A secular humanist podcast about Secular Grace after deconstruction and deconversion. The podcast takes an honest look at stories of faith transition from a life-altering faith, to doubt and deconstruction, to deconversion, and finally, to a thriving graceful life post-deconversion. My name is David, and I am trying to be the Graceful Atheist. Join me and be graceful human beings. https://gracefulatheist.com/ Support the podcast: https://www.patreon.com/gracefulatheist

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/10/6/17/3ed88504-b758-4623-940e-6dd5fac9b4c0_i-wonder.mp3

Matt Sanderson is the author of <a href="https://link.amazon/B0dtMgo6T" rel="nofollow">I Wonder: Notes on Spirituality without the Supernatural</a>. My conversation with Matt is poignant and vulnerable touching on his loss of faith, the loss of his mother and his search for meaning without dogma and the supernatural.Matt tells us his faith journey from an atheist upbringing into evangelical/charismatic Christianity, drawn by community and an intense prayer experience, then later unraveling beliefs after being challenged, doubling down, and gradually deconverting through wider reading (philosophy, neuroscience) without a dramatic exit. Matt explains the book began as an attempt to sort through accumulated ideas, intensified after his mother’s death and his reflections on grief without belief in an afterlife. He discusses religious experiences as common human phenomena (via William James), religion’s techniques for evoking awe, non-reductionism, meaning as created (influenced by Viktor Frankl), the value and challenges of secular community, and joy/comedy as truth-telling. He frames wonder as both questioning and awe.<h2>Links</h2><a href="https://mattsanderson.co.uk" rel="nofollow">https://mattsanderson.co.uk</a><a href="https://mattsanderson1.substack.com" rel="nofollow">https://mattsanderson1.substack.com</a>As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.<a href="https://link.amazon/B0dtMgo6T" rel="nofollow">I Wonder: Notes on Spirituality without the Supernatural</a>https://link.amazon/B0dtMgo6T<h2>Interact</h2>Show Noteshttps://gracefulatheist.com/2026/10/13/matt-sanderson-i-wonder/Join the<a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/deconversion" rel="nofollow"> Deconversion Anonymous Facebook group</a>!Support the podcastPatreon <a href="https://www.patreon.com/gracefulatheist" rel="nofollow">https://www.patreon.com/gracefulatheist</a>Paypal: <a href="https://paypal.me/gracefulatheist" rel="nofollow">paypal.me/gracefulatheist</a><a href="https://gracefulatheist.com/deconversion/" rel="nofollow">Deconversion</a><a href="https://gracefulatheist.com/2017/12/03/deconversion-how-to/" rel="nofollow">https://gracefulatheist.com/2017/12/03/deconversion-how-to/</a><a href="https://gracefulatheist.com/secular-grace/" rel="nofollow">Secular Grace</a><a href="https://gracefulatheist.com/2016/10/21/secular-grace/" rel="nofollow">https://gracefulatheist.com/2016/10/21/secular-grace/</a> Advertising Inquiries: <a href='https://redcircle.com/brands'>https://redcircle.com/brands</a> Privacy & Opt-Out: <a href='https://redcircle.com/privacy'>https://redcircle.com/privacy</a>

I Wonder

Matt Sanderson on Spirituality Without the Supernatural, Wonder, and Meaning After Faith

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/9/13/19/30724d75-dc6b-4d63-932c-3fb81c4f626c_stella-deliver-us-from-mother.mp3

Author Stella McCormick has written a powerful memoir, <a href="https://amzn.to/4yzxb0Y" rel="nofollow">Deliver Us From Mother: Faith, Fear, and the Family Cult That Broke Me</a>. The story she tells in the book and shares with us on the podcast is one of surviving a single family cult, purity culture, sexual assault and desconstruction.Stella is more than a survivor. She has thrived. Today she is a sexual assault advocate for the Army where she helps other victims of sexual assault process their experience.<h2>Links</h2>Stella on TikTokhttps://www.tiktok.com/@stella_mccormick<h3>Amazon Paid Links</h3>As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.Amazon Commissions Earned:<a href="https://amzn.to/4yzxb0Y" rel="nofollow">Deliver Us From Mother: Faith, Fear, and the Family Cult That Broke Me</a><a href="https://amzn.to/4yzxb0Y" rel="nofollow">https://amzn.to/4yzxb0Y</a><h2>Interact</h2>Show Noteshttps://gracefulatheist.com/2026/09/14/stella-mccormick-surviving-a-single-family-cult/Join the<a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/deconversion" rel="nofollow"> Deconversion Anonymous Facebook group</a>!Support the podcastPatreon <a href="https://www.patreon.com/gracefulatheist" rel="nofollow">https://www.patreon.com/gracefulatheist</a>Paypal: <a href="https://paypal.me/gracefulatheist" rel="nofollow">paypal.me/gracefulatheist</a><a href="https://gracefulatheist.com/deconversion/" rel="nofollow">Deconversion</a><a href="https://gracefulatheist.com/2017/12/03/deconversion-how-to/" rel="nofollow">https://gracefulatheist.com/2017/12/03/deconversion-how-to/</a><a href="https://gracefulatheist.com/secular-grace/" rel="nofollow">Secular Grace</a><a href="https://gracefulatheist.com/2016/10/21/secular-grace/" rel="nofollow">https://gracefulatheist.com/2016/10/21/secular-grace/</a> Advertising Inquiries: <a href='https://redcircle.com/brands'>https://redcircle.com/brands</a> Privacy & Opt-Out: <a href='https://redcircle.com/privacy'>https://redcircle.com/privacy</a>

Stella McCormick: Surviving a Single Family Cult

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/8/10/0/628d6813-6299-4a78-9323-d42ba0c456ae_clearly-written-by-boys.mp3

Karis Burkowski and ​David Fitzgerald have written an amazing book called <a href="https://amzn.to/4wf8NAk" rel="nofollow">Clearly Written by Boys: A Woman’s Guide to the Bible</a>. The book takes this question seriously:<blockquote>What if women mattered, really mattered, to the authors that wrote our Bible? Not just the queens and concubines, harlots and handmaidens, and barren women in need of a son’s miraculous birth; not just the unnamed mothers, wives and daughters; but all women?</blockquote><a href="https://amzn.to/4wf8NAk" rel="nofollow">Clearly Written for Boys</a> is a book about the Bible, and Christianity, and the problematic relationship both have had with women throughout their histories. Karis and David come from Christian backgrounds and are “cleaning up their own house.”Join me in hearing from these two amazing authors and the critical message they have about women in Biblical history and for women of today.<h2>Links</h2><a href="https://www.clearlywrittenbyboys.com/" rel="nofollow">https://www.clearlywrittenbyboys.com</a><h3>Amazon Paid Links</h3>As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.Amazon Commissions Earned:<a href="https://amzn.to/4wf8NAk" rel="nofollow">Clearly Written By Boys: A Women&#39;s Guide to the Bible</a><a href="https://amzn.to/4wf8NAk" rel="nofollow">https://amzn.to/4wf8NAk</a><h2>Interact</h2>Show Noteshttps://gracefulatheist.com/2026/07/20/steve-ghikadis-humanism-from-the-heart/Join the<a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/deconversion" rel="nofollow"> Deconversion Anonymous Facebook group</a>!Support the podcastPatreon <a href="https://www.patreon.com/gracefulatheist" rel="nofollow">https://www.patreon.com/gracefulatheist</a>Paypal: <a href="https://paypal.me/gracefulatheist" rel="nofollow">paypal.me/gracefulatheist</a><a href="https://gracefulatheist.com/deconversion/" rel="nofollow">Deconversion</a><a href="https://gracefulatheist.com/2017/12/03/deconversion-how-to/" rel="nofollow">https://gracefulatheist.com/2017/12/03/deconversion-how-to/</a><a href="https://gracefulatheist.com/secular-grace/" rel="nofollow">Secular Grace</a><a href="https://gracefulatheist.com/2016/10/21/secular-grace/" rel="nofollow">https://gracefulatheist.com/2016/10/21/secular-grace/</a> Advertising Inquiries: <a href='https://redcircle.com/brands'>https://redcircle.com/brands</a> Privacy & Opt-Out: <a href='https://redcircle.com/privacy'>https://redcircle.com/privacy</a>

