “heritage.” He explains how Christian nationalism turns nostalgia into propaganda, and why real heritage requires facing uncomfortable truths. Question: How should …

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Breakfast With A heathen Ep2: How Religion Warps Politics, Parenting, and the Way We Think 48:09

2d ago48:09

48:09

Send us a text This Breakfast with a Heathen episode covers a range of questions from faith and politics to parenting and personal belief. We start with how religion was never out of U.S. politics—Trump only made it obvious—and look at what happens when faith becomes a tool for control rather than reflection. We talk about the idea that atheists “b…

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Prayer as Propaganda: How Pete Hegseth’s “Department of War” Video Rewrites Scripture 12:29

6d ago12:29

12:29

Send us a text In this episode, Mike Smithgall dissects Pete Hegseth’s viral Lord’s Prayer video and its disturbing fusion of religion and state power. Using biblical analysis and historical parallels from Sinclair Lewis and Eugene Debs, he explains how Christian nationalism repackages faith as propaganda and patriotism as obedience. This episode a…

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Breakfast with a Heathen - Ep 1: Coffee, Questions, and the Cost of Honesty 1:06:08

9d ago1:06:08

1:06:08

Send us a text Mike Smithgall, the unelected mayor of Atheistville, sits down with coffee to answer your questions about atheism, belief, and honesty. From telling your Christian mom you’re an atheist to why arguing with believers never works, this Sunday Q&A takes on faith, comfort, family, and finding peace without religion. No sermon, no shoutin…

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Morality Without God: How Religion Hijacked Our Conscience 13:26

15d ago13:26

13:26

Send us a text If morality comes from God, why do moral progress and religious doctrine so often collide? Mike Smithgall breaks down the myth that we need divine authority to be good. This episode examines empathy’s evolutionary roots, the failures of fear-based morality, and the evidence that secular societies thrive without divine command. It’s a…

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The Supreme Court’s Next Test: Faith vs. Facts 15:22

20d ago15:22

15:22

Send us a text A counselor in Colorado claims her “sincerely held beliefs” give her the right to counsel LGBTQ+ minors out of who they are. The state says that’s harmful pseudoscience. She says “First Amendment.” And now, the Supreme Court will decide. Host Mike Smithgall breaks down Chiles v. Salazar, exposing the tactics behind the legal argument…

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From Pulpit to Prison: An Atheist’s Journey Through Faith, Identity, and Redemption with Mike Gonzalez 1:31:18

20d ago1:31:18

1:31:18

Send us a text In this candid conversation, Mike shares his path from a devout Lutheran youth leader and Boy Scout to an openly bisexual atheist who rebuilt his life after addiction, prison, and deep personal conflict. We discuss the pressures of growing up in a conservative religious environment, wrestling with questions about faith and morality, …

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The Retreat of Faith: How Science Replaces Supernatural Claims 10:53

27d ago10:53

10:53

Send us a text Religious faith often leans on mysteries as proof of God. But when science explains those mysteries, faith loses ground. In this episode, I trace the history of the god-of-the-gaps argument, from Zeus’s lightning to modern debates over consciousness. I show why this strategy fails, and why atheism is better framed as trust in curiosi…

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This Isn’t About Jesus: How Christian Nationalism Became a Political Weapon 9:42

30d ago9:42

9:42

Send us a text Church attendance is plummeting, yet calls for America to be a “Christian nation” are growing louder. In this Mike Drop episode, we unpack the paradox: why Christian nationalism is gaining steam even as religion fades. It’s not about faith, it’s about identity, fear, and power. From empty pews to political pulpits, we explore how bra…

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The Rapture That Wasn't: September's Failed Doomsday Prediction and the Psychology of Apocalyptic Belief 15:50

1M ago15:50

15:50

Send us a text This week's failed rapture prediction joins a long list of embarrassing doomsday dates, but it reveals something deeper about human psychology and social media manipulation. We explore the 200-year history of rapture theology, the pattern of failed predictions from 1988 to today, and why TikTok has become the new frontier for apocaly…

