Best The Central Idea Parenting Pause Podcasts (2025)

1
Justice Dept. Backs Church Against Reporting Law 21:11

1h ago21:11

21:11

In a disturbing yet unsurprising twist, the U.S. Justice Department—under the Trump administration—backed the Catholic Church’s stance against mandatory reporting laws that would require clergy to report child abuse confessed during confessional. The Non-Prophets panel unpacks the civil rights investigation launched against the law, discusses the i…

1
Southern Baptist Membership Hits 50-Year Low 19:29

1d ago19:29

19:29

Southern Baptist Convention membership has dropped to its lowest level in over 50 years, falling from nearly 13.7 million in 2021 to just over 12.7 million in 2025. While leaders tout rising baptism numbers, critics say this masks the real issue—declining relevance and aging congregations. The Non-Prophets dive into what this means for American Chr…

1
Judge Charged for Blocking Immigration Arrest 21:20

3d ago21:20

21:20

A Milwaukee judge is facing federal charges after allegedly helping a man avoid ICE agents by allowing him to exit through a jury door—agents who only had a non-judicial warrant. Judge Hannah Dugan’s defenders argue she was upholding constitutional protections, not obstructing justice. Is this a principled stand for civil rights, or a threat to law…

1
Segregation Signs Spark Outrage at Georgia School 20:12

5d ago20:12

20:12

A Georgia elementary school sparked national outrage after posting “Whites Only” and “Blacks Only” signs over water fountains during a lesson on desegregation. The teacher claimed it was part of a history lesson on Ruby Bridges, but the move left students confused and targeted, and parents furious. Was this an ill-conceived attempt at immersive edu…

1
Court Upholds $1.2M Fine Against Defiant Church 21:12

7d ago21:12

21:12

Calvary Chapel San Jose has finally been held accountable after defying COVID restrictions, spreading misinformation, and racking up millions in fines. A California appellate court upheld a $1.2 million penalty against the church, rejecting claims of religious discrimination. The panel dives into what this ruling means for religious privilege, publ…

1
Atlanta Pastor Backpedals After Blaming Black Families, Not Cops 19:31

10d ago19:31

19:31

When Atlanta megachurch pastor Phillip Mitchell told his congregation to stop blaming white cops and start teaching “obedience to authority,” backlash erupted—including from his own members. While he apologized on Instagram, many saw it as hollow, especially when he doubled down on the same dangerous rhetoric. The panel breaks down the historical a…

1
Brain Drain: Hundreds of Scientists Eye France After U.S. Cuts 21:54

12d ago21:54

21:54

Hundreds of U.S.-based scientists are applying to a French university program following major federal research funding cuts in the U.S. France’s new initiative promises financial support and academic freedom, prompting what some are calling a potential “brain drain.” The panel discusses the implications for American innovation, global collaboration…

1
Pope’s U.S. Legacy: Division and a Rising Catholic Right 25:50

14d ago25:50

25:50

With the death of Pope Francis, attention turns to his divisive legacy in the U.S. Catholic Church. While hailed globally as a reformer, Francis alienated many conservative American Catholics over his stances on climate change, immigration, and LGBTQ rights. As the Vatican sought inclusion, U.S. Catholics increasingly aligned with far-right politic…

1
Ukraine Seeks Fix for Chernobyl Containment Damage 24:06

16d ago24:06

24:06

A Russian drone strike has damaged Chernobyl’s outer containment structure, raising alarms across Ukraine and beyond. Experts stress that while the inner sarcophagus remains intact and no radiation leak has been detected, the deliberate nature of the attack signals a troubling escalation. The panel explores the potential environmental, political, a…

1
False Claim Spreads About IRS Targeting Churches 22:49

17d ago22:49

22:49

Senator James Lankford is pushing a bill to relax political speech restrictions for churches, despite admitting it's largely unnecessary. The Non-Prophets panel explores how clergy already flout the Johnson Amendment with impunity while secular 501(c)(3)s remain muzzled. Could repealing the rule backfire and empower atheist nonprofits? Or would it …

1
$2.2B in Harvard Grants Frozen Over Campus Activism 25:33

19d ago25:33

25:33

Harvard University is taking legal action after the Trump administration froze $2.2 billion in federal grants, citing failure to address antisemitism and comply with vague new rules about “merit-based” practices and “viewpoint diversity.” The panel discusses the implications for academic freedom, student activism, and how terms like antisemitism ma…