Clearly Written By Boys

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/7/18/23/ece8ca37-a870-47a4-ac96-f0a54bfd4ce7_steve-ghikadis-humanism-from-the-heart.mp3

Steve Ghikadis is the author of <a href="https://amzn.to/3RLmMQ2" rel="nofollow">Humanism From the Heart: Building Bridges Beyond Belief</a>.Steve Ghikadis is a Humanist Officiant, who conducts secular marriages, memorials, and many more meaningful life-affirming celebrations.Raised as a freethinker, Steve has been married to a Christian for over a decade. He and his wife, Cindy, believe in the importance of bridging the gap between believers and non-believers. Their two young children are being raised in an interfaith household and are free to choose their own path.He serves as an Ambassador for Humanist Canada, Recovering from Religion, and Sunday Assembly.<h2>Links</h2>Website: <a href="https://steveghikadis.com" rel="nofollow">https://steveghikadis.com</a>Facebook profile:<a href="https://www.facebook.com/share/14bX5omASis/?mibextid=wwXIfr" rel="nofollow">https://www.facebook.com/share/14bX5omASis/?mibextid=wwXIfr</a><h3>Amazon Paid Links</h3>As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.Amazon #CommissionsEarned:<a href="https://amzn.to/3RLmMQ2" rel="nofollow">Humanism From the Heart: Building Bridges Beyond Belief</a><a href="https://amzn.to/3RLmMQ2" rel="nofollow">https://amzn.to/3RLmMQ2</a><h2>Interact</h2>Show Noteshttps://gracefulatheist.com/2026/07/20/steve-ghikadis-humanism-from-the-heart/Join the<a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/deconversion" rel="nofollow"> Deconversion Anonymous Facebook group</a>!Support the podcastPatreon <a href="https://www.patreon.com/gracefulatheist" rel="nofollow">https://www.patreon.com/gracefulatheist</a>Paypal: <a href="https://paypal.me/gracefulatheist" rel="nofollow">paypal.me/gracefulatheist</a><a href="https://gracefulatheist.com/deconversion/" rel="nofollow">Deconversion</a><a href="https://gracefulatheist.com/2017/12/03/deconversion-how-to/" rel="nofollow">https://gracefulatheist.com/2017/12/03/deconversion-how-to/</a><a href="https://gracefulatheist.com/secular-grace/" rel="nofollow">Secular Grace</a><a href="https://gracefulatheist.com/2016/10/21/secular-grace/" rel="nofollow">https://gracefulatheist.com/2016/10/21/secular-grace/</a> Advertising Inquiries: <a href='https://redcircle.com/brands'>https://redcircle.com/brands</a> Privacy & Opt-Out: <a href='https://redcircle.com/privacy'>https://redcircle.com/privacy</a>

Steve Ghikadis: Humanism From the Heart

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/6/27/17/3ec8c590-9792-4b6e-96d0-35acefb9b630_julia-deconstructing-jws-and-suburbia.mp3

Julia tells her story of deconstructing the Jehovah&#39;s Witnesses and the expected life of suburbia.Julia was torn between two grandmothers: an evangelical and a Jehovah&#39;s Witness. She became a Jehovah&#39;s Witness and was all in. She got married and had kids and supported her husband who was an elder. That is when the boredom set it. She wanted more, she wanted to travel and be a need-greater. Before they were to leave to Ecuador, her husband tragically died of cancer refusing blood transfusions along the way.Julia&#39;s life became messy as she started a long process of deconstruction. This included low-lights like having her children tell on her to the elders. And highlights going out on her own to travel and meet people&#39;s needs with out dogma.Today Julia is free. She kayaks, bikes and travels internationally. She says &#34;I wake up every day thinking, &#39;I love this world, and I love this life.&#39;&#34;<h2>Interact</h2>Show Noteshttps://gracefulatheist.com/2026/06/29/julia-deconstructing-jws-and-suburbia/Join the<a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/deconversion" rel="nofollow"> Deconversion Anonymous Facebook group</a>!Support the podcastPatreon <a href="https://www.patreon.com/gracefulatheist" rel="nofollow">https://www.patreon.com/gracefulatheist</a>Paypal: <a href="https://paypal.me/gracefulatheist" rel="nofollow">paypal.me/gracefulatheist</a><a href="https://gracefulatheist.com/deconversion/" rel="nofollow">Deconversion</a><a href="https://gracefulatheist.com/2017/12/03/deconversion-how-to/" rel="nofollow">https://gracefulatheist.com/2017/12/03/deconversion-how-to/</a><a href="https://gracefulatheist.com/secular-grace/" rel="nofollow">Secular Grace</a><a href="https://gracefulatheist.com/2016/10/21/secular-grace/" rel="nofollow">https://gracefulatheist.com/2016/10/21/secular-grace/</a> Advertising Inquiries: <a href='https://redcircle.com/brands'>https://redcircle.com/brands</a> Privacy & Opt-Out: <a href='https://redcircle.com/privacy'>https://redcircle.com/privacy</a>

Julia: Deconstructing JWs and Suburbia

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/6/7/22/61ce2b66-cd12-4703-9d4f-b2dbc5ef5693_humanism-and-ai.mp3

<h1>The Consciousness Delusion</h1>In this solo episode I discuss Artificial Intelligence. Should we agree with Richard Dawkins that Claude is conscious? Probably not, for several reasons. I talk about how LLMs work, why I don&#39;t think they are conscious and how a humanist should respond.Topics:<ul><li>(Semi) Technical description of how Large Language Models work</li><li>LLMs are trained on the sum total of human hopes and fears</li><li>Why all the intelligence in AI systems is from human sources</li><li>Why I do not believe LLMs can be conscious in principle</li><li>The Hype problem</li><li>The Humanistic response to AI</li></ul><h2>Links</h2>Show noteshttps://gracefulatheist.com/2026/06/07/humanism-and-ai/Here are several source material links from my research for this episode:<ul><li>When Dawkins met Claude Could this AI be conscious?</li><li><a href="https://unherd.com/2026/05/is-ai-the-next-phase-of-evolution/?edition=us" rel="nofollow">https://unherd.com/2026/05/is-ai-the-next-phase-of-evolution/?edition=us</a></li><li>ELIZA and the missing secretary</li><li><a href="https://theconversation.com/my-search-for-the-mysterious-missing-secretary-who-shaped-chatbot-history-225602" rel="nofollow">https://theconversation.com/my-search-for-the-mysterious-missing-secretary-who-shaped-chatbot-history-225602</a></li><li>Alan Turing and the Turing test</li><li><a href="https://academic.oup.com/mind/article/LIX/236/433/986238?login=false" rel="nofollow">https://academic.oup.com/mind/article/LIX/236/433/986238?login=false</a></li><li>Metaphors for how the brain works</li><li><a href="https://mechanism.ucsd.edu/bill/teaching/w14/phil151/metaphorsandconceptionsofbrain.pdf" rel="nofollow">https://mechanism.ucsd.edu/bill/teaching/w14/phil151/metaphorsandconceptionsofbrain.pdf</a></li><li>Alison Gopnik on Sean Carroll’s pdocast</li><li><a href="https://www.preposterousuniverse.com/podcast/2025/03/17/308-alison-gopnik-on-children-ai-and-modes-of-thinking/" rel="nofollow">https://www.preposterousuniverse.com/podcast/2025/03/17/308-alison-gopnik-on-children-ai-and-modes-of-thinking/</a></li><li>Neil deGrasse Tyson on the Late Show with Steven Colbert</li><li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Qon72VKH30" rel="nofollow">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Qon72VKH30</a></li><li>AI as normal technology</li><li><a href="https://knightcolumbia.org/content/ai-as-normal-technology" rel="nofollow">https://knightcolumbia.org/content/ai-as-normal-technology</a></li></ul>Counter points to my argumetns on LLMs:<ul><li>Are LLMs conscious?</li><li>https://preposterousuniverse.com/podcast/2026/08/10/363-chandra-sripada-on-how-llms-and-humans-are-cognitive-cousins/</li><li>Do LLMs plan?</li><li>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=locKEKxG3os</li></ul><h2>Interact</h2>Join the<a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/deconversion" rel="nofollow"> Deconversion Anonymous Facebook group</a>!Support the podcastPatreon <a href="https://www.patreon.com/gracefulatheist" rel="nofollow">https://www.patreon.com/gracefulatheist</a>Paypal: <a href="https://paypal.me/gracefulatheist" rel="nofollow">paypal.me/gracefulatheist</a><a href="https://gracefulatheist.com/deconversion/" rel="nofollow">Deconversion</a><a href="https://gracefulatheist.com/2017/12/03/deconversion-how-to/" rel="nofollow">https://gracefulatheist.com/2017/12/03/deconversion-how-to/</a><a href="https://gracefulatheist.com/secular-grace/" rel="nofollow">Secular Grace</a><a href="https://gracefulatheist.com/2016/10/21/secular-grace/" rel="nofollow">https://gracefulatheist.com/2016/10/21/secular-grace/</a> Advertising Inquiries: <a href='https://redcircle.com/brands'>https://redcircle.com/brands</a> Privacy & Opt-Out: <a href='https://redcircle.com/privacy'>https://redcircle.com/privacy</a>

