The Scathing Atheist

Puzzle in a Thunderstorm, LLC
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Mar 26, 2026 • 60min

680: Downchuck Edition

In this week’s episode, Pete Hegseth puts the A hole in “a holy war,” a top-level FEMA official makes up a lie about being the worst X-Man ever, and we’ll make sure our obituary skills are warmed up for when the big one happens.---To see us live in San Francisco, click here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/god-awful-movies-live-in-san-francisco-california-tickets-1976632374642To make a per episode donation at Patreon.com, click here: http://www.patreon.com/ScathingAtheistTo buy our book, click here: https://www.amazon.com/Outbreak-Crisis-Religion-Ruined-Pandemic/dp/B08L2HSVS8/If you see a news story you think we might be interested in, you can send it here: scathingnews@gmail.comTo check out our sister show, The Skepticrat, click here: https://audioboom.com/channel/the-skepticratTo check out our sister show’s hot friend, God Awful Movies, click here: https://audioboom.com/channel/god-awful-moviesTo check out our half-sister show, Citation Needed, click here: http://citationpod.com/To check out our sister show’s sister show, D and D minus, click here: https://danddminus.libsyn.com/Report instances of harassment or abuse connected to this show to the Creator Accountability Network here: https://creatoraccountabilitynetwork.org/---Headlines:Mikey Weinstein’s full of shit, but Hegseth is still being WAY too Christian about killing Muslims: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/20/us/politics/hegseth-christianity-military.htmlChristian Right congresswoman wants you to put your abortion in a potty colander: https://www.wonkette.com/p/very-sane-congresswoman-wants-youRussel Brand baptized a guy in the penguin pool at a Christian zoo: https://www.thetimes.com/uk/religion/article/russell-brand-baptism-penguin-enclosure-zoo-kvnd9pmb5Top FEMA official says he once teleported to a Waffle House: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/mar/20/fema-gregg-phillips-waffle-house
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Mar 19, 2026 • 60min

679: Statue of Limitations Edition

In this week’s episode, Alabaman children make a much more depressing kind of wish, The Guardian is pretty sure AI witchcraft is on the rise thanks to Gemini of Newt, and Ross Douthat will hide little thoughts in big words again.---To see us live in San Francisco, click here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/god-awful-movies-live-in-san-francisco-california-tickets-1976632374642To make a per episode donation at Patreon.com, click here: http://www.patreon.com/ScathingAtheistTo buy our book, click here: https://www.amazon.com/Outbreak-Crisis-Religion-Ruined-Pandemic/dp/B08L2HSVS8/If you see a news story you think we might be interested in, you can send it here: scathingnews@gmail.comTo check out our sister show, The Skepticrat, click here: https://audioboom.com/channel/the-skepticratTo check out our sister show’s hot friend, God Awful Movies, click here: https://audioboom.com/channel/god-awful-moviesTo check out our half-sister show, Citation Needed, click here: http://citationpod.com/To check out our sister show’s sister show, D and D minus, click here: https://danddminus.libsyn.com/Report instances of harassment or abuse connected to this show to the Creator Accountability Network here: https://creatoraccountabilitynetwork.org/---Guest Links:Check out the New Books in Secularism podcast here: https://newbooksnetwork.com/category/religion-faith/secularismSee Noah’s Tarot talk here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PRsYQFbOH3E---Headlines:Alabama House passes law requiring each school day start with student led prayer: https://www.friendlyatheist.com/p/alabama-house-passes-bill-forcingThiel brings his Antichrist lectures to the Vatican’s doorstep, and Catholic institutions back away: https://apnews.com/article/italy-peter-thiel-paypal-pope-vatican-c3a6c7d2daba501caf8152558ac2d743https://ground.news/article/popes-ai-advisor-calls-thiels-rome-lectures-prolonged-act-of-heresy_a17f76Muslim parents, private schools sue Texas over exclusion of Islamic institutions in voucher program: https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/education/2026/03/12/545932/texas-lawsuit-school-vouchers-muslim-parent/Mike Johnson warns of encroaching Sharia law in US: 'Serious issue': https://www.christianpost.com/news/mike-johnson-warns-of-encroaching-sharia-law-in-us.htmlHouse GOP leadership silent as more members post anti-Muslim statements: https://www.npr.org/2026/03/14/g-s1-113667/republicans-sharia-law-andy-ogles-mike-johnsonChatGPT driving rise in reports of ‘satanic’ organised and ritual abuse, UK experts say: https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2026/mar/08/chatgpt-driving-rise-in-reports-of-satanic-organised-ritual-abuse-uk-experts-say---This Week in Misogyny:Judge decides how US women give birth: https://www.propublica.org/article/florida-court-ordered-c-sectionsJudge dismisses divorce proceedings because “a few beatings won’t kill you.” https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2026/mar/12/a-few-beatings-wont-kill-you-judge-rejects-divorce-request-of-woman-abused-by-husband-in-afghanistan
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Mar 12, 2026 • 60min

