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TGA Podcast: Episode 316

Jacob Fortin — Mon, 10 Jun 2013 14:54:09 +0000

Due to popular demand, this episode of The Good Atheist Podcast is another Bible Stories to whet your appetite about the upcoming book. My guest host, Tom Badger, was kind enough to come on the show to discuss the Book of Job, and have a brief conversation about why I hate J. J. Abrams and what he did to my beloved Universe. Forty-five minutes of goodness you won’t want to miss.

TGA Podcast: Episode 315

Jacob Fortin — Thu, 02 May 2013 21:19:14 +0000

This week, my special guest is Jonny Scaramanga, a talented young musician from England who is one of the finalists in my ‘Next Generation’ of Good Atheists (or T-Gang for short). If you liked him on the show, please be sure to voice your support so he can become a full time participant!

Video of Jonny as a young child defending creationism: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KoQmfgK4oOw
His blog about leaving fundamentalism: http://leavingfundamentalism.wordpress.com/

TGA Podcast: Episode 314

Jacob Fortin — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 14:20:21 +0000

This week, my guest is activist AJ Johnson, who has started a new business called “Be Secular”. She joins me as we talk of transitioning from activism to business, and why the new generation of unbelievers need to pick up where we left off. Don’t miss this one!

For those of you wanting to visit her site, here are the links:

Main site: http://www.besecular.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/besecular
Facebook Fanpage: https://www.facebook.com/besecularbracelets

TGA Podcast: Episode 313

Jacob Fortin — Tue, 02 Apr 2013 18:51:55 +0000

This week, a shocking announcement as The Good Atheist hangs up his hat, and also takes the time to discuss some of the challenges of the future.

TGA Podcast: Episode 312

Jacob Fortin — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 15:03:04 +0000

This week, my special guest is author Bridget Gaudette, who joins me to talk about her important upcoming book Grieving for the Living: Effects of Disownment in Adulthood. As I mentioned on the show, there’s only a few more days to support her Kickstarter project, so if you’re feeling generous, please don’t hesitate to donate!

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1433423258/grieving-for-the-living
http://grievingfortheliving.com/

TGA Podcast: Episode 311

Jacob Fortin — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 14:49:32 +0000

This week, part 2 of our “History of Scientology” podcast. Ryan joins me as we talk about Miscaviage’s weird obsessions, Cardinal Cruise and his helm of Charisma, and why Indiana Jones is a murderer.

- 62 of 157 reported zero book sales
- Website by Mike Rinder criticizing the pyramid scheme of Orgs
- Scientology members leaving because of pressure of over-regging (over taxing)
- The incredible amount of waste that results in poor renovation, use of unskilled labor, and unpaid contractors
- The perfect synergy of Cruise as a pitchman for a Hollywood cult of celebrity
- Tom Cruise was thirsty for religious experience. Energetic, and exuberant to the point of naiveté, Miscaviage enjoys the cool factor Cruise gives him, but also enjoys the humiliating details of the actor’s sex life, something he uses to feel superior
- Miscaviage is not particularly educated, and seems to react violently to criticism. He may believe that the Org program is working, even though they are taxing their members to the breaking point, holding 8 hour fundraising sessions, several times a year to pay for renovations

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PKazxeh-O3o
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=alLZWxkDf30
http://idleorgs.com/page/3/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mike_Rinder

TGA Podcast: Episode 310

Jacob Fortin — Tue, 12 Mar 2013 20:46:48 +0000

This week, Ryan joins me for a very special 2 part episode about Scientology. First up, we discuss the early history of the church, some of its scandals, and the way it operates. We also discuss what the different elements of a cult are, and I try to break Scientology down with it. Don’t miss this one!

TGA Podcast: Episode 309

Jacob Fortin — Thu, 21 Feb 2013 14:12:57 +0000

This week, we “pontificate” on the Pope’s replacement, and we also talk about the new HBO documentary “Mea Maxima Culpa“, on the sexual abuse of children at the hands of the Catholic Church, and the cover-up by the Vatican. The movie is available for free here for a limited time, so be sure to watch it!