The AI Consciousness Delusion

Humanism and AI

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/5/24/18/6653e02c-20db-43c9-bb3f-67f641381817_liam-friend-and-friend.mp3

Liam is a friend and a colleague of many years. He is a member of the Religious Society of Friends often called Quakers. Liam and I have shared deep conversations before and after my deconversion. I respect the way Liam holds and lives out his beliefs.You might be surprised. The British Liberal Quakerism Liam lives out on a daily basis is very close to my version of Humanism, Secular Grace. He is a great example of a religious humanist who cares about people over dogma.<h2>Links</h2>Quakers in Britain: <a href="https://www.quaker.org.uk/" rel="nofollow">https://www.quaker.org.uk/</a>Quaker Faith: <a href="https://www.quaker.org.uk/faith/read-about-quaker-faith" rel="nofollow">https://www.quaker.org.uk/faith/read-about-quaker-faith</a>Quakers in USA: <a href="https://www.fgcquaker.org/" rel="nofollow">https://www.fgcquaker.org/</a>American Friends Service Committee (Charity): <a href="https://afsc.org/" rel="nofollow">https://afsc.org/</a><h2>Interact</h2>Show Noteshttps://gracefulatheist.com/2026/05/24/liam-a-friend-and-a-friend/Join the<a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/deconversion" rel="nofollow"> Deconversion Anonymous Facebook group</a>!<a href="https://gracefulatheist.com/deconversion/" rel="nofollow">Deconversion</a><a href="https://gracefulatheist.com/2017/12/03/deconversion-how-to/" rel="nofollow">https://gracefulatheist.com/2017/12/03/deconversion-how-to/</a><a href="https://gracefulatheist.com/secular-grace/" rel="nofollow">Secular Grace</a><a href="https://gracefulatheist.com/2016/10/21/secular-grace/" rel="nofollow">https://gracefulatheist.com/2016/10/21/secular-grace/</a><h3>Support the podcast</h3>Patreon <a href="https://www.patreon.com/gracefulatheist" rel="nofollow">https://www.patreon.com/gracefulatheist</a>Paypal: <a href="https://paypal.me/gracefulatheist" rel="nofollow">paypal.me/gracefulatheist</a> Advertising Inquiries: <a href='https://redcircle.com/brands'>https://redcircle.com/brands</a> Privacy & Opt-Out: <a href='https://redcircle.com/privacy'>https://redcircle.com/privacy</a>

Liam: A friend and a Friend

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/5/3/20/bc4906ac-83e5-49b9-85e4-ef1c8d402f83_doubt-is-antimemetic.mp3

I recently read <a href="https://amzn.to/4eTN2ks" rel="nofollow">Antimemetics: Why Some Ideas Resist Spreading</a> by Nadia Asparouhova and it blew my mind. Just reading the intro I knew I needed to do an episode on the subject. Almost everything about deconstruction and deconversion is antimememetic. It is a significant idea that resists spreading. Listen to the episode to find out how.All of the following are antimemetic:<ul><li>Doubt</li><li>Deconstruction</li><li>Deconversion</li><li>Atheism</li><li>Humanism</li><li>Secular Grace</li></ul><h2>Links</h2>https://gracefulatheist.com/2026/05/03/doubt-is-antimemetic/SNL Skit: Mom Confessionhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-wQhY5CMMl4<h3>Amazon Paid Links</h3>As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.Amazon #CommissionsEarned:<a href="https://amzn.to/4eTN2ks" rel="nofollow">Antimemetics: Why Some Ideas Resist Spreading</a><a href="https://amzn.to/4tO11ge" rel="nofollow">There is No Antimemetics Division</a><h2>Interact</h2>Join the<a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/deconversion" rel="nofollow"> Deconversion Anonymous Facebook group</a>!Support the podcastPatreon <a href="https://www.patreon.com/gracefulatheist" rel="nofollow">https://www.patreon.com/gracefulatheist</a>Paypal: <a href="https://paypal.me/gracefulatheist" rel="nofollow">paypal.me/gracefulatheist</a><a href="https://gracefulatheist.com/deconversion/" rel="nofollow">Deconversion</a><a href="https://gracefulatheist.com/2017/12/03/deconversion-how-to/" rel="nofollow">https://gracefulatheist.com/2017/12/03/deconversion-how-to/</a><a href="https://gracefulatheist.com/secular-grace/" rel="nofollow">Secular Grace</a><a href="https://gracefulatheist.com/2016/10/21/secular-grace/" rel="nofollow">https://gracefulatheist.com/2016/10/21/secular-grace/</a> Advertising Inquiries: <a href='https://redcircle.com/brands'>https://redcircle.com/brands</a> Privacy & Opt-Out: <a href='https://redcircle.com/privacy'>https://redcircle.com/privacy</a>

Deconstruction and Deconversion are ideas that resist spreading

Doubt is Antimemetic

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/5/3/14/7d3d696f-58c0-4c88-b732-076e53eb42a0_ff-mark-anthony-diaz.mp3

Mark Anthony Diaz is the author of <a href="https://www.reedkeeper.com/" rel="nofollow">Reedkeeper&#39;s Journey</a> and one of my best friends. Mark and I grew up together. We had the same sarcastic friend group in high school. We did ministry together. Crucially, Mark stuck with me after my deconversion.Mark is a person of deep conviction, and while he&#39;s a talented EMT, author, and podcaster, it&#39;s his personal journey that truly resonates. Growing up with severe asthma made for a challenging childhood, but Mark&#39;s story is one of overcoming.Mark is very much a believer and I respect Mark&#39;s faith. Mark lives up to the <a href="https://gracefulatheist.com/category/podcast/honesty-contest/" rel="nofollow">honesty contest</a> ethos of the podcast. I wanted to have him share his life&#39;s story with us because I believe every human being&#39;s story is powerful.Search for his serial podcast &#34;<a href="https://www.reedkeeper.com/" rel="nofollow">Readkeeper&#39;s Journey</a>&#34; wherever you get your podcasts.<h2>Links</h2><a href="https://www.reedkeeper.com/" rel="nofollow">Read Keeper&#39;s Journey: The only way back is forward</a><a href="https://www.reedkeeper.com/" rel="nofollow">https://www.reedkeeper.com/</a>Apple:<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/reedkeepers-journey/id1529380366" rel="nofollow"> https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/reedkeepers-journey/id1529380366</a>Spotify:<a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/5echbOBs2MXtlHolNMe0rz?si=e06f0385c8d94cad" rel="nofollow"> https://open.spotify.com/show/5echbOBs2MXtlHolNMe0rz?si=e06f0385c8d94cad</a>InteractFor quotes, recommendations, transcripts and more see the full episode show notes https://gracefulatheist.com/2026/04/19/friends-and-family-mark-anthony-diaz/Join the Deconversion Anonymous Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/deconversionSupport the podcast on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/gracefulatheist<a href="https://gracefulatheist.com/2016/10/21/secular-grace/" rel="nofollow">Secular Grace</a> https://gracefulatheist.com/2016/10/21/secular-grace/<a href="https://gracefulatheist.com/2017/12/03/deconversion-how-to/" rel="nofollow">Deconversion</a> https://gracefulatheist.com/2017/12/03/deconversion-how-to/<a href="https://gracefulatheist.com/2017/12/03/deconversion-how-to/#deconstruction/" rel="nofollow"> Deconstruction</a> https://gracefulatheist.com/2017/12/03/deconversion-how-to/#deconstruction/ Advertising Inquiries: <a href='https://redcircle.com/brands'>https://redcircle.com/brands</a> Privacy & Opt-Out: <a href='https://redcircle.com/privacy'>https://redcircle.com/privacy</a>