678: Epheasy Does It Edition

In this week’s episode, Greg Locke’s dark web of  satanist enemies forget to pay his parking tickets, Pope Bobby goes full jestermaxx and clowns hard on the looksmaxxing community, and Don will be here to put the “easy” in “Ephesian.”---To see us live in San Francisco, click here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/god-awful-movies-live-in-san-francisco-california-tickets-1976632374642To make a per episode donation at Patreon.com, click here: http://www.patreon.com/ScathingAtheistTo buy our book, click here: https://www.amazon.com/Outbreak-Crisis-Religion-Ruined-Pandemic/dp/B08L2HSVS8/If you see a news story you think we might be interested in, you can send it here: scathingnews@gmail.comTo check out our sister show, The Skepticrat, click here: https://audioboom.com/channel/the-skepticratTo check out our sister show’s hot friend, God Awful Movies, click here: https://audioboom.com/channel/god-awful-moviesTo check out our half-sister show, Citation Needed, click here: http://citationpod.com/To check out our sister show’s sister show, D and D minus, click here: https://danddminus.libsyn.com/Report instances of harassment or abuse connected to this show to the Creator Accountability Network here: https://creatoraccountabilitynetwork.org/---Headlines:Greg Locke claims mug shot and police report about his arrest are fake: https://julieroys.com/despite-police-record-and-mug-shot-greg-locke-denies-march-3-arrest/Indiana Abortion Law Halted for Violating Non-Christians’ Rights: https://news.bloomberglaw.com/us-law-week/indiana-abortion-law-halted-for-violating-non-christians-rightsThe myth of evangelical persecution gets a new platform in the Washington Post: https://www.friendlyatheist.com/p/the-myth-of-evangelical-persecutionGeorgia looks to close clergy sex abuse loophole: https://www.friendlyatheist.com/p/georgia-is-finally-on-the-verge-ofTokyo High Court orders Unification Church to dissolve: https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/03/04/japan/crime-legal/unification-church-ruling/Pope Bobby has thoughts about cosmetic surgery, looksmaxxing, AI, and cyber magic: https://www.allure.com/story/catholic-church-cosmetic-surgery---This Week in Misogyny:Share of female world leaders decreases 4%: https://www.unwomen.org/en/news-stories/press-release/2026/03/only-1-in-7-countries-is-led-by-a-woman-as-global-political-power-remains-dominated-by-menRight wing pastor urges women to model “joyful submission”: https://www.peoplefor.org/rightwingwatch/right-wing-pastor-dale-partridge-instructs-women-his-congregation-model-joyfulRight wing pastor claims abortion keeps aborting all the disease cures: https://www.peoplefor.org/rightwingwatch/right-wing-pastor-randy-caldwell-claims-abortion-aborted-cure-every-disease
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Mar 5, 2026 • 1h 26min