TGA Podcast: Episode 308

Jacob Fortin — Wed, 13 Feb 2013 15:33:02 +0000

This week, Ryan and I break the big announcement from the Vatican, and speculate as to why the Pope is running home with his tail between his legs. With things at TGA slowly starting to get back to normal (whatever that is), we’ve got a big show for you at over an hour. Enjoy!

For those of you interested in becoming one of the 300, please upgrade your account and let me know what number you would like to have!

TGA Podcast: Episode 307

Jacob Fortin — Thu, 07 Feb 2013 17:16:06 +0000

This week, I recorded a short show with Ryan, a sort of off-the-cuff show on a huge variety of topics, ranging from the economy to right wing terrorism. We’re wrapping up the DVD this week, which explains the short show, but things will be back to normal next week.

TGA Podcast: Episode 306

Jacob Fortin — Mon, 28 Jan 2013 18:04:13 +0000

This week, a sad announcement about Carisa and me, but also a new hope for the future among this heartbreak: the announcement of ‘The 300′, a group I’m creating to finally bring solvency to TGA, and ensure the growth of a full fledged organisation. Interested people can email me or leave comments on the site, or on Facebook. You can also nab a hard-core membership now:

NOTE: FAN ONLY SHOW

TGA Podcast: Episode 305

Jacob Fortin — Sat, 19 Jan 2013 22:18:51 +0000

This week, I interview Josh Sobel, who is trying to fund an interesting and exciting Kickstarter project. Please, go to the site and donate any amount you can. Let’s help our fellow atheists achieve their very reasonable goals!

Kickstarter Project [1]

Booklet “Be Rational” [2]

[1] http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/joshsobel/the-animated-freethought-project
[2] http://www.mediafire.com/?t8292f992oabtc8

TGA Podcast: Episode 304

Jacob Fortin — Wed, 16 Jan 2013 19:01:51 +0000

This week, my guest is veteran activist Margaret Downey, who shares her ‘deconversion’ story, her fight with the Boy Scouts of America, and her recent projects. After this interview, you may want her to adopt you!

Margaret Downey

- Freethought Society President [1]
- Founder of the Thomas Paine Memorial Committee [2]
- Margaret Downey Fanpage [3]
- Video of her Thomas Paine presentation in schools [4]

[1]http://www.ftsociety.org/tag/margaret-downey/
[2]http://www.ftsociety.org/menu/thomas-paine-memorial-committee/
[3]http://www.margaretdowney.com/
[4]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zi_y35-dPVs

TGA Podcast: Episode 303

Jacob Fortin — Fri, 11 Jan 2013 22:32:40 +0000

After building a makeshift recording setup, I was able to interview Professor of Native Archeology Dean R. Snow to talk about the legend of the Great Peacemaker, the structure of Native society, and how things might have played out differently if not for the European Invasion.

NOTES:

Dr. Dean R. Snow, Professor of Archeology at Penn State. Author of “Archeology of North America”,

Difficulty finding reliable material on the subject that wasn’t marred by attempts to mythologize and aggrandize Native History. Is that fair?.

Part 1: The Great Peacemaker

An attempt is made on his life, by a family relative at a young age

He is persecuted by his own people who do not understand him.

Claims to be speaking on behalf of a greater power to establish new laws and ensure a new peace after a time of strife.

In order to prove his claim, he performs a series of superhuman feats.

Was there an element of Native society that in fact precipitated the spread of illness? Were longhouses inadequate to the task of natural quarantine barriers?

The meaning of Hiawatha or Hayonwhatha, Ha-yon-wha-tha, is “he who seeks his lost mind and knows where to find it,” or possibly a more spiritual rendering might be “he who seeks his ideal and knows where to realize it.”