Mark Anthony Diaz is the author of <a href="https://www.reedkeeper.com/" rel="nofollow">Reedkeeper&#39;s Journey</a> and one of my best friends. Mark and I grew up together. We had the same sarcastic friend group in high school. We did ministry together. Crucially, Mark stuck with me after my deconversion. Mark is a person of deep conviction, and while he&#39;s a talented EMT, author, and podcaster, it&#39;s his personal journey that truly resonates. Growing up with severe asthma made for a challenging childhood, but Mark&#39;s story is one of overcoming. Mark is very much a believer and I respect Mark&#39;s faith. Mark lives up to the <a href="https://gracefulatheist.com/category/podcast/honesty-contest/" rel="nofollow">honesty contest</a> ethos of the podcast. I wanted to have him share his life&#39;s story with us because I believe every human being&#39;s story is powerful. Search for his serial podcast &#34;<a href="https://www.reedkeeper.com/" rel="nofollow">Readkeeper&#39;s Journey</a>&#34; wherever you get your podcasts. <h2>Links</h2> <a href="https://www.reedkeeper.com/" rel="nofollow">Read Keeper&#39;s Journey: The only way back is forward</a> <a href="https://www.reedkeeper.com/" rel="nofollow">https://www.reedkeeper.com/</a> Apple: <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/reedkeepers-journey/id1529380366" rel="nofollow"> https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/reedkeepers-journey/id1529380366</a> Spotify: <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/5echbOBs2MXtlHolNMe0rz?si=e06f0385c8d94cad" rel="nofollow"> https://open.spotify.com/show/5echbOBs2MXtlHolNMe0rz?si=e06f0385c8d94cad</a> Interact For quotes, recommendations, transcripts and more see the full episode show notes https://gracefulatheist.com/2026/04/19/friends-and-family-mark-anthony-diaz/ Join the Deconversion Anonymous Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/deconversion Support the podcast on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/gracefulatheist <a href="https://gracefulatheist.com/2016/10/21/secular-grace/" rel="nofollow">Secular Grace</a> https://gracefulatheist.com/2016/10/21/secular-grace/ <a href="https://gracefulatheist.com/2017/12/03/deconversion-how-to/" rel="nofollow">Deconversion</a> https://gracefulatheist.com/2017/12/03/deconversion-how-to/ <a href="https://gracefulatheist.com/2017/12/03/deconversion-how-to/#deconstruction/" rel="nofollow"> Deconstruction</a> https://gracefulatheist.com/2017/12/03/deconversion-how-to/#deconstruction/

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Friends and Family: Mark Anthony Diaz

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/5/3/14/6646d9fb-6698-4809-902d-4423b80feb73_colin-ryan-epic-tiny-victories.mp3

Welcome back Colin Ryan, author, storyteller, comedian and survivor of Bipolar 2, OCD and ADHD. Colin has written <a href="http://www.epictinyvictories.com/" rel="nofollow">Epic Tiny Victories: A hopeful story about depression anxiety and reframing your life</a>. It is hilarious, honest and poignant. Colin describes in the book growing up Evangelical, purity culture and his deconstruction process. Join us as we catch up on where Colin&#39;s deconstruction journey is at. We discuss his mental health journey. Colin tells stories from the book. Get <a href="http://www.epictinyvictories.com/" rel="nofollow">Epic Tiny Victories</a> today. <h2>Links</h2> <a href="http://www.epictinyvictories.com/" rel="nofollow">http://www.epictinyvictories.com/</a> <a href="https://www.colinryanspeaks.com/" rel="nofollow">https://www.colinryanspeaks.com/</a> 2020 Deconversion Anonymous episode of GAP <a href="https://gracefulatheist.com/2020/11/29/colin-deconversion-anonymous/" rel="nofollow"> https://gracefulatheist.com/2020/11/29/colin-deconversion-anonymous/</a> Chapters 00:00 Graceful Atheist Podcast Intro 01:36 Welcome back Colin Ryan 03:50 Deconstruction Journey since 2020 15:27 Epic Tiny Victories and we were all 11 29:44 Impact of therapy on Colin&#39;s Life 47:49 Mental Health takes work 52:36 The book process and how to get ETV 64:40 Final thoughts on the episode 66:43 Secular Grace thought of the Week Interact For quotes, recommendations, transcripts and more see the full episode show notes https://gracefulatheist.com/2026/03/29/colin-ryan-epic-tiny-victories/ Join the Deconversion Anonymous Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/deconversion Support the podcast on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/gracefulatheist Secular Grace https://gracefulatheist.com/2016/10/21/secular-grace/ Deconversion https://gracefulatheist.com/2017/12/03/deconversion-how-to/ Deconstruction https://gracefulatheist.com/2017/12/03/deconversion-how-to/#deconstruction/ Advertising Inquiries: <a href='https://redcircle.com/brands'>https://redcircle.com/brands</a> Privacy & Opt-Out: <a href='https://redcircle.com/privacy'>https://redcircle.com/privacy</a>

Welcome back Colin Ryan, author, storyteller, comedian and survivor of Bipolar 2, OCD and ADHD. Colin has written <a href="http://www.epictinyvictories.com/" rel="nofollow">Epic Tiny Victories: A hopeful story about depression anxiety and reframing your life</a>. It is hilarious, honest and poignant. Colin describes in the book growing up Evangelical, purity culture and his deconstruction process. Join us as we catch up on where Colin&#39;s deconstruction journey is at. We discuss his mental health journey. Colin tells stories from the book. Get <a href="http://www.epictinyvictories.com/" rel="nofollow">Epic Tiny Victories</a> today. <h2>Links</h2> <a href="http://www.epictinyvictories.com/" rel="nofollow">http://www.epictinyvictories.com/</a> <a href="https://www.colinryanspeaks.com/" rel="nofollow">https://www.colinryanspeaks.com/</a> 2020 Deconversion Anonymous episode of GAP <a href="https://gracefulatheist.com/2020/11/29/colin-deconversion-anonymous/" rel="nofollow"> https://gracefulatheist.com/2020/11/29/colin-deconversion-anonymous/</a> Chapters 00:00 Graceful Atheist Podcast Intro 01:36 Welcome back Colin Ryan 03:50 Deconstruction Journey since 2020 15:27 Epic Tiny Victories and we were all 11 29:44 Impact of therapy on Colin&#39;s Life 47:49 Mental Health takes work 52:36 The book process and how to get ETV 64:40 Final thoughts on the episode 66:43 Secular Grace thought of the Week Interact For quotes, recommendations, transcripts and more see the full episode show notes https://gracefulatheist.com/2026/03/29/colin-ryan-epic-tiny-victories/ Join the Deconversion Anonymous Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/deconversion Support the podcast on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/gracefulatheist Secular Grace https://gracefulatheist.com/2016/10/21/secular-grace/ Deconversion https://gracefulatheist.com/2017/12/03/deconversion-how-to/ Deconstruction https://gracefulatheist.com/2017/12/03/deconversion-how-to/#deconstruction/

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Colin Ryan: Epic Tiny Victories

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/5/3/14/1c66e65a-5ebe-4d93-b904-6c8ade8b5184_2025-deconversion-anniversary.mp3

Reflections on ten years of deconversion. I re-tell my deconversion story and reflect on what has changed and what has stayed the same. Links Apostate: Stories of Deconversion <a href="https://amzn.to/4rj7TA6" rel="nofollow">https://amzn.to/4rj7TA6</a> Interact For quotes, recommendations, transcripts and more see the full episode show notes https://gracefulatheist.com/2026/03/08/10-year-deconversion-anniversary/ Join the Deconversion Anonymous Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/deconversion Support the podcast on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/gracefulatheist <a href="https://gracefulatheist.com/2016/10/21/secular-grace/" rel="nofollow">Secular Grace</a> https://gracefulatheist.com/2016/10/21/secular-grace/ <a href="https://gracefulatheist.com/2017/12/03/deconversion-how-to/" rel="nofollow">Deconversion</a> https://gracefulatheist.com/2017/12/03/deconversion-how-to/ <a href="https://gracefulatheist.com/2017/12/03/deconversion-how-to/#deconstruction/" rel="nofollow">Deconstruction</a> https://gracefulatheist.com/2017/12/03/deconversion-how-to/#deconstruction/ Advertising Inquiries: <a href='https://redcircle.com/brands'>https://redcircle.com/brands</a> Privacy & Opt-Out: <a href='https://redcircle.com/privacy'>https://redcircle.com/privacy</a>