1
Catholic Hospital Drops Pro-Life Rhetoric to Dodge Lawsuit 22:16

21d ago22:16

22:16

When an Iowa couple sued MercyOne and Catholic Health Initiative for the death of their unborn child, the Catholic hospital initially argued the fetus wasn't a person—despite Catholic doctrine claiming life begins at conception. Only after public backlash did the hospital walk back its legal argument. The panel explores the church’s double standard…

1
Two Atheist Groups Settle Case Over Donor's Wishes 20:27

24d ago20:27

20:27

A legal dispute between Freedom From Religion Foundation and American Atheists over a donor’s estate raised eyebrows—but the reality was far less dramatic. After questions emerged over a handwritten memo altering distribution plans, the parties sought transparency, not a fight. The case was settled amicably, with all organizations receiving more th…

1
DOGE pulls $250K grant for LGBTQ+ Markers in Ohio 19:06

26d ago19:06

19:06

A $250K grant intended to install LGBTQ+ historical markers in Ohio was abruptly canceled by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), sparking backlash from advocacy groups and lawmakers. The panel examines why commemorating LGBTQ+ history is being politicized and what this says about state-level efforts to erase marginalized voices from pub…

1
Supreme Court Allows Pause on Education Grants 20:24

27d ago20:24

20:24

The Supreme Court sided with the Department of Education, pausing a lower court ruling that would have restored grants for diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. The panel explores what’s at stake—not just for education, but for democracy itself. Are DEI efforts under threat because they aim to level the playing field? Or is ignorance becoming …

1
Major win for abortion rights in US after new ruling 14:09

30d ago14:09

14:09

Major win for abortion rights in US after new ruling Metro by Sarah Hooper on April 1, 2025 https://www.smartnews.com/en-us/article/4797808326211539939 The Non-Prophets 24.15.4 with Cynthia McDonald, AJ, Kelley Laughlin and Rob Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-non-prophets--3254964/support.…

1
Oklahoma's Ryan Walters sues atheists for warning schools about illegal prayers 19:59

1M ago19:59

19:59

Oklahoma’s Ryan Walters wants to bring Bibles into classrooms—and silence the watchdogs. But is it religious freedom or unconstitutional overreach? In this episode, The Non-Prophets take aim at Oklahoma State Superintendent Ryan Walters, who is suing the Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF) for doing what it does best: upholding the Constitution…

1
Texas Pastor Says Bible Has 'No' Grounds for Being Anti-Transgender 20:05

1M ago20:05

20:05

Texas Pastor Says Bible Has 'No' Grounds for Being Anti-Transgender NewsBreak by Nick Mordowanec, on March 31, 2025 https://www.newsbreak.com/share/3943600104434-texas-pastor-says-bible-has-no-grounds-for-being-anti-transgender The Non-Prophets 24.15.2 with Cynthia McDonald, AJ, Kelley Laughlin and Rob Become a supporter of this podcast: https://ww…

1
House Revolts Over Bid To Remove New Parent's Proxy Voting 22:00

1M ago22:00

22:00

On April 1st, 2025, a bipartisan proposal to let members of Congress vote by proxy while on parental leave sparked unexpected chaos in the U.S. House. Co-sponsored by Rep. Ana Paulina Luna (R) and Rep. Brittany Pettersen (D), the measure aimed to support working parents in government. But GOP leaders attempted to quietly kill the bill using a proce…

1
Psychic Finds Moses’ Tablets 21:13

1M ago21:13

21:13

CIA found the Ark of the Covenant by using psychics, declassified files claim NewsBreak The Independent, By James Liddell, on March 28, 2025 https://www.newsbreak.com/share/3939128610325-cia-found-the-ark-of-the-covenant-by-using-psychics-declassified-files-claim The Non-Prophets, Episode 24.14.4 featuring Scott Dickie, , Jimmy Jr. and Helen Greene…

1
Americans are not Welcome in America. 25:23

1M ago25:23

25:23

Immigration agents arrested a U.S. citizen and created warrants after an arrest, lawyers say in court Chicago Sun-Times, By Sadriana Cardona Maguigad Wbez Curious City And Adriana Cardona Maguigad Wbez, on March 14, 2025 https://chicago.suntimes.com/immigration/2025/03/14/us-citizen-arrested-berwyn-ice-chicago-attorneys The Non-Prophets, Episode 24…

