Since announcing that I will no longer be recording podcasts in the near future, a number of fans have asked if TGA will be shut down or closed. While I don’t plan on recording NEW podcasts, I would like to take some time to re-master my old work, piece together my favorite posts over the years, and find bloopers and gems that never made it to the shows.

The whole reason I started the podcast in the first place was to write my book. Over the years, my focus on the show took all the time and energy I wanted to devote to the book and put it elsewhere. This is my chance, now, to try and finish it. I’m enjoying doing the research for “Bible Stories”, which is the subject and title I’ve settled with. You guys seemed to flip out over those, so why not give you what you want?

There’s been some talk among the hard-core fanbase of changing TGA into a forum site in my absence. I like the idea, but would remind everyone that it would require some serious dedication from people who like the show. As one commentor put it, it’s the ATTITUDE of TGA that they will miss. Well, although I’ve cultivated this attitude for a number of years, I don’t own it.

I’ll be recording another 5 shows before hanging up the gloves, including a last mailbag episode where I promise to answer all your questions. I’ll be leaving on a high note. My biggest fear was continuing to do the podcast while working and having to witness the quality go down. I just couldn’t live with myself if I started producing crappy shows.

Spread the outrage

It was a valiant effort, folks. I tried, hard as I might, to make a living spreading the “gospel’ of atheism, but in the end, I failed. It took me a little while to realize just how desperate the situation had become, but my failure to secure even the most modest of loans served as a cold reminder that outside of my tiny group of supporters, there is no recognizable value in what I do.

Part of me is honestly resentful of the scene. Were I some religious no-name douche-bag, my coffers would be overflowing with monies. Religious people might be gullible, but they are also aware of the importance of spreading their message, and the cost involved in doing so. For them, the idea of stretching their budget to accommodate their local pastor is just something they do. This dedication and generosity is in large part the reason why religions continue to spread and prosper. As atheists, we have no such dedication.

In many regards, my life is one of a “pastor”, in that the skills I have spent years crafting have no real importance in the 9-5 world. When a priest leaves his profession, he enters a world where his ability to sway the masses is essentially worthless. It’s why so many who have already lost their faith continue to preach the “good news” in order to pay their mortgage and put food on the table. In a way, my situation is similar. After spending years studying, researching and promoting my program, my isolation from the corporate world has lowered my stock. I’m at the bottom of the ladder, and that’s a terrifying prospect.

My eventual return to the working world spells the death of The Good Atheist. While I don’t doubt that the odd podcast may appear, I must now dedicate 100% of my effort to ensure my continued survival, leaving little time to contemplate matters of life, the universe, and the absurdity of existence. I stand defeated, and must now resolve myself to the fate that awaits me in the work-a-day world.

I would like to thank all the fans who have supported us over the years. The hard-core fans, in particular, helped to keep the show afloat for all these years. The tiny raft, set adrift in a sea of uncertainty, faced little chance of success. I’m grateful for all the wonderful messages I’ve received over the years from fans who expressed their love of the show. They were all touching, and I shall treasure them for as long as I live. I leave you in the capable hands of my fellow atheists, who will continue to fight the good fight.

Spread the outrage

This week, we discuss the recent loss of Christopher Hitchens and Susan Jacoby’s recent article about the challenges facing atheists. I also share some exciting news about the future.

Spread the outrage

Standard Podcast [ 52:51 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

It’s finally upon us, folks! A date that dumb people are convinced will bring upon the end of the earth, and everything we care about.Since I’m not too nervous about it, I’ll wish you all a Happy New year instead!

Oh, and podcasts and posting goes back to normal starting tomorrow. Now there’s a bit of good news.

Spread the outrage

The New Tithe from Justin Wilson on Vimeo.

Man, there are days when I feel like I’m in the wrong profession. My religious counterparts swim in money while I continue to struggle for my existence. Are religious people more generous? Do they think their causes are more important than ours? When will we start seriously supporting secular organizations the way religious people support theirs? Not being a religion, I have to file my taxes and pay the government what little I have while these rich pastors enjoy tax free monies.

There are a few TGA fans that occasionally give more than the minimum. It’s because of these people that TGA still exists (the amount I charge for shows will not become profitable until the podcast grows to roughly 3 times its current size). So, thanks all of you that have helped keep this operation afloat. If this video makes you feel generous, you are aware that there is a donate button, right?

Spread the outrage