Shows
Truth WantedTruth Wanted 08.36 09-05-2025 with Kelley Laughlin and @mikebrigandi_In today’s episode of Truth Wanted, Kelley Laughlin and Mike Brigandi sort through nihilism and the utility of spiritualism. How would this life be different if our inherent and objective purpose is only to believe in things that are untrue?Michelle in NY has some thoughts on the utility of god and spirituality; the earth exists because god wants us to feel good and if something is beautiful, it is true. How do we explain cancer in children based on this hypothesis? What is the difference between a cursed world and a natural world that has things yo...
2025-09-061h 06Truth WantedTruth Wanted 08.33 08-15-2025 with ObjectivelyDan and Bat Cruise GuestsObjectively Dan hosts our in-studio live show for Truth Wanted today with multiple guest hosts who traveled in from multiple places to attend the annual Bat Cruise!Kelley Laughlin, Jonathon Roudabus, Helen Greene, Eli Slack, Jamie the Blind Limey, Ben Clodfelter join Dan to receive both audience questions and calls.Jon from Canada does not think that an actor should be chosen for a role for “woke” reasons just because they are black or Latino. Being woke is aware of the institutional prejudices that are present and is recognizing real problems that need to be disc...
2025-08-181h 25Truth WantedTruth Wanted 08.32 08-08-2025 with Kelley Laughlin and Eli SlackIn today’s episode of Truth Wanted, Kelley Laughlin and Eli Slack, work through indoctrination before relaxing into some ghost encountering sleep paralysis. Just try to “free will” yourself out of that state!Adrian, a believer in CA, uses a concordance to support claims of prophecies that have been fulfilled such as the book of Zechariah mentioning piercing. How can you tell the difference between a narrative and a prophecy? How do we know this reference point can be used to get to the truth when there is the potential of bias? How do you prove that something in the...
2025-08-091h 25
Cross ChurchHow to Handle the Testing and Trials of LifeThe tenth sermon in our series: "Strangers in a Strange Land"Scripture: 1 Peter 4Eli LaughlinCollege Pastor
2025-07-2835 min
The RISE Leadership PodcastIntro to C3 - Cross Church College MinistryIn this episode, Phil & Jeremy sit down with Eli Laughlin, College Pastor at Cross Church, to discuss the vision, mission & opportunities of C3. If you are a college student interested in finding community and even looking for your own personal mission, or if you are an adult looking for a way to leave a legacy in the lives of college students, this podcast will introduce you to those possibilities with this behind the scenes look at the college ministry at Cross Church. Send us a text
2025-07-2427 min
theSOCIAL NWAMinor Leagues - JonahHey there and welcome to The Social Podcast where we give you monthly conversations on different young adult topics and weekly sermons from our Tuesday night service. Currently we are in a sermon series called “Minor Leagues.” In this series, we are walking through some of the minor prophets. Each week we will look at the message the Lord gave to one of these prophets, and what that message means for us today as the Church. This week Eli Laughlin is continuing off our series walking through the book of Jonah. Listen now to this...
2025-06-2540 min
The Non-ProphetsDelaware Passes Death With Dignity LawDelaware has become the 12th U.S. state to legalize medical aid in dying. In this deeply personal episode of The Non-Prophets, the hosts discuss the hard-won passage of House Bill 140 and the dignity it affords terminally ill patients. They examine the safeguards, ethical debates, and religious opposition to such laws—and why support remains strong despite decades of resistance. This is a story of autonomy, compassion, and the right to choose a peaceful end.The Friendly Atheist, “At long last, Delaware enacts ‘death with dignity’ law”By Hemant Mehta, May 29, 2025https://www.friendlyatheist.com/p/at-l...