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From Pastor to Atheist: The Pain and Power of Deconstruction 16:38

1M ago16:38

16:38

Send us a text 🎙 Podcast Description What happens when faith unravels? In this episode, former pastors and believers reflect on the loneliness of leaving religion, the emotional toll of deconstruction, and the importance of finding community. You’ll hear stories of loss, resilience, and the shift from magical thinking to evidence-based reality. Whe…

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Leaving Church Doesn’t Have to Be Lonely: Building Atheist Community That Sticks 19:32

1M ago19:32

19:32

Send us a text In this episode, we focus on why many secular and humanist meetups don’t last. We hear from longtime organizers about how they rebuilt the social network that people lose after leaving religious institutions. They share how snacks, casual brunches, movies in the park, and simple conversation act as the glue. We look closely at the Bl…

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Antifa, Atheism, and the New War on Free Thought 15:37

1M ago15:37

15:37

Send us a text The U.S. government is testing the limits of the First Amendment. In one week, Pam Bondi promised prosecutions for “hate speech,” the FCC threatened ABC over Jimmy Kimmel’s jokes, and Trump labeled Antifa a terrorist organization. In this Mike Drop, I argue why labeling ideas as terrorism is a dangerous precedent. We explore the iron…

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Free Speech or Hypocrisy? Pam Bondi’s “Hate Speech” Crackdown 11:30

1M ago11:30

11:30

Send us a text This week’s Mike Drop examines Attorney General Pam Bondi’s claim that the Justice Department will “target hate speech.” Mike Smithgall unpacks what the law actually says, highlights the hypocrisy of both left and right on free expression, and explains why consistency is the only real protection for free speech. With Trump’s rhetoric…

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After Charlie Kirk: Unpacking Political Martyrdom, Violence, and the Future of American Democracy 1:00:17

1M ago1:00:17

1:00:17

Send us a text This week, we tackle the assassination of political commentator Charlie Kirk and its broader implications for American democracy. Our discussion covers Kirk's rise as a major figure in Christian nationalist movements, the immediate political reactions to his death, and the troubling patterns of political violence in the United States…

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Dangerous Predictions: How End Times Beliefs Influence Politics and Culture 12:09

1M ago12:09

12:09

Send us a text For centuries, religious leaders have predicted the end of the world — and for centuries, they’ve been wrong. In this episode, our panel discusses failed prophecies, the cultural fascination with apocalypse narratives, and the political consequences of end times obsession. We also explore how these beliefs fuel dangerous thinking, fr…

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From Silence to Strength: Why Atheists Need a Political Voice with Larry Warren 6:13

2M ago6:13

6:13

Send us a text In this episode, we reflect on growing up without the language or community to identify as an atheist — a reality that left many of us isolated before the internet connected like-minded people. Our conversation explores how religious communities reinforce their beliefs weekly, while atheists lack the same infrastructure or political …

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My Body, My Choice - But Only Sometimes: Deconstructing the Religious and Political Hypocrisy Behind America's Growing Vaccine Resistance Movement 19:36

2M ago19:36

19:36

Send us a text Mike examines Florida's groundbreaking decision to eliminate all school vaccine mandates, exposing how genuine religious concerns have been hijacked by political movements. With vaccine exemptions at record highs and measles cases surging, this episode unpacks the dangerous intersection of Christian nationalism, selective bodily auto…

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Conversations on Death, Grief, and Saying Goodbye Without Religion 10:13

2M ago10:13

10:13

Send us a text This segment explores one of the most difficult questions atheists face: what do you say to someone who is dying when you don’t share their faith in heaven or an afterlife? Our panel shares personal experiences with parents and loved ones, the challenge of offering comfort without false promises, and why listening often matters more …

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Throwing Out “Sin”: Building Secular Ethics Beyond Religion 19:55

2M ago19:55

19:55

Send us a text What does the concept of sin mean if you remove God from the picture? In this episode, atheists wrestle with the idea of sin, exploring whether it should be redefined or abandoned altogether. They discuss cultural norms, ethical responsibility, and the role of sin as a tool of control in religious communities. The conversation also d…