The Great Peace seems to coincide with Samuel de Champlain’s arrival and subsequent war with the Natives. Was this a civilizing pressure? And external threat they could rally around?

Dr. Snow’s Books:
1. Archeology of Native North America[1]
2. The Iroquois (Peoples of America)[2]

[1]http://www.amazon.com/Archaeology-Native-North-America-Dean/dp/013615686X/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1357943004&sr=1-2
[2] http://www.amazon.com/Iroquois-Peoples-America-Dean-Snow/dp/1557869383

TGA Podcast: Episode 302

Jacob Fortin — Thu, 03 Jan 2013 17:01:34 +0000

This week, my audio setup is totally messed, but that didn’t stop Jeff and me from trying to record a show anyways. WARNING: the sound quality is extremely low, but I thought this would be better than nothing. Enjoy this throw away show!

TGA Podcast: Episode 301

Jacob Fortin — Thu, 20 Dec 2012 22:49:44 +0000

This week, I offer my list of the 11 worst quotes from public figures regarding the politicisation of the Sandy Hook killings. Also on the show, we contemplate the future, how justice in America has two tiers, and what are some of the causes of these types of mass murders.

TGA Podcast: Episode 300

Jacob Fortin — Mon, 03 Dec 2012 22:07:03 +0000

This is it folks! The 300th Episode of The Good Atheist Podcast. Ryan joins me as we reminisce about the long history of both our websites, and give you a tour through time. Now, if you’re confused as to why the last episode was 199 1/2, be sure to listen and your questions will be answered.

For those of you who want to leave a question in the comments for the DVD, please do so, and you could win a TGA cup!

TGA Podcast: Episode 199 1/2

Jacob Fortin — Thu, 22 Nov 2012 22:22:45 +0000

This week, my special guest is Vyckie Garrisson, founder of “No Longer Quivering“, a movement aimed at helping victims of spiritual abuse. She joins me to talk about her past in the movement, the challenges facing women in the atheism scene, and so much more.

TGA Podcast: Episode 199

Jacob Fortin — Tue, 20 Nov 2012 15:54:57 +0000

This week, Ryan joins me for a general news show, where we discuss the death of Savita Halappanavar, who was denied a life saving abortion because of Catholic superstition. Also on the show, the FFRF sues the IRS for failing to uphold its own laws, and Italians finally want to tax the Vatican. Come get your fix!

- Ireland top 10 atheist countries [1]:
-Young woman dies in irish hospital after being denied abortion [2]
- Irish PM doesn’t want to be rushed into changing abortion law [3]
- FFRF sues IRS for failing to uphold law [4]
- Help support the site [5]

[1] http://www.irishcentral.com/news/Ireland-losing-its-religion—among-top-ten-atheist-countries-166870236.html
[2] http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-20401081
[3] http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/11/16/us-ireland-abortion-idUSBRE8AD1QD20121116
[4] http://www.thenewamerican.com/culture/faith-and-morals/item/13687-atheists-sue-irs-for-failure-to-prosecute-churches-christian-groups

[5] http://www.thegoodatheist.net/upgrade-today/

TGA Podcast: Episode 198

Jacob Fortin — Wed, 14 Nov 2012 16:14:17 +0000

This week, my special guest is author, linguist, and podcaster Karen Stollznow. On the show, we discuss the dangers of faith healing and other dangerous pseudoscience, her upcoming books, and some of the more hilarious bunk beliefs. Come and get your fix, people.

Notes for the show:
- Tam Talk: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=woViCFeDFcU
- Website: http://www.karenstollznow.com
- Monster Talk podcast: http://www.skeptic.com/podcasts/monstertalk/
- JREF Swift blog: http://www.randi.org/site/
- Good Word (formerly The Naked Skeptic) column for CSI:http://www.csicop.org/specialarticles/archive/category/the_good_word
- Bad Language column for Skeptic magazine: http://www.skeptic.com/magazine/
- Twitter Feed:@karenstollznow

TGA Podcast: Episode 197

Jacob Fortin — Mon, 12 Nov 2012 00:08:11 +0000

This week, I offer you guys a sneak peek at my upcoming “The Essentials DVD” by featuring an interview with yours truly. I talk about the early beginnings of The Good Atheist, my book, and my relationship with Carisa. It’s a must have for any true fan of the show! It’s even encoded in higher quality for your audio pleasure. Enjoy.

