Podcast
Graceful Atheist Podcast
Hosted by David Ames · EN
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
19episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Julia: Deconstructing JWs and Suburbia
2d ago00:51:44Tap to summarizeJulia tells her story of deconstructing the Jehovah's Witnesses and the expected life of suburbia.Julia was torn between two grandmothers: an evangelical and a Jehovah's Witness. She became a Jehovah'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'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's needs with out dogma.Today Julia is free. She kayaks, bikes and travels internationally. She says "I wake up every day thinking, 'I love this world, and I love this life.'"InteractShow Noteshttps://gracefulatheist.com/2026/06/29/julia-deconstructing-jws-and-suburbia/Join the Deconversion Anonymous Facebook group!Support the podcastPatreon https://www.patreon.com/gracefulatheistPaypal: paypal.me/gracefulatheistDeconversionhttps://gracefulatheist.com/2017/12/03/deconversion-how-to/Secular Gracehttps://gracefulatheist.com/2016/10/21/secular-grace/Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/graceful-atheist-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
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Humanism and AI
3w ago00:48:21Tap to summarizeThe Consciousness DelusionIn 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't think they are conscious and how a humanist should respond.Topics:(Semi) Technical description of how Large Language Models workLLMs are trained on the sum total of human hopes and fearsWhy all the intelligence in AI systems is from human sourcesWhy I do not believe LLMs can be conscious in principleThe Hype problemThe Humanistic response to AILinksShow noteshttps://gracefulatheist.com/2026/06/07/humanism-and-ai/Here are several source material links from my research for this episode:When Dawkins met Claude Could this AI be conscious?https://unherd.com/2026/05/is-ai-the-next-phase-of-evolution/?edition=usELIZA and the missing secretaryhttps://theconversation.com/my-search-for-the-mysterious-missing-secretary-who-shaped-chatbot-history-225602Alan Turing and the Turing testhttps://academic.oup.com/mind/article/LIX/236/433/986238?login=falseMetaphors for how the brain workshttps://mechanism.ucsd.edu/bill/teaching/w14/phil151/metaphorsandconceptionsofbrain.pdfAlison Gopnik on Sean Carroll’s pdocasthttps://www.preposterousuniverse.com/podcast/2025/03/17/308-alison-gopnik-on-children-ai-and-modes-of-thinking/Neil deGrasse Tyson on the Late Show with Steven Colberthttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Qon72VKH30AI as normal technologyhttps://knightcolumbia.org/content/ai-as-normal-technologyInteractJoin the Deconversion Anonymous Facebook group!Support the podcastPatreon https://www.patreon.com/gracefulatheistPaypal: paypal.me/gracefulatheistDeconversionhttps://gracefulatheist.com/2017/12/03/deconversion-how-to/Secular Gracehttps://gracefulatheist.com/2016/10/21/secular-grace/Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/graceful-atheist-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
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Liam: A friend and a Friend
May 2400:58:49Tap to summarizeLiam 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.LinksQuakers in Britain: https://www.quaker.org.uk/Quaker Faith: https://www.quaker.org.uk/faith/read-about-quaker-faithQuakers in USA: https://www.fgcquaker.org/American Friends Service Committee (Charity): https://afsc.org/InteractShow Noteshttps://gracefulatheist.com/2026/05/24/liam-a-friend-and-a-friend/Join the Deconversion Anonymous Facebook group!Deconversionhttps://gracefulatheist.com/2017/12/03/deconversion-how-to/Secular Gracehttps://gracefulatheist.com/2016/10/21/secular-grace/Support the podcastPatreon https://www.patreon.com/gracefulatheistPaypal: paypal.me/gracefulatheistSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/graceful-atheist-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
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Doubt is Antimemetic
May 400:36:30Tap to summarizeI recently read Antimemetics: Why Some Ideas Resist Spreading 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:DoubtDeconstructionDeconversionAtheismHumanismSecular GraceLinkshttps://gracefulatheist.com/2026/05/03/doubt-is-antimemetic/SNL Skit: Mom Confessionhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-wQhY5CMMl4Amazon Paid LinksAs an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.Amazon #CommissionsEarned:Antimemetics: Why Some Ideas Resist SpreadingThere is No Antimemetics DivisionInteractJoin the Deconversion Anonymous Facebook group!Support the podcastPatreon https://www.patreon.com/gracefulatheistPaypal: paypal.me/gracefulatheistDeconversionhttps://gracefulatheist.com/2017/12/03/deconversion-how-to/Secular Gracehttps://gracefulatheist.com/2016/10/21/secular-grace/Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/graceful-atheist-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
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Friends and Family: Mark Anthony Diaz