2025-06-1422 min
The Non-ProphetsTX Lawmakers call out Hypocrisy on Commandments BillThe Non-Prophets take on Texas’ latest Christian nationalist push—a bill requiring public schools to display the Ten Commandments. But Rep. James Talarico, a Christian Democrat, is having none of it. In a series of epic takedowns, Talarico grills his colleagues on their hypocrisy, biblical illiteracy, and blatant disregard for the Constitution. The hosts analyze the bill’s legal problems, political motives, and the power of standing up for real religious freedom.The Friendly Atheist, “Texas Democrat Exposes GOP Hypocrisy Behind Ten Commandments Bill”By Hemant Mehta, May 28, 2025https://www.friendlyatheist.com/p/texas-democrat-exposes-gop-hypocrisy
2025-06-1222 min
The Non-ProphetsCDC Goes Quiet as Disease Spread GrowsIn this episode of The Non-Prophets, the panel reacts to the alarming halt in CDC communications, with the U.S. now flying blind on public health threats. Budget cuts, mass firings, and political meddling have silenced disease alerts that once informed doctors, hospitals, and the public. The team dives into how dismantling the CDC’s outreach endangers lives, erodes trust in science, and shows contempt for evidence-based governance. It’s not about public safety—it’s about control.NPR, “CDC’s public health warnings go dark after staff firings, media freeze”By Elijah Nouvelage, May 21, 2025https://w...
2025-06-1020 min
The Non-ProphetsSouthern Baptist Membership Hits 50-Year LowSouthern Baptist Convention membership has dropped to its lowest level in over 50 years, falling from nearly 13.7 million in 2021 to just over 12.7 million in 2025. While leaders tout rising baptism numbers, critics say this masks the real issue—declining relevance and aging congregations.The Non-Prophets dive into what this means for American Christianity, global religious trends, and why the church’s cultural power may not be fading as fast as its pews.News Source The Friendly Atheist, by Hemant Mehta, May 1, 2025https://www.friendlyatheist.com/p/southern-baptist-membership-hitsThe Non-Prophets, Episode 24.19.4 featuring Kelley Laughlin, Eli Slac...
2025-05-1819 min
The Non-ProphetsJudge Charged for Blocking Immigration ArrestA Milwaukee judge is facing federal charges after allegedly helping a man avoid ICE agents by allowing him to exit through a jury door—agents who only had a non-judicial warrant. Judge Hannah Dugan’s defenders argue she was upholding constitutional protections, not obstructing justice. Is this a principled stand for civil rights, or a threat to law enforcement authority?The Non-Prophets examine what’s legal, what’s moral, and what it means for judicial independence in an increasingly polarized system.News Source Reuters, by Sarah N. Lynch and Andrew Goudsward, April 25, 2025https://www.reuters...
2025-05-1721 min
The Non-ProphetsSegregation Signs Spark Outrage at Georgia SchoolA Georgia elementary school sparked national outrage after posting “Whites Only” and “Blacks Only” signs over water fountains during a lesson on desegregation. The teacher claimed it was part of a history lesson on Ruby Bridges, but the move left students confused and targeted, and parents furious. Was this an ill-conceived attempt at immersive education—or a reckless display that retraumatized and divided?The Non-Prophets break down the controversy, ethics, and long-term impact.News Source The Independent via Yahoo News, by Katie Hawkinson, April 24, 2025https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/honey-creek-elementary-signs-georgia-b2739151.html
2025-05-1520 min
Etheralife | Sci-Fi, Thriller, Horror Audio Dramas, Narrated Stories, Game Worlds, and more.The Statues | Pt. 2.3 | Season Finale | Audio Drama | Sci-Fi | Horror StoryTitle: The Statues Part/Season 2, Episode 3 of 3 (Season Finale)Genres: #scifihorror, #horror, #scifi #horrorstory Writer/Producer: the5thhuman (2024)Release Date: 10-24-2025 (backdated on podcast for organizational purposes)Voice Actors:Intro Credits: https://www.gareth-murden.com/Ne: Ella Rhee - https://www.backstage.com/u/ellaejrhee/Arista: Danielle Denicola - https://linktr.ee/DanielleDeNicolaPolo: DauntlesStark - https://www.youtube.com/@dauntlesstark9850Ren: Sterling C. Beard - https://www.imdb.com/name/nm5936322/Mobis: Sean O’La...