1
My Body, My Unsafe Abortion! 24:49

1M ago24:49

24:49

Texas officials announce third arrest in illegal abortion case involving Houston area woman ABC13 Houston, By Abchouston, on March 18, 2025 https://abc13.com/post/texas-attorney-general-announces-third-arrest-illegal-abortion-case-involving-houston-area-midwife/16044651/ The Non-Prophets, Episode 24.14.2 featuring Scott Dickie, , Jimmy Jr. and Hele…

1
Immigrants Get the Star of David 20:11

1M ago20:11

20:11

Bill in Texas Legislature would 'mark' foreigners legally living in the state San Antonio Current, By Michael Karlis, on Mar 26, 2025https://www.sacurrent.com/news/bill-in-texas-legislature-would-mark-foreigners-legally-living-in-the-state-37079019The Non-Prophets, Episode 24.14.1 featuring Scott Dickie, , Jimmy Jr. and Helen Greene Become a suppor…

1
High Tech Finding Faith Forgeries SR 19:54

1M ago19:54

19:54

http://bit.ly/3GYu36V Smithsonian Magazine, January 2023, By Chanan Tigay The discussion highlights the groundbreaking work of Mike Langlois, a scholar with an impressive range of expertise, including seven degrees and a deep focus on the Dead Sea Scrolls. His work involves using high-tech methods, such as sophisticated scanning and analysis techni…

1
Prayer, Tears, and a Side of Guilt: Catholic Clickbait 15:55

2M ago15:55

15:55

Have Your Loved Ones Turned Their Backs on God? Do What Élisabeth Leseur Did, National Catholic Register, By Katya Fitzpatrick, May 3, 2023 https://www.ncregister.com/blog/how-to-love-nonbelievers-in-your-home The conversation begins with a reflection on an article from the National Catholic Register about the story of Felix and Elizabeth Lassier, …

1
Using Satan to Protect Rights: Fighting for Freedom 15:09

2M ago15:09

15:09

Friend of Satan: how Lucien Greaves and his Satanic Temple are fighting the religious right, The Guardian, Adam Gabbatt, 1-4-2023 http://bit.ly/3DFvANk In the aftermath of the 2022 Roe v. Wade reversal, groups like the Satanic Temple are leveraging religious freedom arguments to push back against the restrictions. The Satanic Temple claims that abo…

1
From Faith to Parody: Holy Spirit Ouija Board 16:01

2M ago16:01

16:01

The "Holy Spirit Board" is Ouija for Jesus, Boing Boing.net, By Thom Dunn, December 20, 2022 http://bit.ly/3WjYpp3 This segment delves into the comical yet intriguing notion of a “Holy Spirit Ouija Board,” a product that has sparked both amusement and controversy. The board, which appears to be a regular Ouija board with a religious twist, has draw…

1
Inclusivity: Because Who Needs It Anyway? 15:16

2M ago15:16

15:16

Updated A West Ada teacher was asked to remove signs promoting inclusivity. Controversy ensued. Idaho Education News, By Idahoednews, on March 13, 2025 https://www.idahoednews.org/top-news/a-west-ada-teacher-was-asked-to-remove-signs-promoting-inclusivity-controversy-ensued/ In Idaho, a teacher’s classroom posters promoting inclusivity sparked sign…

1
DOGE: Cut Aid, Keep Billionaire Welfare 19:42

2M ago19:42

19:42

Johns Hopkins laying off more than 2,000 workers after dramatic cut in USAID funding CNN, By Kaanita Iyer, on March 13, 2025 https://www.cnn.com/2025/03/13/politics/johns-hopkins-layoffs-usaid-funding/index.html This discussion delves into the financial cuts at John Hopkins University, following the U.S. administration’s decision to slash $800 mill…

1
SCOTUS: Is LGBTQ Suffering a Religious Right? 18:43

2M ago18:43

18:43

Supreme Court will hear challenge to Colorado conversion therapy ban Axios, By Avery Lotz, on Mar 10, 2025 https://www.axios.com/2025/03/10/supreme-court-conversion-therapy-challenge In Colorado, a legal challenge is underway against a state ban on gender conversion therapy for minors. The case centers on Christian counselor Kaylee Charles, who arg…