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Prayer Works In Your Head, Not In Heaven: Understanding Religious Ritual Through Science 11:18

2M ago11:18

11:18

Send us a text This episode examines prayer from a psychological rather than theological perspective. While prayer doesn't produce supernatural results, it does provide genuine benefits through mechanisms like structured self-reflection, ritual comfort, and social connection. We explore the placebo effect in religious practice, the neuroscience of …

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The Unholy Roundtable: What Is Sin Without Religion? Atheists Redefine Morality, Ethics, and Truth 2:06:43

2M ago2:06:43

2:06:43

Send us a text This Roundtable asks big questions about life after faith. What does “sin” mean when you leave religion behind? How do atheists define morality, deal with religious influence in medical spaces, and navigate the pain of deconstruction? The panel unpacks hypocrisy, cultural double standards, and the struggle to speak openly about unbel…

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Slavery, Scripture, and Skepticism: A Black Atheist Questions the Bible’s Morality 18:31

2M ago18:31

18:31

Send us a text In this powerful conversation, we explore the deep contradictions between Christian scripture and the lived Black experience, especially when it comes to slavery. Our guest shares her personal journey from belief to atheism, shaped by critical questioning within the church and a confrontation with biblical passages that justified sla…

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From Episcopalian Choir Boy to Confident Atheist: Larry Warren tells his story 1:40:47

2M ago1:40:47

1:40:47

Send us a text Meet Larry Warren, a man whose journey from Episcopalian choir boy to confident atheist mirrors the experience of countless Americans who quietly questioned their faith for decades before the internet gave them the tools to understand their doubts. Larry's story is refreshingly relatable—no dramatic deconversion moment, no religious …

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Catholic School Shooting: Identity, Media Narratives, and Secular Perspectives 58:25

2M ago58:25

58:25

Send us a text This episode examines the tragic Catholic school shooting and the reactions that followed. We unpack the immediate framing of the suspect’s identity as trans and atheist, and the way partisan lines shape the headlines. We also reflect on questions of justice, punishment, and personal morality in the aftermath of violence. Viewer Ques…

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Why “God Told Me To Do It” Can’t Stand in Court 11:42

2M ago11:42

11:42

Send us a text In this Mike Drop episode, Mike Smithgall explores Penn Jillette’s sharp observation that courts recognize insanity as a defense, but never “God told me to do it.” Why? Because the law must rest on evidence, not revelation. Mike unpacks the secular foundation of law, the distinction between mental capacity and religious belief, and t…

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Why Leaving Religion Can Feel Like Betraying Your Race: Cynthia McDonald's Atheist Journey 1:40:47

2M ago1:40:47

1:40:47

Send us a text What happens when faith and identity collide? Cynthia McDonald shares her powerful journey from Christian belief to unapologetic atheism—and how that decision sparked unexpected reactions within her community. In this episode of "Ask an Atheist," we talk about religion in Black culture, breaking free from indoctrination, and what it …

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What If I’m Wrong? Pascal’s Wager, Satan’s Tricks, and Deconstructing Faith 13:34

2M ago13:34

13:34

Send us a text In this episode, we explore the question many wrestle with while deconstructing: What if I’m wrong? We look at Pascal’s Wager, the idea of being deceived by Satan, and how authoritarian religious systems discourage critical thought. The discussion ranges from absurdities like Noah’s Ark to the deeper problem of outsourcing reasoning …

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Heimlich or Hallelujah? The Risks of Replacing Care with Prayer 16:13

2M ago16:13

16:13

Send us a text In this episode, we tackle a deceptively simple question: if someone is choking, do you pray or perform the Heimlich? The conversation leads to deeper issues—parents who choose faith over medicine, the legal limits of religious exemptions, and the impact of homeschooling rooted in ideology rather than evidence. We share personal stor…

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I'm not rejecting God, I’m rejecting YOU! 12:00

