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In this episode, we are joined again by Alastair Lichten, a humanist community builder and the author of the blog, Humanist Dad.  We discuss his recent work in community organizing and the importance of creating welcoming, inclusive spaces. Alastair has been giving particular attention to autism and neurodiversity, especially related to humanism. We learn what neurodiversity is, the different shapes it can take, and the research showing links between autistic people and atheism. Alastair also gives us tips about how organizers can make their events more inclusive for neurodivergent people. And we learn whether a true humanist can feel awkward around others. Check out Alastair’s blog, Humanist Dad: https://humanistdad.uk/  10 tips for neurodiversity inclusion in humanist communities: https://humanistdad.uk/2025/04/25/10-tips-for-neurodiversity-inclusion-in-humanist-communities/  And other articles about “neurodiversity”: https://humanistdad.uk/tag/neurodiversity/  Follow Nathan on BlueSky: @nathgalexander.bsky.social Nathan’s website: https://www.nathangalexander.com/  Beyond Atheism is produced and distributed by Atheists United Studios: https://www.atheistsunited.org/au-studios 

In this episode, we’re joined by Arash Ghajarjazi, a scholar of Iranian Studies at Utrecht University and author of the new book, Remembering Khayyam: Episodes of Unbelief in the Reception Histories of Persian Quatrains. We delve into the history of Iran to discuss the long legacy of secular culture by way of the figure of Omar Khayyam, a Persian poet and polymath from the 11th century. There are plenty of surprises along the way as we learn how religious elites leveraged modern technology to monopolize power, the role Victorian love of poetry had on Iranian culture, and how secular monuments continue to inspire and allow protest in a theocratic country. We also learn whether a true atheist can hide their atheism and if it may prove to be an absolute necessity. For more on Arash: www.linkedin.com/in/arash-ghajarjazi-036621176 On X: @arashghajarjazi Arash’s new book, Remembering Khayyam: Episodes of Unbelief in the Reception Histories of Persian Quatrains: https://www.degruyterbrill.com/document/doi/10.1515/9783111626017/html And the video trailer of the book: https://youtu.be/A7Z4ZtUQlnU?si=NO8nX3eZjBNNqzJd Beyond Sharia project: https://beyondsharia.nl/ Register for Nathan Alexander’s upcoming webinar (July 8): https://freethinker.co.uk/2025/05/freethought-history-webinar-4-atheism-and-vegetarianism-in-the-19th-and-20th-centuries-a-match-made-in-heaven-with-nathan-alexander-8-july-2025/  Follow Nathan on BlueSky: @nathgalexander.bsky.social Nathan’s website: https://www.nathangalexander.com/  Beyond Atheism is produced and distributed by Atheists United Studios: https://www.atheistsunited.org/au-studios 

In this episode, we’re joined by Paul Clark, author of The Omega Course, a coming-of-age novel about guilt, redemption, and loss of faith. We learn about the central plot of the book, where 17-year-old Ross kills another driver in a car accident and seeks to find redemption, initially through the real-life “Alpha Course,” which pushes a conservative approach to Christianity. However, at the same time, Ross also takes a fictional “Omega Course” which presents a more critical perspective about the origins of Christianity and the Bible. In the episode, we talk extensively about the research that went into the novel, with special focus on the actual Alpha Course and what makes it so dreadful, as well as the choice to present this topic through fiction. We also discuss the history of monotheism, the authorship of the Bible, evidence for the historical Jesus, and why it all matters. Paul also explains to us whether or not a true atheist can believe in redemption. Order The Omega Course here: https://books2read.com/omega-course  Paul’s website: https://paulclark42.com/  Follow Nathan on BlueSky: @nathgalexander.bsky.social Nathan’s website: https://www.nathangalexander.com/  Beyond Atheism is produced and distributed by Atheists United Studios: https://www.atheistsunited.org/au-studios