677: AI Slopaganda Edition

They dig into reports that military rhetoric framed war with Iran in apocalyptic religious terms. They question source reliability around MRFF complaints and unpack how Bible sales can mislead claims of a revival. They cover Trans Kansans losing driver’s licenses and the fallout from Huckabee and Tucker’s Israel theology. They mock an AI-generated rapture short for its uncanny visuals and bizarre storytelling.
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Feb 26, 2026 • 60min

676: "Paddy, Did He?" Edition

In this week’s episode, American Christians wonder if they can be Nazis with an S this time, a new reality competition show looks a lot like game night with Eli and his magic troupe, and we’ll put the “ain’t” back in “saint.”---To see us live in San Francisco, click here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/god-awful-movies-live-in-san-francisco-california-tickets-1976632374642To make a per episode donation at Patreon.com, click here: http://www.patreon.com/ScathingAtheistTo buy our book, click here: https://www.amazon.com/Outbreak-Crisis-Religion-Ruined-Pandemic/dp/B08L2HSVS8/If you see a news story you think we might be interested in, you can send it here: scathingnews@gmail.comTo check out our sister show, The Skepticrat, click here: https://audioboom.com/channel/the-skepticratTo check out our sister show’s hot friend, God Awful Movies, click here: https://audioboom.com/channel/god-awful-moviesTo check out our half-sister show, Citation Needed, click here: http://citationpod.com/To check out our sister show’s sister show, D and D minus, click here: https://danddminus.libsyn.com/Report instances of harassment or abuse connected to this show to the Creator Accountability Network here: https://creatoraccountabilitynetwork.org/---Guest Links:Learn more about Bahacon 2026 here: https://bahacon.com/---Headlines:PRRI Analysis shows just how much Christian Nationalism has taken over the Republican party: https://prri.org/research/mapping-christian-nationalism-across-the-50-states-insights-from-prris-2025-american-values-atlas/Church ‘prophetess’ indicted in $50M money laundering, forced labor scheme: https://finance.yahoo.com/news/church-prophetess-indicted-50m-money-174500311.htmlDisplay of St. Francis of Assisi's bones: https://www.ncronline.org/news/display-st-francis-assisis-bones-confirms-enduring-appeal-relics-christiansFormer atheist neurosurgeon gives ‘case for existence of the soul’ in talk at Cornell: https://www.thecollegefix.com/former-atheist-neurosurgeon-gives-case-for-existence-of-the-soul-in-talk-at-cornell/South Korea's "top 49 fate readers" battle for soothsaying supremacy on new Disney+ show: https://www.herworld.com/life/battle-of-fates-contestants-disney-plusTrailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wmc7LYUaho0&t=3s---This Week in Misogyny:TN lawmakers introduce bill to allow death penalty for women who have abortions: https://www.friendlyatheist.com/p/pro-life-tennessee-gop-pushes-amendmentScottish government runs ad campaign urging boys not to share sexist content: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cp9mxgldmp0oWomen’s Hockey team turns down White House invite: https://www.cnn.com/2026/02/25/sport/hilary-knight-president-trump-distasteful-joke
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Feb 19, 2026 • 60min