[Notes will be made available on the DVD at a later time]

TGA Podcast: Episode 196

Jacob Fortin — Mon, 29 Oct 2012 17:43:09 +0000

This week, my special guest is Dr. Andy Thomson, author of the book Why We Believe in Gods, and a psychiatrist with his own private practice in Charlottesville, VA. When he’s not also teaching students at the University of Virginia, he’s also a forensic psychiatrist and writes on evolutionary psychology. We talk about his book, Lee Harvey Oswald and the JFK conspiracy, and the future of psychology. Don’t miss out!

SHOW NOTES

Andy Thomson Videos

- Why We believe in Gods [1]
- Imagine No religion two [2]

JFK Conspiracy books

- Reclaiming History: The Assassination of an American President [3]
- Case Closed [4]
- Oswald’s Tale: An American Mystery [5]
- Marina And Lee [6]

[1] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jnXmDaI8IEo
[2] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HJj1qu65T1Y
[3] http://www.amazon.com/Reclaiming-History-Assassination-President-Kennedy/dp/0393045250
[4] http://www.amazon.com/Case-Closed-Gerald-Posner/dp/1400034620
[5] http://www.amazon.com/Oswalds-Tale-An-American-Mystery/dp/0345404378
[6] http://books.google.ca/books/about/Marina_and_Lee.html?id=AiEaAAAAYAAJ&redir_esc=y

TGA Podcast: Episode 195

Jacob Fortin — Mon, 22 Oct 2012 15:51:28 +0000

This week, my guest is fellow podcaster Geroge Hrab of the Geologic Podcast. We discuss the pros and cons of Internet stardom, Why Iron Man is better than Batman, and how we can change our image among believers. Come and get your fix!

TGA Podcast: Episode 194

Jacob Fortin — Wed, 17 Oct 2012 20:05:48 +0000

This week, part 2 of our Bible Stories Book of Samuel, featuring David, his bromance with Jonathan, the fight with Goliath, and King Saul tries to kill him. Come and get your fix!

TGA Podcast: Episode 193

Jacob Fortin — Mon, 15 Oct 2012 23:45:48 +0000

This week, we confront my ‘Ageism’ and discuss ‘generational theory’ and why the world is as crappy as it is. Plus, more on the Tea Party and who comprises their ranks. It’s a must for any political junkie.

SHOW NOTES

Introduction: Lecture on Tea Party by Prof. Theda Skocpol lecture at Oxford:[5]

1980-2000 – Millennials or Generation Y
1965-1979 – Generation X
1946-1964 – Baby Boom
1925-1945 – Silent Generation
1900-1924 – G.I. Generation

What are generational differences dependent on? What factors influence generations?
First, members of a generation share what the authors call an age location in history: they encounter key historical events and social trends while occupying the same phase of life.[3]

Generations tend to go through cycles
- High: Period of strong institutions but weak individualism. Things get comfortable, but people begin to tire of such strong social obligations and the stifling of creativity and expression
- Awakening: Period when institutions are questioned. Boomers make up this demographic. Individualism is strong, (sometimes referred to as summer).
- Unraveling: Institutions are weak, distrusted, (Reagan era of individualism, ‘small government’). This is the generation, shortly after the boomers, which have now come of ‘voting age’. This generation leads inevitably to
- Crisis: (My generation) Institutional life is rebuilt, stock market crash, the 2008 market crash all happened in Crisis eras. These are moments that redefine national identities (perhaps global identities with the coming of the Internet. Rising civic engagement, (winter).

