The Atheist Experience Podcast By The Atheist Community of Austin cover art

The Atheist Experience

The Atheist Experience

By: The Atheist Community of Austin
Listen for free

About this listen

 The Atheist Experience is a weekly show in Austin, Texas geared at a non-atheist and atheist audience. The Atheist Experience is produced by the Atheist Community of Austin.

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

We define atheism as the lack of belief in gods. This definition also encompasses what most people call agnosticism.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-atheist-experience--3254896/support.®2024 The Atheist Community of Austin Economics Management Management & Leadership Spirituality
Episodes
  • The Atheist Experience 29.27 with Forrest Valkai and Jim Barrow

    The Atheist Experience 29.27 with Forrest Valkai and Jim Barrow
    Jul 7 2025
    In today’s episode of The Atheist Experience, Forrest Valkai and Jim Barrows dive into heated discussions surrounding the definition of God, the complexities of biblical morality, and the human search for purpose, challenging callers on logical consistency and the practical implications of their beliefs.

    Will in the UK claims that if God isn't real, nothing is, defining God as "that which has authority of all things" and later equating it to "truth" or "objective reality." Hosts challenge the idea of "truth" having "authority" or "governance," pointing out the vagueness and the caller's confusion between a map and the territory. Can an abstract concept dictate reality?

    Patrick in "Flying Lemurs" (FL) suggests atheists can't go wrong by following Jesus' command to love one another, referencing 1 Corinthians. Hosts question the practical application of this vague definition of love, asking if kindness can sometimes be impatient. Why should one rely on a book that also condones slavery and genocide for moral guidance?

    Watcher 215 asks about "information" in biology, hinting at Stephen Meyer's intelligent design argument. Hosts dismantle Meyer's flawed definition of information, explaining that random processes can produce information and arguing that DNA, if designed, is "horribly bad." They also highlight the logical contradiction in God simultaneously keeping and not keeping a record of wrongs.

    Mike in "Scuttling Crabs" (SC) disagrees with Jim's interpretation of "love is not proud" from 1 Corinthians. Hosts reiterate the biblical verse's vagueness, arguing it's uselessly general for practical life. They also critique the King James Version for deliberately misrepresenting words like "slave" as "servant," questioning the Bible's reliability as a moral guide.

    Joshua in Arizona asks if we need God to be moral, leading to a discussion on the problem of evil and God's condonation of slavery and genocide in the Bible. Hosts press Joshua on how an "all-good, all-powerful, all-knowing" God can exist in a world with immense suffering, suggesting such a God is not worth worshipping.

    Owen in Canada questions how atheists find purpose without eternal life or intrinsic meaning. Hosts explain optimistic nihilism, where individuals create their own purpose, and attribute the drive to survive to evolution. They challenge the caller's argument from ignorance, asserting that personal meaning does not necessitate a divine source.

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


    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-atheist-experience--3254896/support.
    Show more Show less
    2 hrs and 1 min
  • The Atheist Experience 29.26 with The Cross Examiner and Jim Barrows

    The Atheist Experience 29.26 with The Cross Examiner and Jim Barrows
    Jun 30 2025
    Show notes will be posted upon receipt.

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-atheist-experience--3254896/support.
    Show more Show less
    1 hr and 54 mins
  • The Atheist Experience 29.25 with Jmike and Seth Andrews @TheThinkingAtheist (With Special Guest Godless Engineer)

    The Atheist Experience 29.25 with Jmike and Seth Andrews @TheThinkingAtheist (With Special Guest Godless Engineer)
    Jun 23 2025
    Welcome to The Atheist Experience 29.25 with Jmike and Seth Andrews @TheThinkingAtheist and Special Guest, Godless Engineer! This week, your hosts dive into some thought-provoking discussions about morality, belief, and the challenges of open dialogue.

    This episode kicks off with a powerful monologue about the very nature of good and evil, challenging the idea that everything, even atrocities, could be justified as part of a "greater good" or a consequence of free will. The segment questions the coherence of concepts like sin and atonement if all events are ultimately part of a divine plan. Guest host Seth Andrews then shares insights into his background and experience, including a look back at his past as a Christian radio broadcaster. He also reflects on the importance of extending grace to those with differing beliefs, advocating against demeaning or superior attitudes towards religious individuals.

    Drew from California calls in to discuss the challenges of managing temper and emotions when engaging with people who hold opposing views. The conversation explores a specific incident where a friend, despite knowing Drew's skeptical stance, sent him astrology content, leading to a breakdown in communication and a feeling of disrespect. The hosts and caller delve into the dynamics of setting and respecting personal boundaries in conversations about deeply held beliefs.

    Jim from Missouri raises questions about the resurrection story, presenting arguments that it is a complete fabrication. He challenges the traditional biblical narrative of Jesus's burial, positing that crucified individuals were typically left unburied or thrown into mass graves, rather than being placed in tombs. The discussion extends to the broader lack of contemporary historical evidence for Jesus's existence and the reliability of biblical accounts when proving biblical claims.

    A theist caller, Shabbaz, asks where atheists get their morals and why they often seem disrespectful or condescending. Seth answers the first part by explaining evolved ethics and pro-social behaviors as a basis for morality. The conversation then delves into Shabbaz's reasons for believing in Allah, including a "falsification test" from the Quran and supposed "scientific miracles" related to bees and honey. The hosts challenge these claims, questioning the criteria for such tests and highlighting historical knowledge that predates the Quran regarding honey and bee behavior. The discussion also unpacks why some atheists might express frustration or disrespect in such conversations, often stemming from repeated, vague arguments.

    Finally, John from New Hampshire calls in to discuss the historical existence of Jesus, prompting a nuanced conversation about what kind of evidence is sought for such claims. The hosts and caller explore the idea of a "minimal historical Jesus" and the challenges of relying on common names or biblical accounts for historical proof. The call culminates with the hosts sharing their own "pause moments" – instances where their beliefs were genuinely challenged, leading to deeper inquiry and a strengthening of their skeptical positions, including Jmike's pivotal experience with Flat Earth theory.

    Thank you for watching and listening to The Atheist Experience!

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-atheist-experience--3254896/support.
    Show more Show less
    1 hr and 56 mins
All stars
Most relevant  
The over-abundance of ads and their thoughtless placement makes this podcast unlistenable on this platform.

Great content

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
so glad this podcast is made, honestly i miss matthew dillahunty. but its still a very worthwhile listen. keep it up!

Ive never heard the perspective of an atheist until i heard this show

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
Matt and his team make so much sense and wakes you up to reality and facts.

I love this show

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
The people of the atheist experience have helped me question and think about my beliefs for over a year now thank you guys so much.

Fantastic show

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
I love that these guys don't use kid gloves on a subject that usually demands religious exceptions. Keep up the good work!

A new favorite podcast!

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
As an atheist, I often find the responses given by the host to be missing the heart of the questions presented; and giving responses that are so convoluted they seem to veer off into the stratosphere. I can't seem to get through more than a few minutes before I have to turn it off because it's so frustrating to listen to. Gave the 2 stars merely because I support anyone out there promoting atheism.

Frustrating to listen to

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.