675: Lies of Commission Edition

In this week’s episode, Trump’s Religious liberty commission finds itself 1 for 3, Christian Nationalists gather in DC to break the first and second rule of Smite Club, and we’ll be joined by the Epstein File’s own Michael Marshall.---To make a per episode donation at Patreon.com, click here: http://www.patreon.com/ScathingAtheistTo buy our book, click here: https://www.amazon.com/Outbreak-Crisis-Religion-Ruined-Pandemic/dp/B08L2HSVS8/If you see a news story you think we might be interested in, you can send it here: scathingnews@gmail.comTo check out our sister show, The Skepticrat, click here: https://audioboom.com/channel/the-skepticratTo check out our sister show’s hot friend, God Awful Movies, click here: https://audioboom.com/channel/god-awful-moviesTo check out our half-sister show, Citation Needed, click here: http://citationpod.com/To check out our sister show’s sister show, D and D minus, click here: https://danddminus.libsyn.com/Report instances of harassment or abuse connected to this show to the Creator Accountability Network here: https://creatoraccountabilitynetwork.org/---Guest Links:Check out more from Marsh on Skeptics with a K and the Know Rogan Experience---Headlines:Trump’s religious liberty commission is not going awesome: https://apnews.com/article/trump-religious-liberty-commission-antisemtism-0cbdc1f1aa62286aa7688495555b0aa5 and https://www.friendlyatheist.com/p/trumps-religious-liberty-commissionMyPillow founder Mike Lindell spent majority of campaign funds buying his own book: https://julieroys.com/mypillow-founder-mike-lindell-spent-majority-campaign-funds-buying-his-own-book/GOP lawmaker asks God to cleanse government of non-believers at Christian Nationalist event: https://www.friendlyatheist.com/p/gop-lawmaker-asks-god-to-cleanse
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Feb 12, 2026 • 60min

674: Measle Memory Edition

In this week’s episode, measles put the skibidi in Ohio, TP-USA tries to get more young Republicans by airing Kid Rock against Bad Bunny, and Ross Douthat will enter the “don’t answer yet” phase of his Christianity sales pitch.---To make a per episode donation at Patreon.com, click here: http://www.patreon.com/ScathingAtheistTo buy our book, click here: https://www.amazon.com/Outbreak-Crisis-Religion-Ruined-Pandemic/dp/B08L2HSVS8/If you see a news story you think we might be interested in, you can send it here: scathingnews@gmail.comTo check out our sister show, The Skepticrat, click here: https://audioboom.com/channel/the-skepticratTo check out our sister show’s hot friend, God Awful Movies, click here: https://audioboom.com/channel/god-awful-moviesTo check out our half-sister show, Citation Needed, click here: http://citationpod.com/To check out our sister show’s sister show, D and D minus, click here: https://danddminus.libsyn.com/Report instances of harassment or abuse connected to this show to the Creator Accountability Network here: https://creatoraccountabilitynetwork.org/---Guest Links:Check out the book “For You Have Sinned” here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1543997406?ref=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cso_cp_apin_dp_W839BDQYJJR9GWBXGC13---Headlines:RFK Jr. has succeeded in bringing back measles: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/02/09/well/dr-mehmet-oz-measles-vaccine.html, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5727570/, https://www.cdc.gov/measles/data-research/index.html and https://www.npr.org/2026/02/08/nx-s1-5705972/measles-march-for-life-dc-reagan-national-union-station-metro Donald Trumps speech at the national prayer breakfasthttps://rollcall.com/factbase/trump/transcript/donald-trump-remarks-national-prayer-breakfast-capitol-february-5-2026/One Million Moms is mad about a margarine ad with Gordon Ramsey: https://www.lgbtqnation.com/2026/02/conservative-christian-group-disgusted-by-gordon-ramsays-funny-new-margarine-ad/The "He Gets Us" campaign has a PR problem no Super Bowl ad can solve: https://www.friendlyatheist.com/p/the-he-gets-us-campaign-has-a-prMalaysian Minister says work stress can make you gay: https://www.bangkokpost.com/world/3186750/malaysian-minister-claims-work-stress-can-turn-people-gayTPUSA tries to compete with Bad Bunny and airs preachy 'All-American Halftime Show':https://www.christianpost.com/news/3-highlights-from-tpusas-all-american-halftime-show.htmlAnd yes, Kid Rock was there with some gospel: https://www.christianpost.com/news/kid-rock-shares-gospel-message-during-tpusa-halftime-show.html
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Feb 5, 2026 • 60min