1
Is the Bible 100% Correct? 21:43

2M ago21:43

21:43

https://wildhunt.org/2025/03/wv-seeks-constitutional-amendment-to-codify-the-bible-as-the-utmost-authority-for-human-moral-behavior.htmlhttps://wildhunt.org/2025/03/wv-seeks-constitutional-amendment-to-codify-the-bible-as-the-utmost-authority-for-human-moral-behavior.htmlhttps://wildhunt.org/2025/03/wv-seeks-constitutional-amendment-to-codify-the-b…

1
Iowa's "legal" Civil Rights Crackdown 22:08

2M ago22:08

22:08

AntiTrans Bill in Iowa Gets Final OK, Despite Protests TIME, By Hannah Fingerhut Ap, on February 27, 2025 https://time.com/7262485/protesters-iowa-capitol-gender-identity/ In this episode, the panel delves into the controversial legislative actions in Iowa, where lawmakers swiftly passed discriminatory laws against transgender individuals. Tracy be…

1
No Need for Vaccines. God will Cure Us! 21:36

2M ago21:36

21:36

West Texans, Mennonites at center of measles outbreak choose medical freedom over vaccine mandates AP News, By Devi Shastri, on March 4, 2025 https://apnews.com/article/measles-outbreak-texas-rfk-vaccines-8cf4641b04731c713edb524ca943490c The discussion opens with the old saying, "God helps those who help themselves," but the Mennonite community in …

1
Don't go to Jesus for Medical Help! 21:30

2M ago21:30

21:30

Oklahoma GOP advances bill letting Christian doctors deny services to patients The Friendly Atheist, By Hemant Mehta, on March 5, 2025 https://www.friendlyatheist.com/p/oklahoma-gop-advances-bill-letting The ongoing discussion centers around House Bill 1006 in Oklahoma, which would allow medical professionals to refuse care based on personal ethica…

1
A Physicist Rejects the Idea that we Live In a Sim Universe 13:48

2M ago13:48

13:48

Mind Matters News, January 8, 2023 http://bit.ly/3kwt70G The discussion explores physicist Marcelo Gleiser's argument against the possibility of reality being a simulation. The panelists express skepticism, noting that such claims often rely on unfalsifiable assertions rather than scientific evidence. They critique the logic behind simulation theor…

1
What is Pure and Authentic Faith? 17:38

2M ago17:38

17:38

The Times of Israel, By Gabriel Lamza, March 9, 2023, https://blogs.timesofisrael.com/what-is-pure-and-authentic-faith/ Faith is often presented as a virtue, a connection to the divine, or a means of understanding the world. However, in attempting to defend this notion, many religious arguments reveal their own contradictions. One such example is a…

1
How Religious Mythology Shapes Sexual Norms 14:55

2M ago14:55

14:55

Strange But True: Ancient Egyptians were so into oral sex, they put it in their religion — and religious art, Salon, Matthew Rosza, January 29, 2023 Sex and morality have been tightly controlled by religion throughout history, shaping societal attitudes toward sexuality. The discussion begins with ancient Egypt, where gods were depicted engaging in…

1
Why the moral panic over "grooming" is so effective at manipulating the right-wing mind 13:47

2M ago13:47

13:47

Salon, Matthew Rosza, January 30, 2023 http://bit.ly/3xcJxyH This segment discusses the moral panic surrounding the term "grooming," particularly in relation to LGBTQ+ people, and how it is being weaponized by right-wing politicians, particularly in Florida under Ron DeSantis. Historically, moral panics have been used to demonize specific groups—ex…

1
Scientists Rethink Everything as Predictability Fades 21:07

2M ago21:07

21:07

Scientists sound alarm over troubling phenomena forcing them to 'rethink' everything 'Predictability has become more challenging' The Cool Down, By Chelsea Cook, on February 14, 2025 https://www.thecooldown.com/green-tech/unpredictable-climate-patterns-shift/ In the face of increasingly unpredictable weather patterns and rising climate change risks…

1
Lawsuit Threatens Section 504 26:16

2M ago26:16

26:16

Yes, there is a lawsuit that could eliminate Section 504 khou.com, By Texas And Several Other States Could End It, on February 15, 2025 https://www.khou.com/article/news/verify/section-504-lawsuit/285-643af794-fb84-4b84-a3fd-d8060ec5db71 The Texas Attorney General, Ken Paxton, filed a lawsuit challenging the inclusion of gender dysphoria under Sect…