Apr 2000:50:53Tap to summarizeMark Anthony Diaz is the author of Reedkeeper's Journey 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's a talented EMT, author, and podcaster, it's his personal journey that truly resonates. Growing up with severe asthma made for a challenging childhood, but Mark's story is one of overcoming. Mark is very much a believer and I respect Mark's faith. Mark lives up to the honesty contest ethos of the podcast. I wanted to have him share his life's story with us because I believe every human being's story is powerful. Search for his serial podcast "Readkeeper's Journey" wherever you get your podcasts. Links Read Keeper's Journey: The only way back is forward https://www.reedkeeper.com/ Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/reedkeepers-journey/id1529380366 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5echbOBs2MXtlHolNMe0rz?si=e06f0385c8d94cad 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 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/Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/graceful-atheist-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
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Colin Ryan: Epic Tiny Victories
Mar 3001:08:07Tap to summarizeWelcome back Colin Ryan, author, storyteller, comedian and survivor of Bipolar 2, OCD and ADHD. Colin has written Epic Tiny Victories: A hopeful story about depression anxiety and reframing your life. 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's deconstruction journey is at. We discuss his mental health journey. Colin tells stories from the book. Get Epic Tiny Victories today. Links http://www.epictinyvictories.com/ https://www.colinryanspeaks.com/ 2020 Deconversion Anonymous episode of GAP https://gracefulatheist.com/2020/11/29/colin-deconversion-anonymous/ 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'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/Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/graceful-atheist-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
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10 Year Deconversion Anniversary
Mar 900:57:00Tap to summarizeReflections 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 https://amzn.to/4rj7TA6 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 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/Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/graceful-atheist-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
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Matthew Taylor: Why We Podcast
Dec 30, 202301:08:14Tap to summarizeMathew Taylor, co-host of Still Unbelievable!, returns to the podcast to discuss why we podcast.Links Matthew on Twitter: https://twitter.com/vteclimey Confessions of a YEC blog: https://confessionsofayec.wordpress.com/ "God takes the good people early" post: https://confessionsofayec.wordpress.com/2012/03/08/god-takes-the-good-people-early/ Reason Press: https://reasonpress.net/ "Still Unbelievable!" the book: https://reasonpress.net/SU1EPodcasts: Still Unbelievable! https://anchor.fm/still-unbelievable Ask An Atheist Anything https://anchor.fm/reasonpress Previous episode https://gracefulatheist.com/2019/06/20/matthew-taylor-confessions-of-a-young-earth-creationist/ 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 "Waves" track written and produced by Makaih Beats https://makaihbeats.net/Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/graceful-atheist-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
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Sara: Christian Humanism
Dec 18, 202301:01:44Tap to summarizeThis week'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't occur to her until years later how little her own leadership skills had to be set aside. Sara's husband started deconstructing his beliefs before she did, but as he was learning, she was also learning. Years later, she knew he'd become an atheist before he did. It wasn'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't have a specific label for herself, and it works just fine. "There's a whole host of ways of being in the world…" Links Sara's website https://prairiethistle.ca/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/prairiethistle 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 "Waves" track written and produced by Makaih Beats https://makaihbeats.net/Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/graceful-atheist-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
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Beth: Deconstruction from the Moral Majority
Dec 11, 202300:50:12Tap to summarizeThis week's guest is Beth. Beth grew up in a fundamentalist Christian home that revered James Dobson, Jerry Falwell and all those who created the "Moral Majority." Her father was a pastor whose sermons centered on the End Times and protecting their families from the "shifting culture," (read: all the movements happening in the 60's and 70'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 "umbrella of God's protection" would take care of her. It didn't. It took decades of trying to do what was "right" 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 "umbrella of protection" 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 "Waves" track written and produced by Makaih Beats https://makaihbeats.net/Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/graceful-atheist-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
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