Reflections on ten years of deconversion. I re-tell my deconversion story and reflect on what has changed and what has stayed the same. Links Apostate: Stories of Deconversion <a href="https://amzn.to/4rj7TA6" rel="nofollow">https://amzn.to/4rj7TA6</a> Interact For quotes, recommendations, transcripts and more see the full episode show notes https://gracefulatheist.com/2026/03/08/10-year-deconversion-anniversary/ Join the Deconversion Anonymous Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/deconversion Support the podcast on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/gracefulatheist <a href="https://gracefulatheist.com/2016/10/21/secular-grace/" rel="nofollow">Secular Grace</a> https://gracefulatheist.com/2016/10/21/secular-grace/ <a href="https://gracefulatheist.com/2017/12/03/deconversion-how-to/" rel="nofollow">Deconversion</a> https://gracefulatheist.com/2017/12/03/deconversion-how-to/ <a href="https://gracefulatheist.com/2017/12/03/deconversion-how-to/#deconstruction/" rel="nofollow">Deconstruction</a> https://gracefulatheist.com/2017/12/03/deconversion-how-to/#deconstruction/

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10 Year Deconversion Anniversary

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/5/3/14/6bbf00fb-6afe-4cac-9243-44ac51040ca5_matthew_taylor_why_we_podcast.mp3

Mathew Taylor, co-host of Still Unbelievable!, returns to the podcast to discuss why we podcast.Links Matthew on Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/vteclimey" rel="nofollow">https://twitter.com/vteclimey</a> Confessions of a YEC blog: <a href="https://confessionsofayec.wordpress.com/" rel="nofollow">https://confessionsofayec.wordpress.com/</a> &#34;God takes the good people early&#34; post: <a href="https://confessionsofayec.wordpress.com/2012/03/08/god-takes-the-good-people-early/" rel="nofollow">https://confessionsofayec.wordpress.com/2012/03/08/god-takes-the-good-people-early/</a> Reason Press: <a href="https://reasonpress.net/" rel="nofollow">https://reasonpress.net/</a> &#34;Still Unbelievable!&#34; the book: <a href="https://reasonpress.net/SU1E" rel="nofollow">https://reasonpress.net/SU1E</a>Podcasts: Still Unbelievable! <a href="https://anchor.fm/still-unbelievable" rel="nofollow">https://anchor.fm/still-unbelievable</a> Ask An Atheist Anything <a href="https://anchor.fm/reasonpress" rel="nofollow">https://anchor.fm/reasonpress</a> Previous episode <a href="https://gracefulatheist.com/2019/06/20/matthew-taylor-confessions-of-a-young-earth-creationist/" rel="nofollow">https://gracefulatheist.com/2019/06/20/matthew-taylor-confessions-of-a-young-earth-creationist/</a> Interact For quotes, recommendations, transcripts and more see the full episode show notes https://gracefulatheist.com/2023/12/30/matthew-taylor-why-we-podcast/ Join the Deconversion Anonymous Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/deconversion Graceful Atheist Podcast Merch! https://www.teepublic.com/user/gracefulatheistpodcast Support the podcast on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/gracefulatheist Secular Grace https://gracefulatheist.com/2016/10/21/secular-grace/ Deconversion https://gracefulatheist.com/2017/12/03/deconversion-how-to/ Deconstruction https://gracefulatheist.com/2017/12/03/deconversion-how-to/#deconstruction/ Attribution &#34;Waves&#34; track written and produced by Makaih Beats https://makaihbeats.net/ Advertising Inquiries: <a href='https://redcircle.com/brands'>https://redcircle.com/brands</a> Privacy & Opt-Out: <a href='https://redcircle.com/privacy'>https://redcircle.com/privacy</a>

Mathew Taylor, co-host of Still Unbelievable!, returns to the podcast to discuss why we podcast.Links Matthew on Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/vteclimey" rel="nofollow">https://twitter.com/vteclimey</a> Confessions of a YEC blog: <a href="https://confessionsofayec.wordpress.com/" rel="nofollow">https://confessionsofayec.wordpress.com/</a> &#34;God takes the good people early&#34; post: <a href="https://confessionsofayec.wordpress.com/2012/03/08/god-takes-the-good-people-early/" rel="nofollow">https://confessionsofayec.wordpress.com/2012/03/08/god-takes-the-good-people-early/</a> Reason Press: <a href="https://reasonpress.net/" rel="nofollow">https://reasonpress.net/</a> &#34;Still Unbelievable!&#34; the book: <a href="https://reasonpress.net/SU1E" rel="nofollow">https://reasonpress.net/SU1E</a>Podcasts: Still Unbelievable! <a href="https://anchor.fm/still-unbelievable" rel="nofollow">https://anchor.fm/still-unbelievable</a> Ask An Atheist Anything <a href="https://anchor.fm/reasonpress" rel="nofollow">https://anchor.fm/reasonpress</a> Previous episode <a href="https://gracefulatheist.com/2019/06/20/matthew-taylor-confessions-of-a-young-earth-creationist/" rel="nofollow">https://gracefulatheist.com/2019/06/20/matthew-taylor-confessions-of-a-young-earth-creationist/</a> Interact For quotes, recommendations, transcripts and more see the full episode show notes https://gracefulatheist.com/2023/12/30/matthew-taylor-why-we-podcast/ Join the Deconversion Anonymous Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/deconversion Graceful Atheist Podcast Merch! https://www.teepublic.com/user/gracefulatheistpodcast Support the podcast on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/gracefulatheist Secular Grace https://gracefulatheist.com/2016/10/21/secular-grace/ Deconversion https://gracefulatheist.com/2017/12/03/deconversion-how-to/ Deconstruction https://gracefulatheist.com/2017/12/03/deconversion-how-to/#deconstruction/ Attribution &#34;Waves&#34; track written and produced by Makaih Beats https://makaihbeats.net/ 

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Matthew Taylor: Why We Podcast

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/5/3/14/3653630c-c978-457c-9135-9e442b84fc52_sara_christian_humanism.mp3

This week&#39;s guest is Sara. Sara grew up in a Canadian Mennonite community and embraced it wholeheartedly. She was surrounded by evangelical Christianity and she thrived. As a young adult, she married and followed her husband into ministry. While he led, she helped as was expected of her. It didn&#39;t occur to her until years later how little her own leadership skills had to be set aside. Sara&#39;s husband started deconstructing his beliefs before she did, but as he was learning, she was also learning. Years later, she knew he&#39;d become an atheist before he did. It wasn&#39;t easy, but they made space for one another to learn and grow and move down their own paths. Today, Sara is a spiritual director for others and doesn&#39;t have a specific label for herself, and it works just fine. &#34;There&#39;s a whole host of ways of being in the world…&#34; Links Sara&#39;s website <a href="https://prairiethistle.ca/" rel="nofollow">https://prairiethistle.ca/</a> Facebook <a href="https://www.facebook.com/prairiethistle" rel="nofollow">https://www.facebook.com/prairiethistle</a> Interact For quotes, recommendations, transcripts and more see the full episode show notes https://gracefulatheist.com/2023/12/17/sara-christian-humanism/ Join the Deconversion Anonymous Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/deconversion Graceful Atheist Podcast Merch! https://www.teepublic.com/user/gracefulatheistpodcast Support the podcast on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/gracefulatheist Secular Grace https://gracefulatheist.com/2016/10/21/secular-grace/ Deconversion https://gracefulatheist.com/2017/12/03/deconversion-how-to/ Deconstruction https://gracefulatheist.com/2017/12/03/deconversion-how-to/#deconstruction/ Attribution &#34;Waves&#34; track written and produced by Makaih Beats https://makaihbeats.net/ Advertising Inquiries: <a href='https://redcircle.com/brands'>https://redcircle.com/brands</a> Privacy & Opt-Out: <a href='https://redcircle.com/privacy'>https://redcircle.com/privacy</a>