673: Tree Looking Edition

In this week’s episode, Texas crosses some flaming Ts, Christian schools in Australia teach about the arkaeopteryx, and Don Ford will be here for some more strongly worded letters.---To see us live in San Francisco, click here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/god-awful-movies-live-in-san-francisco-california-tickets-1976632374642To make a per episode donation at Patreon.com, click here: http://www.patreon.com/ScathingAtheistTo buy our book, click here: https://www.amazon.com/Outbreak-Crisis-Religion-Ruined-Pandemic/dp/B08L2HSVS8/If you see a news story you think we might be interested in, you can send it here: scathingnews@gmail.comTo check out our sister show, The Skepticrat, click here: https://audioboom.com/channel/the-skepticratTo check out our sister show’s hot friend, God Awful Movies, click here: https://audioboom.com/channel/god-awful-moviesTo check out our half-sister show, Citation Needed, click here: http://citationpod.com/To check out our sister show’s sister show, D and D minus, click here: https://danddminus.libsyn.com/Report instances of harassment or abuse connected to this show to the Creator Accountability Network here: https://creatoraccountabilitynetwork.org/---Guest Links:Check out Evan’s blog and podcast here:Washington Heights-Inwood Mask Bloc: bit.ly/whinymaskblocInconvenient Health Podcast: https://wahiinwoodmaskbloc.substack.com/podcast--- Headlines:Texas trying to force even more Bible into their public schools: https://www.friendlyatheist.com/p/the-texas-board-of-education-plans and https://www.texastribune.org/2026/01/30/texas-education-curriculum-bible-errors-corrections/Republicans are panicking because James Talarico wants people to act more like Jesus: https://www.friendlyatheist.com/p/republicans-are-panicking-becauseN.J. church deletes controversial video showing Jewish man next to devil: https://www.nj.com/passaic-county/2026/01/nj-church-deletes-controversial-video-showing-jewish-man-next-to-devil.htmlIn a New Jersey church’s Christmas pageant, a Jewish caricature dances with the devil: https://www.jta.org/2026/01/16/united-states/jewish-caricature-in-ukrainian-christmas-tradition-resurfaces-at-new-jersey-church-drawing-criticismKanye West apologizes for antisemitic behavior with full page ad in the WSJ: https://www.theguardian.com/music/2026/jan/26/kanye-west-takes-out-full-page-ad-apologising-for-antisemitic-behaviour-and-denying-he-is-a-nazi-yeJelly Roll is an asshole: https://www.cleveland.com/news/2026/02/what-jelly-roll-said-in-acceptance-speech-at-the-grammy-awards-has-everyone-talking.htmlScience teachers from Queensland Open Brethren schools told to teach students about vegetarian dinosaurs on Noah’s Ark: https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/jan/25/science-teachers-from-queensland-open-brethren-schools-told-to-teach-students-about-vegetarian-dinosaurs-on-noahs-ark---This Week in Misogyny:North Carolina woman dies waiting for abortion: https://www.propublica.org/article/north-carolina-abortion-laws-ciji-grahamReport finds French nuns were basically tortured: https://www.lemonde.fr/en/france/article/2026/01/16/benedictine-nuns-of-montmartre-under-duress-for-40-years-report-finds_6749480_7.htmlCinci pastor fired for filming women in gym: https://www.wcpo.com/news/local-news/hamilton-county/cincinnati/crossroads-church-fires-next-gen-program-director-for-secretly-recording-women-at-oakley-gym-church-says and https://www.fox19.com/2021/06/24/crossroads-use-horses-props-sunday-sermon-draws-criticism/ and https://www.cleveland19.com/story/9547748/cincinnati-performer-dies-after-christmas-show-fall/
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Jan 29, 2026 • 60min