2M ago12:00

12:00

Send us a text "I’m not rejecting God. I’m rejecting YOU.” That’s the core idea in this episode of Mike Drop. Host Mike Smithgall breaks down why most atheists aren’t denying the existence of a god, they’re questioning the authority of those who claim to speak for one. From televangelists to politicians invoking divine will, this episode explores h…

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Why “God’s Plan” Can Wound the Bereaved More Than It Heals 13:34

2M ago13:34

13:34

Send us a text In this episode, we examine a story from a Christian mother who lost her young son and was met with repeated assurances that he was “in a better place.” While well-intentioned, these comments left her feeling invalidated, diminished, and deeply hurt. We unpack how religious comfort can clash with real-world grief, the theological con…

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Property, Purity, and Patriarchy: How Religion Controls Women’s Bodies 8:57

2M ago8:57

8:57

Send us a text In this episode, we unpack the centuries-old religious systems that police women’s sexuality while excusing men. From the way conservative Christians condemn women in porn but ignore male participation, to purity culture traditions like veils and “giving away the bride,” we explore the deep roots of patriarchal control. We also discu…

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Marriage Equality, Religious Liberty, and the Fight for Secular Rights 11:02

3M ago11:02

11:02

Send us a text Kim Davis, the former Kentucky county clerk who went to jail in 2015 for refusing marriage licenses to same-sex couples, is back in the headlines with a Supreme Court petition to overturn marriage equality. While most experts agree it’s unlikely to succeed, the case highlights a persistent, organized effort to roll back secular right…

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Faith, Freedom, and Facts: Atheists on Leaving Religion and Finding Community 2:05:21

3M ago2:05:21

2:05:21

Send us a text In this episode of The Unholy Roundtable, a panel of atheists explores the rise of Christian nationalism, the persistence of gender inequality in religion, and the powerful social bonds that keep many in the pews. We share personal stories of deconstruction, confront historical myths about America’s founding, and challenge the logic …

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Inside Doug Wilson’s Political Blueprint for Christian Nationalism 8:06

3M ago8:06

8:06

Send us a text Pastor Doug Wilson’s mission goes far beyond the pulpit. With a growing network of over 150 churches worldwide and a new base just blocks from the U.S. Capitol, he’s advancing a vision for America — and eventually the world — governed by his brand of Christian theology. In this episode, Mike examines Wilson’s rise, his open call to r…

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Why Do Churches Protect Abusers? Inside the Crisis of Moral Hypocrisy 10:20

3M ago10:20

10:20

Send us a text When abuse happens in religious institutions, it’s not just a scandal, it’s a system. In today’s “Mike Drop” from the Pulpit of Reason, Mike Smithgall tackles one of the most disturbing moral failures in modern religious life: the widespread cover-up of child abuse by churches. From Catholic dioceses to evangelical megachurches, this…

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Episode 0 – Welcome to Atheistville 2:27

3M ago2:27

2:27

Send us a text In this short introductory episode, host Mike Smithgall lays the foundation for what Atheistville is all about, a podcast created for atheists, ex-Christians, skeptics, and anyone questioning religion’s role in their lives. Atheistville isn’t here to bash anyone’s personal beliefs. But it challenges the idea that nonbelievers should …

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Episode 69 - Confronting Works Salvation: Matthew Bates et al. 27:56

3M ago27:56

27:56

By Bobby Grow

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Fireworks with Mike Maeshiro 1:38:12

1+ y ago1:38:12

1:38:12

PRIDE is over. But that doesn't mean we're done listening to people who survived evangelicalism and are now thriving as out LGBT people. Listen in on Karen's conversation with Mike Maeshiro, a former instructor at Bethel School of Supernatural Ministry and his journey to being an out gay man. Find out more about him at https://www.mikemaeshiro.com/…

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PRIDE with Jennifer Knapp, Part 2 1:04:43

1+ y ago1:04:43

1:04:43

Sorry about the technical delay. I promise, it's worth it! Here is the rest of the conversation with LGBT advocate, Jennifer Knapp. Find her at JenniferKnapp.com. Keep in Touch or support us with our free and paid versions of our newsletter. Episode tithes and offerings can be dropped here. ❤️ Please Rate and Review. It means so much! Thank you. We…