This week&#39;s guest is Sara. Sara grew up in a Canadian Mennonite community and embraced it wholeheartedly. She was surrounded by evangelical Christianity and she thrived. As a young adult, she married and followed her husband into ministry. While he led, she helped as was expected of her. It didn&#39;t occur to her until years later how little her own leadership skills had to be set aside. Sara&#39;s husband started deconstructing his beliefs before she did, but as he was learning, she was also learning. Years later, she knew he&#39;d become an atheist before he did. It wasn&#39;t easy, but they made space for one another to learn and grow and move down their own paths. Today, Sara is a spiritual director for others and doesn&#39;t have a specific label for herself, and it works just fine. &#34;There&#39;s a whole host of ways of being in the world…&#34; Links Sara&#39;s website <a href="https://prairiethistle.ca/" rel="nofollow">https://prairiethistle.ca/</a> Facebook <a href="https://www.facebook.com/prairiethistle" rel="nofollow">https://www.facebook.com/prairiethistle</a> Interact For quotes, recommendations, transcripts and more see the full episode show notes https://gracefulatheist.com/2023/12/17/sara-christian-humanism/ Join the Deconversion Anonymous Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/deconversion Graceful Atheist Podcast Merch! https://www.teepublic.com/user/gracefulatheistpodcast Support the podcast on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/gracefulatheist Secular Grace https://gracefulatheist.com/2016/10/21/secular-grace/ Deconversion https://gracefulatheist.com/2017/12/03/deconversion-how-to/ Deconstruction https://gracefulatheist.com/2017/12/03/deconversion-how-to/#deconstruction/ Attribution &#34;Waves&#34; track written and produced by Makaih Beats https://makaihbeats.net/ 

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Sara: Christian Humanism

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/5/3/14/eddf1e82-84d5-40e2-8bc3-50c0f53c9207_beth_deconstruction_from_the_moral_majority.mp3

This week&#39;s guest is Beth. Beth grew up in a fundamentalist Christian home that revered James Dobson, Jerry Falwell and all those who created the &#34;Moral Majority.&#34; Her father was a pastor whose sermons centered on the End Times and protecting their families from the &#34;shifting culture,&#34; (read: all the movements happening in the 60&#39;s and 70&#39;s). As a teen, she lived a double life, keeping plenty of secrets from her parents. However, as a young adult, followed all the rules with the expectation that the &#34;umbrella of God&#39;s protection&#34; would take care of her. It didn&#39;t. It took decades of trying to do what was &#34;right&#34; and watching the promises of the Church come to naught before she finally took the leap out of Christianity. She now identifies as SBNR—spiritual but not religious. Beth is now able to trust her own judgment and make decisions that are best for her. No &#34;umbrella of protection&#34; needed. Interact For quotes, recommendations, transcripts and more see the full episode show notes https://gracefulatheist.com/2023/12/10/beth-deconstruction-from-the-moral-majority/ Join the Deconversion Anonymous Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/deconversion Graceful Atheist Podcast Merch! https://www.teepublic.com/user/gracefulatheistpodcast Support the podcast on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/gracefulatheist Secular Grace https://gracefulatheist.com/2016/10/21/secular-grace/ Deconversion https://gracefulatheist.com/2017/12/03/deconversion-how-to/ Deconstruction https://gracefulatheist.com/2017/12/03/deconversion-how-to/#deconstruction/ Attribution &#34;Waves&#34; track written and produced by Makaih Beats https://makaihbeats.net/ Advertising Inquiries: <a href='https://redcircle.com/brands'>https://redcircle.com/brands</a> Privacy & Opt-Out: <a href='https://redcircle.com/privacy'>https://redcircle.com/privacy</a>

This week&#39;s guest is Beth. Beth grew up in a fundamentalist Christian home that revered James Dobson, Jerry Falwell and all those who created the &#34;Moral Majority.&#34; Her father was a pastor whose sermons centered on the End Times and protecting their families from the &#34;shifting culture,&#34; (read: all the movements happening in the 60&#39;s and 70&#39;s). As a teen, she lived a double life, keeping plenty of secrets from her parents. However, as a young adult, followed all the rules with the expectation that the &#34;umbrella of God&#39;s protection&#34; would take care of her. It didn&#39;t. It took decades of trying to do what was &#34;right&#34; and watching the promises of the Church come to naught before she finally took the leap out of Christianity. She now identifies as SBNR—spiritual but not religious. Beth is now able to trust her own judgment and make decisions that are best for her. No &#34;umbrella of protection&#34; needed. Interact For quotes, recommendations, transcripts and more see the full episode show notes https://gracefulatheist.com/2023/12/10/beth-deconstruction-from-the-moral-majority/ Join the Deconversion Anonymous Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/deconversion Graceful Atheist Podcast Merch! https://www.teepublic.com/user/gracefulatheistpodcast Support the podcast on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/gracefulatheist Secular Grace https://gracefulatheist.com/2016/10/21/secular-grace/ Deconversion https://gracefulatheist.com/2017/12/03/deconversion-how-to/ Deconstruction https://gracefulatheist.com/2017/12/03/deconversion-how-to/#deconstruction/ Attribution &#34;Waves&#34; track written and produced by Makaih Beats https://makaihbeats.net/ 

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Beth: Deconstruction from the Moral Majority

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/5/3/14/ae42376a-361f-45a3-8128-fe11a0de0324_andrew_dino_dad_reviews.mp3

Arline interviews this week&#39;s guest, Andrew. Andrew is a self-named atheist &#34;paleo-nerd.&#34; He grew up home-schooled in a fundamentalist church in southern California. His whole schooling was religious and that included Young Earth Creationism. In high school, Andrew struggled with his shy nature and some depressive episodes. The church didn&#39;t seem to have room for people like him. As a young adult, finally making his own decisions and living a life without fundamentalism everywhere, Andrew saw how much he could accomplish on his own. He had had the resources inside him but hadn&#39;t known it. Now, as an atheist, he&#39;s figuring out what life looks like for himself. It includes a wife and kids, online friends, lots of dinosaurs, and a happiness that isn&#39;t perfect or perpetual but is enough. Links Dino Dad Reviews <a href="https://dinodadreviews.com/" rel="nofollow">https://dinodadreviews.com/</a> Instagram <a href="https://www.instagram.com/dinodadreviews/" rel="nofollow">https://www.instagram.com/dinodadreviews/</a> Interact For quotes, recommendations, transcripts and more see the full episode show notes https://gracefulatheist.com/2023/12/03/andrew-dino-dad-reviews/ Join the Deconversion Anonymous Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/deconversion Graceful Atheist Podcast Merch! https://www.teepublic.com/user/gracefulatheistpodcast Support the podcast on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/gracefulatheist Secular Grace https://gracefulatheist.com/2016/10/21/secular-grace/ Deconversion https://gracefulatheist.com/2017/12/03/deconversion-how-to/ Deconstruction https://gracefulatheist.com/2017/12/03/deconversion-how-to/#deconstruction/ Attribution &#34;Waves&#34; track written and produced by Makaih Beats https://makaihbeats.net/ Advertising Inquiries: <a href='https://redcircle.com/brands'>https://redcircle.com/brands</a> Privacy & Opt-Out: <a href='https://redcircle.com/privacy'>https://redcircle.com/privacy</a>