In this episode, we’re joined by Sarah Ray, the President of the Humanist Society and an Endorsed Humanist Celebrant and Invocator. We learn about how these roles are secularizing, the deep roots they have to humanism, as well as (because we know you are afraid to ask) what exactly humanist celebrants and invocators are. The discussion also includes how the Humanist Society aids the training and professionalization of aspiring chaplains, even those who hold the position in a religious function but have left their faith. Sarah also schools Todd and Nathan on why a “true” humanist would prefer Star Wars to Star Trek. The Humanist Society: thehumanistsociety.org Humanist Trek Podcast: humanisttrek.com Follow Nathan on BlueSky: @nathgalexander.bsky.social Beyond Atheism is produced and distributed by Atheists United Studios: https://www.atheistsunited.org/au-studios 

In this episode, we talk with Maggie Ardiente, the board president of the Secular Coalition for America. In a wide ranging discussion, we learn how joining a small freethinkers group at university led to a lifelong career in secular activism. Against the harrowing backdrop of “religious freedom” and Project 2025, we talk about how secularism is a growing presence on Capitol Hill and what the next steps for growth are. We also learn whether a True Atheist can believe in ghosts and if freethinkers should attend a religious school. Learn more about the Secular Coalition for America: https://secular.org/  For more on Project 2025: https://secular.org/project-2025/  To donate to the Secular Coalition for America: https://secular.org/donate/  – Nathan’s new article, “Reincarnation, Secular Style”: https://freethinker.co.uk/2024/09/reincarnation-secular-style/  Follow Nathan on BlueSky: @nathgalexander.bsky.social Beyond Atheism is produced and distributed by Atheists United Studios: https://www.atheistsunited.org/au-studios 

In this episode, we are joined by Alastair Lichten, a humanist community builder with Humanists UK, and the author of the blog, Humanist Dad. Alastair has been using the blog to explore how his humanist worldview informs the challenging decisions he makes as a parent raising children in the UK. We talk about the ways humanist values are reflected in addressing thorny issues like what (if anything) to teach kids about religion, what kind of rituals humanist parents perform without religion, and how to deal with intrusive influences from the dominant religious culture. We also learn whether a True Humanist wishes their kids grow up to be humanists. Read more on Alastair’s blog, Humanist Dad: https://humanistdad.uk/ Follow Nathan on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/nathgalexander.bsky.social  Beyond Atheism is produced and distributed by Atheists United Studios: https://www.atheistsunited.org/au-studios

In this episode, we’re joined by Jacob L. Wright, Professor of Hebrew Bible at the Candler School of Theology, Emory University, and the author of Why the Bible Began: An Alternative History of Scripture and its Origins. Jacob explains how the Old Testament used a mix of history, myth, and poetry to form a “peoplehood” in the absence of state institutions. We explore the arguments in his new book about the secular origins of the Hebrew Bible and how it impacts contemporary issues. We discuss why the Bible is too important to be left to religious people and how its techniques can be similarly used by secularists today.  Why the Bible Began: https://www.cambridge.org/core/books/why-the-bible-began/263D2981C0B829268AAC8BB4A0F696FC  Beyond Atheism is produced and distributed by Atheists United Studios: https://www.atheistsunited.org/au-studios

In this episode, we’re joined by Elliot Hanowski, a Canadian historian and author of Towards a Godless Dominion: Unbelief in Interwar Canada (McGill-Queen’s University Press, 2023). We discuss the small but vocal atheist and secular movement in 1920s and 1930s Canada. Elliot explains how this period represents an important link between the nineteenth-century freethought movement and the explosive, radical change of the 1960s. We learn how atheist groups developed alliances with socialists and communists and became a part of the free speech movement in “Toronto the Good.” We also reflect on what lessons these past experiences can offer for present-day secularists. Finally, we learn whether a “True Agnostic” can hate religious people. Towards a Godless Dominion: Unbelief in Interwar Canada: https://www.mqup.ca/towards-a-godless-dominion-products-9780228018834.php?page_id=46& Beyond Atheism is produced and distributed by Atheists United Studios: https://www.atheistsunited.org/au-studios