In these times, Archetypes appear -

Prophets: come of age as self-absorbed young crusaders of an Awakening, focus on morals and principles in midlife, and emerge as elders guiding another Crisis

Nomads: born during an Awakening, a time of social ideals and spiritual agendas, when young adults are passionately attacking the established institutional order. These were shrewd realists who preferred individualistic, pragmatic solutions to problems.

Heroes: Tend to be more militaristic, strong political leaders. They are overly confident, having grown up as cocky young adults during a time of crisis. This tends to shape them into leaders.

Artistic: The strong, political overbearingness makes the previous generation more prone to compromise and pragmatism.

Prophet Nomad Hero Artist
High Childhood Elderhood Midlife Young Adult
Awakening Young Adult Childhood Elderhood Midlife
Unraveling Midlife Young Adult Childhood Elderhood
Crisis Elderhood Midlife Young Adult Childhood

We share more in common with the old. Hence, now the fashion of our grandfathers become present day affectations. What is old is fresh again. We reject those values of the midlife of our parents, cling to those of our grandparents instead, but influenced by the different phases.

Voting Statistics

Age Size Voters Percent
18-20 11.7 m 2.05m (17%)
20-24 15.6m 4m (24%)
25-34 41.2m 12.85m (31%)
35-44 39.9m 17.19m (43.1%)
45-65 80m 43.9m (54.4%)
65-99 39m 23.7m (60.4%)

If Generational theory is correct, that would mean 66 million people are 55 or older

Voting and registration rates tend to increase with age. In the United States in 2010, only 21 percent of 18 to 24 year old citizens voted, compared with 61 percent of those 65 and older.

Many Generation Xers came of age during the Reagan-Bush years (1980 to 1992) or the ‘Republican Revolution’ marked by the 1994 midterm elections. Today’s Generation Y has reached maturity in a time period largely marked by the administration of George W. Bush, and certainly for many the nascent Obama administration is a major formative factor in their political orientation.[1]

Perhaps the most striking change since 2004 has come among voters born between 1956 and 1976 — the members of Generation X and the later Baby Boomers. People in this age group tended to be more Republican during the 1990s, and the GOP still maintained a slight edge in partisan affiliation among Gen X and the late boomers in 2004 (47% identified with or leaned toward the GOP while 44% described themselves as Democrats or leaned Democratic).[2]

Among racial demographics, Asians have the worse voting record (30%), as did Hispanics (31%)

I hate the 33-47 year old Generation (Gen X) and The Silent (who share both politically conservative views, and who are now overwhelming voting majorities. Their combined voting strength will undoubtedly lead to a crisis.

Americans who tend to have more income, slightly more educated than average, and of 65- years and older increasingly dissatisfied with these institutions that they nevertheless have benefitted from, considering their wealth.

Coddled children of the Post War high and the coddled children of hippies who went the other spectrum politically.

Misc:
- Cool Pumpkin carvings [6] [7]
- Very unemployed people less likely to get work [8]

[1] http://www.gallup.com/poll/118285/democrats-best-among-generation-baby-boomers.aspx
[2] http://pewresearch.org/pubs/813/gen-dems
[3] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Strauss-Howe_generational_theory#Defining_a_generation
[4] http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Uspop.svg&page=1
[5] http://podcasts.ox.ac.uk/tea-party-and-remaking-republican-conservatism-audio
[6] http://www.examiner.com/slideshow/ray-villafane-s-pumpkins?cid=PROG-redesign-bottom-dontmiss-2-Slideshow-RayVillafanesPumpkins101212#slide=54003821
[7] http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.examiner.com%2Fslideshow%2Fray-villafane-s-pumpkins%3Fcid%3DPROG-redesign-bottom-dontmiss-2-Slideshow-RayVillafanesPumpkins101212%23slide%3D54003821&h=9AQGlbt8I
[8] http://jaredbernsteinblog.com/without-work-work-based-welfare-does-not-fare-well/