1
Utah Law Allows Nazi, Confederate Flags in Schools—But Not Pride Flag 21:00

3M ago21:00

21:00

New Utah law would allow for Nazi and Confederate flags to be shown in schools but not Pride flag NewsBreak NewsBreak, By The Independent, on February 14, 2025 https://www.newsbreak.com/share/3812118394569-new-utah-law-would-allow-for-nazi-and-confederate-flags-to-be-shown-in-schools-but-not-pride-flag This proposed bill in Utah, which bans the dis…

1
Police Arrest Leader of 'Zizian' Cult Linked to U.S. Killings 19:47

3M ago19:47

19:47

Police arrest apparent leader of cult like 'Zizian' group linked to multiple killings in the US AP News, By Michael Casey And Mcasey, on February 17, 2025 https://apnews.com/article/zizians-killings-border-patrol-bf599db6b9ec354c68ed5ff4d5701b84 Police Arrest Leader of 'Zizian' Cult Linked to U.S. Killings Police arrest apparent leader of cult like…

1
Church Bans Woke Meal from Communion 24:36

3M ago24:36

24:36

Church bans non-alcoholic wine and gluten-free bread from holy communion - NewsBreak NewsBreak, By George Lithgow, on February 9, 2025 https://www.newsbreak.com/share/3798407634101-church-bans-non-alcoholic-wine-and-gluten-free-bread-from-holy-communion The Church of England has reaffirmed a long-standing doctrinal stance that only wheat-based brea…

1
Bible Reading in Public Schools Sparks Controversy 25:25

3M ago25:25

25:25

Bill introduced to require Bible reading in all public schools, sparking constitutional questions - NewsBreak NewsBreak, By LAURA GUIDO, on February 7, 2025 https://www.newsbreak.com/share/3794686379971-bill-introduced-to-require-bible-reading-in-all-public-schools-sparking-constitutional-questions Idaho lawmakers are considering a bill that would …

1
Project 2025 Holds the Fed's Reins 20:44

3M ago20:44

20:44

A Project 2025 mastermind now holds the reins of the federal bureaucracy Mother Jones, By Isabela Dias, on February 6, 2025 https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2025/02/russell-vought-confirmed-senate-omb-project-2025-christian-nationalism/ The panel dissects the appointment of Russell Vought as the new head of the Office of Management and Budget (…

1
WH Launches Faith Office 23:47

3M ago23:47

23:47

Trump launches White House faith office to protect Christians Telegraph, By David Millward, on February 6, 2025 https://www.telegraph.co.uk/us/news/2025/02/06/trump-launches-white-house-faith-office-protect-christians/ The segment discusses a new office created by President Trump, the "Faith Office," aimed at addressing perceived anti-Christian bia…

1
Hungry Mississippi Kids 18:38

3M ago18:38

18:38

Mississippi again turns down millions of dollars to feed low-income kids during summer months-to-feed-low-income-kids-during-summer-months/ Mississippi Today, By Kate Royals and Sophia Paffenroth, on February 3, 2025 https://mississippitoday.org/2025/02/03/mississippi-again-turns-down-millions-of-dollars-to-feed-low-income-kids-during-summer-months…

1
Texas Puts Bibles in Public Schools 19:16

3M ago19:16

19:16

Legal rights groups urge school leaders not to adopt Texas’ Bible-infused curriculum The Texas Tribune, By Jaden Edison, on January 30, 2025 https://www.texastribune.org/2025/01/30/texas-aclu-bible-bluebonnet-curriculum/#:~:text=The%20American%20Civil%20Liberties%20Union,Learning%2C%20would%20%22unlawfully%20impose%20a The Texas State Board of Educ…

1
Pastor thinks Trump is Hitler 23:19

3M ago23:19

23:19

Pastor who compared Trump to Hitler is pushed out of church Mail Online, By Bethan Sexton, on February 4, 2025 https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14359493/pastor-compared-Trump-Hitler-church-charlotte-myers-park-baptist.htm Dr. Ben Boswell, a pastor at Myers Park Baptist Church in Charlotte, North Carolina, was asked to resign after church at…

1
Church Pastor Heils Musk 19:04

3M ago19:04

19:04

Priest Booted From Church After Imitating Musk's Salute The Daily Beast, By Emell Derra Adolphus, on January 30, 2025 https://www.thedailybeast.com/right-wing-catholic-priest-father-calvin-robinson-hits-the-musk-salute-at-pro-life-talk/ Father Calvin Robinson, a right-wing priest with ties to the UK’s far-right movement, was removed from his church…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

The Central Idea Parenting Pause Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen