American Atheists Convention 2019

TPPP Episode 88 : Mr. Smith Goes to Podunk

Welcome to another episode of The Podunk Polymath Podcast! On this installment of everyone’s favorite Southern podcast, I speak with newly minted friend Lyman Smith. We first talk about our meeting, along with his lovely fiancé and friend of the show Natalie Newell, at the American Atheists Convention 2019 in Cincinnati, and our experiences at the convention, including how his Backpack Old Fashioned becoming the Official Drink of the American Atheists Convention 2019.

We then talk about his approach to parenting as an atheist and freethinker. He mentions the importance of teaching his son empathy and kindness, as well as being honest and forthright when answering difficult questions, including those pertaining to the existence of God. Lyman is a great guy, and this was an enlightening conversation. Hopefully any current or prospective parents who are listening will gain some insight from this interview.

Download the show here.

Lyman Smith on Twitter

TPPP Episode 87 : Snap Reunion

Welcome to another episode of The Podunk Polymath Podcast! This week, I speak about my experiences at the American Atheists Convention 2019. Spoiler alert : It was pretty badass!

For the palaver, I facilitated a reunion between Amy, current host of The Ginger Snaps, and Nadya, former co-host of the selfsame show. We had some technical issues in the beginning, but we finally got Nadya in on the fun. We talked about the current state of the podcast, me Nadya explaining why she had to leave the show, and some general topics as well as camaraderie. I was so glad to be able to speak with both of them again. It warmed the cockles of my black heart!

Download the show here.

The Ginger Snaps Podcast

The Ginger Snaps on Facebook

The Ginger Snaps on Twitter

TPPP Episode 86 : Life After God

Thanks once again for joining me on the show that your mother warned you about : The Podunk Polymath Podcast! This week, I speak to activist, podcast host, humanist chaplain, speaker, and National Organizing Manager for Secular Student Alliance Ryan Bell. As a minister Ryan decided to go a year without God, and became an atheist as result. He kept a blog about his experience, and he has spoken many times about his experience. He also has a podcast named Life After God, as well a website, both of which he uses to talk about and help those coming out of religion. He is also a social justice advocate who is not shy about speaking his mind about those issues he feels strongly about. We talked about his journey to atheism, his a activism, and his podcast. We then get into the reluctance of some in the atheist community to speak about social justice. Somehow we end up talking about politics and the shitshow that is the Trump Administration. I really enjoyed our conversation, and I think you will too.

Download the show here.

Life After God

Ryan Bell’s Page

Secular Student Alliance

TPPP Episode 85 : Living with Mental Illness

Welcome to another episode of The Triple Po! This week I have on my friend Brigid Fitch from Holy CRAP The VlogCast. We kick things off by talking the upcoming American Atheists Convention in Cincinnati which we will both be attending.

We then get into the more serious discussion about her struggles with mental illness, including PTSD and bipolar disorder. We also talk about how resources are sparse for the treatment in the US, including the prohibitive costs for medications and treatment, as well as the utter lack of financial assistance for those who can’t afford these vital treatments. Lastly, we speak about the stigma around mental illness still prevalent in this country which is a further impediment towards recognizing mental illness as a critical issue in the US. Some of the things we speak about in this episode may be triggering, so please take that into consideration before listening.

Download the show here.

National Alliance on Mental Illness

The Secular Therapy Project

Brigid Fitch on Facebook

Brigid Fitch’s Blog