2025-05-132h 26
The Non-ProphetsCourt Upholds $1.2M Fine Against Defiant ChurchCalvary Chapel San Jose has finally been held accountable after defying COVID restrictions, spreading misinformation, and racking up millions in fines. A California appellate court upheld a $1.2 million penalty against the church, rejecting claims of religious discrimination.The panel dives into what this ruling means for religious privilege, public safety, and the growing tension between faith and law. Is this a sign that courts are beginning to take church accountability seriously?News Source The Friendly Atheist by Hemant Mehta, April 25, 2025https://www.friendlyatheist.com/p/ca-court-upholds-12-million-fineThe Non-Prophets, Episode 24.19.1 featuring Kelley...
2025-05-1321 minEtheralife | Sci-Fi, Thriller, Horror Audio Dramas, Narrated Stories, Game Worlds, and more.The Statues | Pt. 2.2 | Audio Drama | Sci-Fi | HorrorTitle: The Statues 2.2 (Part 2, Episode 2 of 3)Genres: #scifihorror, #horror, #scifi Content: Gore, explicitWriter: the5thhuman (2024)Audio Mix: the5thhuman (2025)Original Release Date: 10-7-2025 (backdated on podcast for organizational purposes)Voice Actors (from most to least lines):(info below may contain spoilers)Ne: Ella Rhee - https://www.castingcall.club/ellaejrheeArista: Danielle Denicola - https://linktr.ee/DanielleDeNicolaGal: Carianto - https://carionto.carrd.co/Ren: Sterling C. Beard - https://www.imdb.com/name...
2025-04-302h 37Truth WantedTruth Wanted 08.15 with Kelley Laughlin and @blitzphdIn today’s episode of Truth Wanted, Kelley Laughlin and Dr. Blitz, show us how to do an amazing job with thought provoking calls!Steve in NE has evidence that dark energy is weakening over time, implying that the Big Rip Theory is incorrect. Dr. Blitz confirms this big news and cites studies that consistently show that dark energy is weakening. We should be hesitant because we don’t know what dark energy will do. Could the expanding universe be a trick of time dilation?Omega Weapon in NY has a position that any god that is b...
2025-04-121h 14
The Non-ProphetsDon't go to Jesus for Medical Help!Oklahoma GOP advances bill letting Christian doctors deny services to patientsThe Friendly Atheist, By Hemant Mehta, on March 5, 2025https://www.friendlyatheist.com/p/oklahoma-gop-advances-bill-lettingThe ongoing discussion centers around House Bill 1006 in Oklahoma, which would allow medical professionals to refuse care based on personal ethical, moral, or religious beliefs. This controversial bill is perceived as a direct attack on individual autonomy, placing people's well-being at risk in favor of religious freedom. The debate escalates into questions about the ethics of healthcare, especially regarding religious objections to certain treatments like abortion or gender-affirming...
2025-03-1821 min
The Non-ProphetsHungry Mississippi KidsMississippi again turns down millions of dollars to feed low-income kids during summer months-to-feed-low-income-kids-during-summer-months/Mississippi Today, By Kate Royals and Sophia Paffenroth, on February 3, 2025https://mississippitoday.org/2025/02/03/mississippi-again-turns-down-millions-of-dollars-to-feed-low-income-kids-during-summer-months/ Mississippi has once again rejected millions of dollars in federal aid meant to provide food assistance to low-income children during the summer months. This marks the second consecutive year that Governor Tate Reeves has turned down funding from the Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) program, a decision that directly impacts hundreds of thousands of children across the state. The financial impact on struggling families is s...
2025-02-2318 minTruth WantedTruth Wanted 08.08 with ObjectivelyDan and Eli SlackToday’s episode of the Truth Wanted, Objectively Dan and Eli Slack use tulpas as their assistants to explore how much the truth matters to celebrities espousing ridiculous concepts of truth before a deep dive into what the truth is for callers. James in NY wants to talk about how tulpamancy and mental conditioning help shape our concepts of god and religion. Some people say the development of primates had to do with psychedelic mushrooms and this is entirely possible. There is a chance that the Book of Revelation is a result of something like thi...