In this episode, we’re joined by David Newheiser, a Senior Research Fellow in the Institute for Religion and Critical Inquiry at Australian Catholic University, and the editor of the book, The Varieties of Atheism (2022). We learn about how David went through a heresy trial when he was a teenager and how this shaped his views of religion. We talk about the complex historical roots of atheism, the potential for a positive atheist identity, and how atheists and theists can communicate better. We also learn whether a True Atheist can have hope for the future. In the bonus section, available to supporters on Patreon, we talk about David’s surprising philosophical influences and how studying atheism helps to understand religion better. For more on David: https://dnewheiser.net/ David’s recent edited book, The Varieties of Atheism: Connecting Religion and Its Critics: https://press.uchicago.edu/ucp/books/book/chicago/V/bo182880666.html Find David on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/newheisereye/ And on Twitter and Threads: @dnewheiser Follow Nathan on Twitter: https://twitter.com/NathGAlexander Nathan’s website: https://www.nathangalexander.com/ If you find the podcast valuable and want to support it, check out our Patreon page, where you will also find bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/beyond_atheism We are grateful for every contribution. Beyond Atheism is produced and distributed by Atheists United Studios: https://www.atheistsunited.org/au-studios

In this episode, we talk with Alex Zamușinski, a PhD Candidate at the University of California, Riverside. Alex stops by to tell us about his research on the Clergy Project, an organization which provides peer support for clergy members who have begun questioning their faith. In addition to the scope and scale of the project, Alex teaches us about what causes religious leaders to lose faith, the risks they face, and why they sometimes stay in their roles. We also ask whether a True Clergy Project Member can still enjoy their job despite their nonbelief.  More on the Clergy Project: https://clergyproject.org/ Listen to the first episode of the Lifestances Podcast, “Being Nonreligious: Matters of Life and Death”: https://open.spotify.com/show/5YBUeYlwr9ePAg4NYgxNzE Follow Nathan on Twitter: https://twitter.com/NathGAlexander Nathan’s website: https://www.nathangalexander.com/ If you find the podcast valuable and want to support it, check out our Patreon page, where you will also find bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/beyond_atheism We are grateful for every contribution. Beyond Atheism is produced and distributed by Atheists United Studios: https://www.atheistsunited.org/au-studios

In this episode, we talk with Srishti Hukku, a humanist chaplain at the University of Ottawa (Canada). We learn about Srishti’s journey out of religion and her winding path to becoming a humanist chaplain. She explains what a chaplain does, why the military needs non-religious chaplains, and why it is important that these positions be filled with secular humanists. We also find out whether a True Atheist can be frightened of artificial intelligence. In the bonus section, available exclusively to Patreon supporters, Srishti asks our thoughts about this quote from Audre Lorde: “Unless one lives and loves in the trenches, it is difficult to remember that the war against dehumanization is ceaseless.” We also talk more about humanist chaplains and what book Srishti would like everyone to read. For more on Srishti: https://www.srishtihukku.ca/ Srishti’s officiant page: https://www.613weds.com/ For how to become a humanist chaplain in Canada: https://www.humanistcanada.ca/chaplains/become-a-humanist-chaplain/ Follow Nathan on Twitter: https://twitter.com/NathGAlexander Nathan’s website: https://www.nathangalexander.com/ If you find the podcast valuable and want to support it, check out our Patreon page, where you will also find bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/beyond_atheism We are grateful for every contribution. Beyond Atheism is produced and distributed by Atheists United Studios: https://www.atheistsunited.org/au-studios

In this episode, we talk with Chrissy Stroop, an ex-evangelical writer, speaker, and advocate. We talk about Chrissy’s journey out of evangelicalism, her creation of the hashtag #EmptyThePews, and her thoughts on Christian nationalism today. We also talk about Christian privilege and how it can be unwittingly maintained even by atheists. In the lightning round, we learn whether a “true atheist” can be a Christian nationalist. In the bonus section, available exclusively to supporters on Patreon, we talk with Chrissy about her time studying and teaching in Russia, and how her experience foreshadowed the state of Russia today. Chrissy’s website: https://cstroop.com/ Chrissy’s Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cstroop Chrissy on Twitter: https://twitter.com/C_Stroop Find Chrissy’s article on Religion Dispatches: https://religiondispatches.org/author/chrissy_stroop/ And on openDemocracy: https://www.opendemocracy.net/en/author/chrissy-stroop/ Follow Nathan on Twitter: https://twitter.com/NathGAlexander Nathan’s website: https://www.nathangalexander.com/ If you find the podcast valuable and want to support it, check out our Patreon page, where you will also find bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/beyond_atheism We are grateful for every contribution. Beyond Atheism is produced and distributed by Atheists United Studios: https://www.atheistsunited.org/au-studios