Arline interviews this week&#39;s guest, Andrew. Andrew is a self-named atheist &#34;paleo-nerd.&#34; He grew up home-schooled in a fundamentalist church in southern California. His whole schooling was religious and that included Young Earth Creationism. In high school, Andrew struggled with his shy nature and some depressive episodes. The church didn&#39;t seem to have room for people like him. As a young adult, finally making his own decisions and living a life without fundamentalism everywhere, Andrew saw how much he could accomplish on his own. He had had the resources inside him but hadn&#39;t known it. Now, as an atheist, he&#39;s figuring out what life looks like for himself. It includes a wife and kids, online friends, lots of dinosaurs, and a happiness that isn&#39;t perfect or perpetual but is enough. Links Dino Dad Reviews <a href="https://dinodadreviews.com/" rel="nofollow">https://dinodadreviews.com/</a> Instagram <a href="https://www.instagram.com/dinodadreviews/" rel="nofollow">https://www.instagram.com/dinodadreviews/</a> Interact For quotes, recommendations, transcripts and more see the full episode show notes https://gracefulatheist.com/2023/12/03/andrew-dino-dad-reviews/ Join the Deconversion Anonymous Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/deconversion Graceful Atheist Podcast Merch! https://www.teepublic.com/user/gracefulatheistpodcast Support the podcast on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/gracefulatheist Secular Grace https://gracefulatheist.com/2016/10/21/secular-grace/ Deconversion https://gracefulatheist.com/2017/12/03/deconversion-how-to/ Deconstruction https://gracefulatheist.com/2017/12/03/deconversion-how-to/#deconstruction/ Attribution &#34;Waves&#34; track written and produced by Makaih Beats https://makaihbeats.net/ 

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Andrew: Dino Dad Reviews

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/5/3/14/3e2f883f-a33f-4f2f-81eb-be0bd1ac0195_econstruction_from_sda_and_conspiracy_theories.mp3

Arline interviews this week&#39;s guest, Racquelle. Racquelle grew up in Canada in the Seventh Day Adventist church. Conspiracy theories were common in her household. Some of them she bought into. Throughout her life she went through periods of doubt but something kept bringing her back to Church. A sense of obligation and expectation never left her. Eventually, Racquelle deconverted from her faith and deconstructed the conspiracy theories. She now has an interesting perspective on the deconstruction process. Links Facebook <a href="https://www.facebook.com/racquelle.pilon" rel="nofollow">https://www.facebook.com/racquelle.pilon</a> Instagram <a href="https://www.instagram.com/racquelle_p/" rel="nofollow">https://www.instagram.com/racquelle_p/</a> Interact For quotes, recommendations, transcripts and more see the full episode show notes https://gracefulatheist.com/2023/11/26/racquelle-deconversion-from-sda-and-conspiracy-theories/ Join the Deconversion Anonymous Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/deconversion Graceful Atheist Podcast Merch! https://www.teepublic.com/user/gracefulatheistpodcast Support the podcast on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/gracefulatheist Secular Grace https://gracefulatheist.com/2016/10/21/secular-grace/ Deconversion https://gracefulatheist.com/2017/12/03/deconversion-how-to/ Deconstruction https://gracefulatheist.com/2017/12/03/deconversion-how-to/#deconstruction/ Attribution &#34;Waves&#34; track written and produced by Makaih Beats https://makaihbeats.net/ Advertising Inquiries: <a href='https://redcircle.com/brands'>https://redcircle.com/brands</a> Privacy & Opt-Out: <a href='https://redcircle.com/privacy'>https://redcircle.com/privacy</a>

Arline interviews this week&#39;s guest, Racquelle. Racquelle grew up in Canada in the Seventh Day Adventist church. Conspiracy theories were common in her household. Some of them she bought into. Throughout her life she went through periods of doubt but something kept bringing her back to Church. A sense of obligation and expectation never left her. Eventually, Racquelle deconverted from her faith and deconstructed the conspiracy theories. She now has an interesting perspective on the deconstruction process. Links Facebook <a href="https://www.facebook.com/racquelle.pilon" rel="nofollow">https://www.facebook.com/racquelle.pilon</a> Instagram <a href="https://www.instagram.com/racquelle_p/" rel="nofollow">https://www.instagram.com/racquelle_p/</a> Interact For quotes, recommendations, transcripts and more see the full episode show notes https://gracefulatheist.com/2023/11/26/racquelle-deconversion-from-sda-and-conspiracy-theories/ Join the Deconversion Anonymous Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/deconversion Graceful Atheist Podcast Merch! https://www.teepublic.com/user/gracefulatheistpodcast Support the podcast on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/gracefulatheist Secular Grace https://gracefulatheist.com/2016/10/21/secular-grace/ Deconversion https://gracefulatheist.com/2017/12/03/deconversion-how-to/ Deconstruction https://gracefulatheist.com/2017/12/03/deconversion-how-to/#deconstruction/ Attribution &#34;Waves&#34; track written and produced by Makaih Beats https://makaihbeats.net/ 

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Racquelle: Deconstruction from SDA and Conspiracy Theories

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/5/3/14/de5c1fa9-6691-47a9-899e-a363ed9a8ea0_andy_neal_andy_films_hikes.mp3

Arline interviews this week&#39;s guest, Andy Neal of Andy Films And Hikes fame. He is self described as a &#34;plus size hiking influencer.&#34; Andy tells his story of deconstruction, acceptance of his body and his joy in nature. He is an inspiration to all to get outdoors and experience nature. Links Instagram <a href="https://www.instagram.com/andyfilmsandhikes/" rel="nofollow">https://www.instagram.com/andyfilmsandhikes/</a> Link Tree https://linktr.ee/AndyNeal Interact For quotes, recommendations, transcripts and more see the full episode show notes https://gracefulatheist.com/2023/11/19/andy-neal-andy-films-and-hikes/ Join the Deconversion Anonymous Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/deconversion Graceful Atheist Podcast Merch! https://www.teepublic.com/user/gracefulatheistpodcast Support the podcast on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/gracefulatheist Secular Grace https://gracefulatheist.com/2016/10/21/secular-grace/ Deconversion https://gracefulatheist.com/2017/12/03/deconversion-how-to/ Deconstruction https://gracefulatheist.com/2017/12/03/deconversion-how-to/#deconstruction/ Attribution &#34;Waves&#34; track written and produced by Makaih Beats https://makaihbeats.net/ Advertising Inquiries: <a href='https://redcircle.com/brands'>https://redcircle.com/brands</a> Privacy & Opt-Out: <a href='https://redcircle.com/privacy'>https://redcircle.com/privacy</a>

Arline interviews this week&#39;s guest, Andy Neal of Andy Films And Hikes fame. He is self described as a &#34;plus size hiking influencer.&#34; Andy tells his story of deconstruction, acceptance of his body and his joy in nature. He is an inspiration to all to get outdoors and experience nature. Links Instagram <a href="https://www.instagram.com/andyfilmsandhikes/" rel="nofollow">https://www.instagram.com/andyfilmsandhikes/</a> Link Tree https://linktr.ee/AndyNeal Interact For quotes, recommendations, transcripts and more see the full episode show notes https://gracefulatheist.com/2023/11/19/andy-neal-andy-films-and-hikes/ Join the Deconversion Anonymous Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/deconversion Graceful Atheist Podcast Merch! https://www.teepublic.com/user/gracefulatheistpodcast Support the podcast on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/gracefulatheist Secular Grace https://gracefulatheist.com/2016/10/21/secular-grace/ Deconversion https://gracefulatheist.com/2017/12/03/deconversion-how-to/ Deconstruction https://gracefulatheist.com/2017/12/03/deconversion-how-to/#deconstruction/ Attribution &#34;Waves&#34; track written and produced by Makaih Beats https://makaihbeats.net/ 

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Andy Neal: Andy Films and Hikes

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/5/3/14/d6dccde0-5771-4866-90b8-f882653d1d50_natalie_pentecostal_to_mormon_to_atheist.mp3

Natalie from New Zealand tells Arlene here story. She grew up Pentecostal participating in church. In her young adulthood she converted to Mormonism. She saw that as woman her role was limited and was finding it difficult to accept the church&#39;s perspective on LGBQT issues. Eventually Natalie deconverted. She is thankful for her kids&#39; sake who later came out as queer. Natalie now finds time in nature and the forest life giving. Interact For quotes, recommendations, transcripts and more see the full episode show notes https://gracefulatheist.com/2023/11/12/natalie-pentecostal-to-mormon-to-atheist/ Join the Deconversion Anonymous Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/deconversion Graceful Atheist Podcast Merch! https://www.teepublic.com/user/gracefulatheistpodcast Support the podcast on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/gracefulatheist Secular Grace https://gracefulatheist.com/2016/10/21/secular-grace/ Deconversion https://gracefulatheist.com/2017/12/03/deconversion-how-to/ Deconstruction https://gracefulatheist.com/2017/12/03/deconversion-how-to/#deconstruction/ Attribution &#34;Waves&#34; track written and produced by Makaih Beats https://makaihbeats.net/ Advertising Inquiries: <a href='https://redcircle.com/brands'>https://redcircle.com/brands</a> Privacy & Opt-Out: <a href='https://redcircle.com/privacy'>https://redcircle.com/privacy</a>

