The Serious Pod Network

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Serious Inquiries Only

Join Thomas for some critical thinking on questions of science, philosophy, skepticism and politics. These serious topics are discussed with some serious guests, but in an entertaining and engaging way! This is not your typical interview podcast; it's a friendly dialogue, conducted thoughtfully and with plenty of humor. It's Serious Inquiries Only; but like, not boring or anything.

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Episodes

AS262: History for Atheists

Joining me today is Tim O'Neil. Tim has a website called History for Atheists (find it here http://historyforatheists.blogspot.com/) But I thought religious people had a monopoly on biased and revisionist history? Well, if Tim is right, and he makes some pretty compelling arguments, then atheists are doing their share as well. Was Giordano Bruno really killed …

Jul 28, 2016 · 69 min · With Thomas Smith

AS261: Interview with a Chicago Police Officer

A listener named Elizabeth reached out to me offering her perspective on Black Lives Matter vs Blue Lives Matter and the police violence that has been dominating the media lately. Elizabeth talks about having to keep her liberal opinions to herself on the force due to bullying and intimidation, among many other things. She's able …

Jul 25, 2016 · 81 min · With Thomas Smith

AS260: President Trump

Get used to it! That's what's going to happen if we screw around and vote third party and all that because we can't get around our dislike for Hillary. Yes, there are reasons to dislike her. I go into two BIG ones today. But Trump is WORSE. It's a simple calculation. I make one last …

Jul 21, 2016 · 51 min · With Thomas Smith

AS259: 2nd Amendment Masterclass, Part 2

Andrew Torrez is back for the exciting conclusion of his 2nd Amendment Masterclass. Everything you need to know in order to speak from a more educated perspective on the 2nd Amendment!

Jul 18, 2016 · 64 min · With Thomas Smith

AS258: 2nd Amendment Masterclass, Part 1

At long last! The great Andrew Torrez is here for part one of his masterclass in 2nd amendment history!

Jul 14, 2016 · 64 min · With Thomas Smith

AS257: Andrew Torrez on Christian Mingle

Today I've got Andrew Torrez to talk about the Christian Mingle settlement and hi quite awful interaction with David Smalley. After that I offer some commentary on the shootings and related events. The next 2 shows are the promised amazing lesson on the 2nd Amendment, with Andrew. Patrons can listen to that entire recording on …

Jul 11, 2016 · 51 min · With Thomas Smith

AS256: Super AI and Terrorism, with Phil Torres

Today I'm joined by existential risk expert Phil Torres! Phil wrote a book called The End, in which he detailed out several different ways that humanity might become extinct. Phil has written several fascinating articles for a few different online publications, and he's here to talk about some of the ideas he has explored in …

Jul 7, 2016 · 74 min · With Thomas Smith

AS255: How To Be Wrong Better

I'll come right out and say it: David Smalley was badly mistaken in his legal analysis of a settlement (find the article here) and when he was corrected by an actual lawyer, he doubled down and got personal and insulting. That lawyer happens to be Andrew Torrez, one of my favorite guests of the show …

Jul 4, 2016 · 53 min · With Thomas Smith

AS254: Eli vs Travis Part 2

It's time for part 2 with Eli and Travis on gun control. After they're done, I offer a few thoughts on the debate. Thanks so much for listening!

Jun 30, 2016 · 50 min · With Thomas Smith

AS253: Eli vs Travis on Gun Control

Everyone's favorite Christian movie critic and Atheistically Speaking master debater, Eli Bosnick, is back at it defending a strong anti-gun position against listener Travis. Atheists actually tend to be quite split on this issue, as made clear by the comments I get on both sides. So, I'm very happy to be hosting a dialogue between …

Jun 27, 2016 · 51 min · With Thomas Smith

AS252: Commentary; Inciting Incident

First up is some commentary on a common misconception about my Trump arguments. I do not think PC culture is blame to Trump. There's a comment of disagreement I keep getting that I deal with in the first part of this episode. The second part is an interview with Al Laiman from the Inciting Incident …

Jun 23, 2016 · 51 min · With Thomas Smith

AS251: Andrew Torrez on Hate Speech

Recently a hashtag went viral called #IStandWithHateSpeech. While that might seem to be on its surface a pretty insensitive statement, it perhaps voices a legitimate concern with EU hate speech laws. Here to help us wade through the details is everyone's favorite legal correspondent, Andrew Torrez! Here's a news story that describes it a bit: http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_IP-16-1937_en.htm

Jun 20, 2016 · 52 min · With Thomas Smith

AS250: Thinking Clearly on Orlando

In a world of knee jerk reactions and the desire for easy scapegoats, I hope to bring you some balanced analysis on the shooting. Many different contributing factors coalesce here – Islam, homophobia, homophobia in Christianity, gun control, masculinity. What are we to make of all these? Well, listen in and I hope we can …

Jun 16, 2016 · 51 min · With Thomas Smith

AS249: Tom and Cecil, Part 2

I've got those dirty bastards Tom and Cecil back for more! We talk about whether or not Hillary can get more done than Bernie would have, and whether PC culture has led to Trump. After the dudes are gone I address some of the response I got to the Ania debate over ableist language. It …

Jun 13, 2016 · 56 min · With Thomas Smith

AS248: Cognitive Dissonance Or Bust

The dudes are back! Tom and Cecil are in the house, and we're talking everything politics. What do they think about Bernie or Bust? Are they #neverTrump? Also, how do they feel about free college? Find out, and of course, enjoy a heaping helping of profanity and off-color jokes! If you'd like to hear part …

Jun 9, 2016 · 46 min · With Thomas Smith