In this episode, we’re joined by Jeremy Schumacher, a licensed Marriage & Family Therapist and former Evangelical Lutheran. We talk about Jeremy’s journey to atheism and how to recognize and treat religious trauma through therapy. Jeremy also explains how the male privilege and purity culture in religion often harms the mental well being of those it seeks to elevate. We also learn whether a “true atheist” can have “vanilla” sex. In the bonus section, available exclusively to supporters on Patreon, we talk about why Jeremy connected with atheo-paganism, and also his unlikely success as a college volleyball coach. Please consider donating to help Alastair Lichten’s son, who was diagnosed with a very rare form of cancer: https://www.solvingkidscancer.org.uk/Appeal/teddylichten For more on Jeremy, see Wellness with Jer: https://wellnesswithjer.com/ Jeremy’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wellnesswithjer/ Other resources for those navigating religious trauma: https://www.seculartherapy.org/ https://www.reclamationcollective.com/ Follow Nathan on Twitter: https://twitter.com/NathGAlexander Nathan’s website: https://www.nathangalexander.com/ If you find the podcast valuable and want to support it, check out our Patreon page, where you will also find bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/beyond_atheism We are grateful for every contribution. Beyond Atheism is produced and distributed by Atheists United Studios: https://www.atheistsunited.org/au-studios

In this episode, we welcome back Dr. Juhem Navarro-Rivera, the Managing Partner and Research Director at Socioanalítica Research LLC, and the author of Secular Politics, a weekly newsletter exploring the role of secular people in American political life. We talk about Juhem’s recent work exploring secular legislators in the United States, at the national and state levels: who they are, where they come from, and why secular people are so underrepresented. We discuss what atheists and the nonreligious need to do to ensure they get more representation in the halls of power. We also find out whether a “true atheist” can lie about being religious to please a family member. In the bonus section, available exclusively to supporters on Patreon we delve into the underlying systems of power, institution-building, and how the existing secular network can be expanded. We talk with Juhem about the religious politics of the Supreme Court and when he predicts the first atheist president will be elected in the US. Check out Juhem’s newsletter, Secular Politics: https://secularpolitics.substack.com/ And Juhem’s latest article in Interfaith America: https://www.interfaithamerica.org/tamales-secular-candlemas/ Follow Nathan on Twitter: https://twitter.com/NathGAlexander Nathan’s website: https://www.nathangalexander.com/ If you find the podcast valuable and want to support it, check out our Patreon page, where you will also find bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/beyond_atheism We are grateful for every contribution. Beyond Atheism is produced and distributed by Atheists United Studios: https://www.atheistsunited.org/au-studios

In this episode, we have a far-ranging talk with M L Clark, a writer of humanist essays and speculative fiction. We find out why M L moved from Canada to Colombia and how first-hand experience in a new culture shapes, informs, and models the actual practice of global humanism. Along the way, we talk about the political imagination, how to respond when someone wishes God to bless you, and how to develop media literacy in the age of mis- and disinformation. In the lightning round, we learn whether a “true global humanist” can believe people are fundamentally good. In the bonus section, available exclusively to supporters on Patreon, we talk about whether we’ve made any progress toward a better world. M L also tells us the best and worst things about living in Colombia. Check out M L’s Substack: https://mlclark.substack.com/ Follow Nathan on Twitter: https://twitter.com/NathGAlexander Nathan’s website: https://www.nathangalexander.com/ If you find the podcast valuable and want to support it, check out our Patreon page, where you will also find bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/beyond_atheism We are grateful for every contribution. Beyond Atheism is produced and distributed by Atheists United Studios: https://www.atheistsunited.org/au-studios