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PRIDE with Jennifer Knapp, Part 1 58:22

1+ y ago58:22

58:22

What an amazing conversation Karen had with Jennifer Knapp. Once the star of Christian music, she now finds her place in LGBT advocacy. Watch for the second part tomorrow, and the YouTube on Sunday! Her new re-release of KANSAS is out now. You've got to check it out. Keep in Touch or support us with our free and paid versions of our newsletter. Epi…

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PRIDE with April Ajoy and Beecher 1:17:37

1+ y ago1:17:37

1:17:37

It's the second week of PRIDE and we've got your 2nd favorite redhead--April Ajoy--and her non-binary spouse Beecher. We hear their story from Christian fundamentalists to Beecher coming to terms with being non-binary--all while April realizes she is bi-sexual. And their marriage works! Caution little ears (why are you here anyway?), we discuss sex…

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Celebrate PRIDE with Flamy Grant 1:05:52

1+ y ago1:05:52

1:05:52

We're celebrating our LGBT followers the whole month of June. Whether you are part of the community or an ally like myself, listening to people's voices is an act of resistance in a time like this. Drag Queen Flamy Grant hit national news when their song "Good Day" surged to the top of the Christian music charts. We hear how they grew up and what i…

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PRIDE Month Trailer 2:14

1+ y ago2:14

2:14

We're back. Just in time for PRIDE. Mystery guests will be revealed soon! And we'll also be on YouTube (episodes released here first then YouTube a few days later). https://www.youtube.com/@deconversiontherapyBy deconversiontherapy

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Episode 68 - On Multnomah University’s Demise and Equivocation 33:17

1+ y ago33:17

33:17

By Bobby Grow

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U2: The Best Christian-ish Band 1:02:00

1+ y ago1:02:00

1:02:00

Bonnie brings you ANGLES the story behind the great band that never sounded like they sprung from church. Hear how they almost never were, and how we all knew someone like Bono in youth group. Keep in Touch or support us with our free and paid versions of our newsletter. Episode tithes and offerings can be dropped here. ❤️ Please Rate and Review. I…

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The Annual Ask Us Anything Episode 1:20:43

1+ y ago1:20:43

1:20:43

Ok, maybe it'll be bi-annual, we're not sure yet. We've taken your questions, both goofy and cerebral and done our doggone best. We love to connect to you all, so hope you enjoy it. Go check out the newly released exvangelical books! Keep in Touch with our Free newsletter. Episode tithes and offerings can be dropped here. ❤️ Please Rate and Review.…

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Lettersode: Junk and Dinos 38:39

1+ y ago38:39

38:39

It doesn't matter if you're an evangelical Christian, Catholic, Agnostic, deconstructing Christian, atheist, exChristian, Jewish, Muslim or hundreds of other beliefs and labels; we are ready to laugh at you. Send us more stories in our links below. Go check out the newly released exvangelical books! Keep in Touch with our Free newsletter. Episode t…

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Church Bulletin: Cults and Comedy Clubs 1:10:31

1+ y ago1:10:31

1:10:31

If you want to know more about Voices and Faces, check out the website and contact Karen. Go check out the newly released exvangelical books! Keep in Touch with our Free newsletter. Episode tithes and offerings can be dropped here. ❤️ Please Rate and Review. It means so much! Thank you. Book and other recs here. We have a P.O. Box! Deconversion The…

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The Masturbation Taboo with Dr. Eric Sprankle 1:00:42

1+ y ago1:00:42

1:00:42

This was a breakthrough moment for me, Karen. Turn your shame into the mundane. Get Dr. Sprankle’s book, DIY: The Wonderfully Weird History and Science of Masturbation, now! Keep in Touch with our Free newsletter. Episode tithes and offerings can be dropped here. ❤️ Please Rate and Review. It means so much! Thank you. Book and other recs here. We h…