Natalie from New Zealand tells Arlene here story. She grew up Pentecostal participating in church. In her young adulthood she converted to Mormonism. She saw that as woman her role was limited and was finding it difficult to accept the church&#39;s perspective on LGBQT issues. Eventually Natalie deconverted. She is thankful for her kids&#39; sake who later came out as queer. Natalie now finds time in nature and the forest life giving. Interact For quotes, recommendations, transcripts and more see the full episode show notes https://gracefulatheist.com/2023/11/12/natalie-pentecostal-to-mormon-to-atheist/ Join the Deconversion Anonymous Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/deconversion Graceful Atheist Podcast Merch! https://www.teepublic.com/user/gracefulatheistpodcast Support the podcast on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/gracefulatheist Secular Grace https://gracefulatheist.com/2016/10/21/secular-grace/ Deconversion https://gracefulatheist.com/2017/12/03/deconversion-how-to/ Deconstruction https://gracefulatheist.com/2017/12/03/deconversion-how-to/#deconstruction/ Attribution &#34;Waves&#34; track written and produced by Makaih Beats https://makaihbeats.net/

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Natalie: Pentecostal to Mormon to Atheist

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/5/3/14/9d022829-d86f-4844-a293-864640568b9f__deconstruction_of_a_southern_baptist_minister.mp3

Jeff grew up in his words &#34;a very religious household.&#34; He attended a large Southern Baptist church. In college he fell in love with the seriousness of Calvinism after reading John Piper&#39;s Desiring God. He left seminary early to become a minster because he felt time pressure to be &#34;on mission&#34; for God. After three pastors he knew committed suicide in one year, Jeff began to deconstruct. Today he is agnostic and finds therapy and mindfulness helpful in his life. Links Instagram <a href="https://www.instagram.com/Backwoodspiper" rel="nofollow">https://www.instagram.com/Backwoodspiper</a> Interact For quotes, recommendations, transcripts and more see the full episode show notes https://gracefulatheist.com/2023/11/05/jeff-deconstruction-of-a-southern-baptist-minister/ Join the Deconversion Anonymous Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/deconversion Graceful Atheist Podcast Merch! https://www.teepublic.com/user/gracefulatheistpodcast Support the podcast on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/gracefulatheist Secular Grace https://gracefulatheist.com/2016/10/21/secular-grace/ Deconversion https://gracefulatheist.com/2017/12/03/deconversion-how-to/ Deconstruction https://gracefulatheist.com/2017/12/03/deconversion-how-to/#deconstruction/ Attribution &#34;Waves&#34; track written and produced by Makaih Beats https://makaihbeats.net/ Advertising Inquiries: <a href='https://redcircle.com/brands'>https://redcircle.com/brands</a> Privacy & Opt-Out: <a href='https://redcircle.com/privacy'>https://redcircle.com/privacy</a>

Jeff grew up in his words &#34;a very religious household.&#34; He attended a large Southern Baptist church. In college he fell in love with the seriousness of Calvinism after reading John Piper&#39;s Desiring God. He left seminary early to become a minster because he felt time pressure to be &#34;on mission&#34; for God. After three pastors he knew committed suicide in one year, Jeff began to deconstruct. Today he is agnostic and finds therapy and mindfulness helpful in his life. Links Instagram <a href="https://www.instagram.com/Backwoodspiper" rel="nofollow">https://www.instagram.com/Backwoodspiper</a> Interact For quotes, recommendations, transcripts and more see the full episode show notes https://gracefulatheist.com/2023/11/05/jeff-deconstruction-of-a-southern-baptist-minister/ Join the Deconversion Anonymous Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/deconversion Graceful Atheist Podcast Merch! https://www.teepublic.com/user/gracefulatheistpodcast Support the podcast on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/gracefulatheist Secular Grace https://gracefulatheist.com/2016/10/21/secular-grace/ Deconversion https://gracefulatheist.com/2017/12/03/deconversion-how-to/ Deconstruction https://gracefulatheist.com/2017/12/03/deconversion-how-to/#deconstruction/ Attribution &#34;Waves&#34; track written and produced by Makaih Beats https://makaihbeats.net/ 

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Jeff: Deconstruction of a Southern Baptist Minister

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/5/3/14/7b3edf9b-7dd3-4a2b-92a5-3e5cf8ecbbfd_megan_catholic_to_evangelical_to_athiest.mp3

This week&#39;s guest is Megan. Megan grew up in a fundamentalist Catholic home with an irrationally religious mother and an absent father. As a teen, she was invited to an evangelical bible study after school and after some serious &#34;love bombing&#34; by the youth group, she was a part of a community. &#34;You get &#39;loved bombed&#39; when you walk into a new church or into a new youth group, and they make you feel like you are the most welcome you will ever be and that your community is so indeed of you and your specific experience…&#34; Evangelical Christianity worked well for Megan for years. She had questions and concerns but nothing that made her leave for good until she knew one of her kids was possibly LGBTQ. That was when she knew she&#39;d have to figure out the religious future of her family. Now, she is an atheist and has never been more free. She&#39;s living out secular grace, sealing up her boundaries, and being the whole person she &#39;s always needed to be. Interact For quotes, recommendations, transcripts and more see the full episode show notes https://gracefulatheist.com/2023/10/29/megan-catholic-to-evangelical-to-atheist/ Join the Deconversion Anonymous Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/deconversion Graceful Atheist Podcast Merch! https://www.teepublic.com/user/gracefulatheistpodcast Support the podcast on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/gracefulatheist Secular Grace https://gracefulatheist.com/2016/10/21/secular-grace/ Deconversion https://gracefulatheist.com/2017/12/03/deconversion-how-to/ Deconstruction https://gracefulatheist.com/2017/12/03/deconversion-how-to/#deconstruction/ Attribution &#34;Waves&#34; track written and produced by Makaih Beats https://makaihbeats.net/ Advertising Inquiries: <a href='https://redcircle.com/brands'>https://redcircle.com/brands</a> Privacy & Opt-Out: <a href='https://redcircle.com/privacy'>https://redcircle.com/privacy</a>

This week&#39;s guest is Megan. Megan grew up in a fundamentalist Catholic home with an irrationally religious mother and an absent father. As a teen, she was invited to an evangelical bible study after school and after some serious &#34;love bombing&#34; by the youth group, she was a part of a community. &#34;You get &#39;loved bombed&#39; when you walk into a new church or into a new youth group, and they make you feel like you are the most welcome you will ever be and that your community is so indeed of you and your specific experience…&#34; Evangelical Christianity worked well for Megan for years. She had questions and concerns but nothing that made her leave for good until she knew one of her kids was possibly LGBTQ. That was when she knew she&#39;d have to figure out the religious future of her family. Now, she is an atheist and has never been more free. She&#39;s living out secular grace, sealing up her boundaries, and being the whole person she &#39;s always needed to be. Interact For quotes, recommendations, transcripts and more see the full episode show notes https://gracefulatheist.com/2023/10/29/megan-catholic-to-evangelical-to-atheist/ Join the Deconversion Anonymous Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/deconversion Graceful Atheist Podcast Merch! https://www.teepublic.com/user/gracefulatheistpodcast Support the podcast on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/gracefulatheist Secular Grace https://gracefulatheist.com/2016/10/21/secular-grace/ Deconversion https://gracefulatheist.com/2017/12/03/deconversion-how-to/ Deconstruction https://gracefulatheist.com/2017/12/03/deconversion-how-to/#deconstruction/ Attribution &#34;Waves&#34; track written and produced by Makaih Beats https://makaihbeats.net/

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Megan: Catholic to Evangelical to Athiest

A secular humanist podcast about Secular Grace after deconstruction and deconversion.

The podcast takes an honest look at stories of faith transition from a life-altering faith, to doubt and deconstruction, to deconversion, and finally, to a thriving graceful life post-deconversion.

My name is David, and I am trying to be the Graceful Atheist. Join me and be graceful human beings.

https://gracefulatheist.com/
Support the podcast: https://www.patreon.com/gracefulatheist