672: Fast Fashin' Edition

In this week’s episode, Christians declare that he who is without boot should lick the first soul, JD Vance is NOT allowed to hold the fetus trophy at the March For Life rally, and we’ll find out that the Bibleman franchise could too be more cheaply made.---To make a per episode donation at Patreon.com, click here: http://www.patreon.com/ScathingAtheistTo see us live in San Francisco, click here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/god-awful-movies-live-in-san-francisco-california-tickets-1976632374642To buy our book, click here: https://www.amazon.com/Outbreak-Crisis-Religion-Ruined-Pandemic/dp/B08L2HSVS8/If you see a news story you think we might be interested in, you can send it here: scathingnews@gmail.comTo check out our sister show, The Skepticrat, click here: https://audioboom.com/channel/the-skepticratTo check out our sister show’s hot friend, God Awful Movies, click here: https://audioboom.com/channel/god-awful-moviesTo check out our half-sister show, Citation Needed, click here: http://citationpod.com/To check out our sister show’s sister show, D and D minus, click here: https://danddminus.libsyn.com/Report instances of harassment or abuse connected to this show to the Creator Accountability Network here: https://creatoraccountabilitynetwork.org/---Headlines:Christian responses to killing in Minneapolis: https://www.lgbtqnation.com/2026/01/christian-conservative-leader-rages-at-presbyterian-church-for-honoring-obscene-renee-good/ and https://x.com/JoelWebbon/status/2015476133773414729, https://x.com/seanfeucht/status/2015201292847902815, and https://x.com/Riley_Gaines_/status/2015192318295290345 and https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_deaths_in_ICE_detentionScientist claims to have found the 'exact location of Heaven' in his open letter for Fox News:https://www.foxnews.com/opinion/is-heaven-real-science-may-reveal-where-gods-eternal-kingdom-existshttps://www.unilad.com/community/life/exact-location-heaven-michael-guillen-harvard-462097-20260122The scandal rocking Bethel Church and the world of charismatic Christians: https://www.friendlyatheist.com/p/the-scandal-rocking-bethel-churchJD Vance gives absurd speech at March For Life anti-choice rally: https://www.christianpost.com/news/jd-vance-abortion-debate-a-question-of-choosing-god-or-paganism.html
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Jan 22, 2026 • 60min

671: Lasso of Truthiness Edition

In this week’s episode, Christians demand NO shoving in line to the ovens, a Republican theocrat tries to confuse the globalists by starting a public JEWISH school, and “How Bullshit Is It?” will get meta.---To make a per episode donation at Patreon.com, click here: http://www.patreon.com/ScathingAtheistTo buy our book, click here: https://www.amazon.com/Outbreak-Crisis-Religion-Ruined-Pandemic/dp/B08L2HSVS8/If you see a news story you think we might be interested in, you can send it here: scathingnews@gmail.comTo check out our sister show, The Skepticrat, click here: https://audioboom.com/channel/the-skepticratTo check out our sister show’s hot friend, God Awful Movies, click here: https://audioboom.com/channel/god-awful-moviesTo check out our half-sister show, Citation Needed, click here: http://citationpod.com/To check out our sister show’s sister show, D and D minus, click here: https://danddminus.libsyn.com/Report instances of harassment or abuse connected to this show to the Creator Accountability Network here: https://creatoraccountabilitynetwork.org/---Headlines:Christians pissed about protest outside ICE-pastor’s church: https://www.friendlyatheist.com/p/the-anti-ice-protest-at-a-minnesotaGreg Locke used a real shooting to sell a fake Christian persecution story about himself: https://www.friendlyatheist.com/p/greg-locke-used-a-real-shooting-toScott Adams’ deathbed conversion to Christianity shouldn’t be taken seriously: https://www.friendlyatheist.com/p/scott-adams-deathbed-conversion-toCandace Owens pushes theory Charlie Kirk was 'time traveller' who went to 'X-Men school': https://www.wonkette.com/p/candace-owens-charlie-kirk-was-aTulsa’s Jewish community pushes back on Oklahoma Jewish charter school proposal: https://forward.com/fast-forward/797823/tulsas-jewish-community-pushes-back-on-oklahoma-jewish-charter-school-proposal/

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