2025-02-221h 17
The Non-ProphetsTexas Puts Bibles in Public SchoolsLegal rights groups urge school leaders not to adopt Texas’ Bible-infused curriculumThe Texas Tribune, By Jaden Edison, on January 30, 2025https://www.texastribune.org/2025/01/30/texas-aclu-bible-bluebonnet-curriculum/#:~:text=The%20American%20Civil%20Liberties%20Union,Learning%2C%20would%20%22unlawfully%20impose%20a The Texas State Board of Education’s recent adoption of the Blue Bonnet curriculum, a Bible-infused educational program, has sparked legal concerns and pushback from civil rights groups. Critics argue that the curriculum heavily integrates Christian ideology, downplays significant historical events like slavery and civil rights struggles, and promotes religious favoritism in public education. Supporters, on the o...
2025-02-2219 min
The Non-ProphetsPastor thinks Trump is HitlerPastor who compared Trump to Hitler is pushed out of churchMail Online, By Bethan Sexton, on February 4, 2025https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14359493/pastor-compared-Trump-Hitler-church-charlotte-myers-park-baptist.htmDr. Ben Boswell, a pastor at Myers Park Baptist Church in Charlotte, North Carolina, was asked to resign after church attendance declined during his tenure, which began in 2016. While church leaders insist his removal was due to dwindling attendance rather than his progressive sermons, critics argue that his messages of inclusivity, racial justice, and political awareness alienated white congregants who didn't want to confront issues of...
2025-02-2023 min
The Non-ProphetsChurch Pastor Heils MuskPriest Booted From Church After Imitating Musk's SaluteThe Daily Beast, By Emell Derra Adolphus, on January 30, 2025https://www.thedailybeast.com/right-wing-catholic-priest-father-calvin-robinson-hits-the-musk-salute-at-pro-life-talk/ Father Calvin Robinson, a right-wing priest with ties to the UK’s far-right movement, was removed from his church after performing a salute reminiscent of Elon Musk’s controversial gesture at Trump’s inauguration rally. Robinson claims it was a joke mocking liberal outrage, but the Anglican Catholic Church took swift action, drawing a clear line between political expression and extremist signaling. The panel discusses the implications of religious leaders engaging in radi...
2025-02-1819 min
The Non-ProphetsUnhinged Reactions or Real Fear?Unhinged election outcry reveals failed promise of secular salvation Fox News, By Jim Daly, on November 17, 2024https://www.foxnews.com/opinion/unhinged-election-outcry-reveals-failed-promise-secular-salvationThis discussion critiques Jim Daly's opinion piece in Fox News, where he accuses the political left of hysteria following electoral losses. The panel rebuts this, highlighting the right's own emotionally charged reactions, from election denial to performative outrage (e.g., destroying products like Bud Light and Nike). The group explores broader issues such as perceived threats to democracy and rule of law, particularly the d...
2024-12-1524 min
The Non-ProphetsUnderstanding Belief Formation What delusions can tell us about the cognitive nature of beliefThe Conversation, By Michael Connors and Peter W Halligan, on November 19, 2024http://theconversation.com/what-delusions-can-tell-us-about-the-cognitive-nature-of-belief-243627This episode of The Non-Prophets explores the intricate relationship between belief, delusion, and religious convictions. Hosted by Eli Slack, the discussion is prompted by an article from The Conversation by Michael Connors and Peter Hallagan, examining whether beliefs and delusions share common psychological roots. The article highlights that the primary difference between the two lies not in the mental process of formation b...
2024-12-1419 min
The Non-ProphetsBiblical Myths Shape Immigration Propaganda Americans use the Book of Revelation to talk about immigration – and always haveRNS, By Yii-Jan Lin, on October 24, 2024https://religionnews.com/2024/10/24/americans-use-the-book-of-revelation-to-talk-about-immigration-and-always-have/The discussion focuses on the historical and ongoing use of the Bible, particularly The Book of Revelation, to demonize marginalized groups, including immigrants. This practice leverages religious imagery and rhetoric to manipulate public perception, often painting outsiders as threats to societal order. The article under review highlights how Revelation, originally a cryptic critique of Roman oppression written by a persecuted group, has been weaponized over centuries to justify bigotry and fea...
2024-12-1223 min
The Non-ProphetsChristian Crusade Against Education Texas lawmaker threatens university budget cuts over LGBT studiesChristian Post, By Ian M. Giatti, on November 27, 2024https://www.christianpost.com/news/texas-lawmaker-threatens-university-budget-cuts-over-lgbt-studies.htmlTexas State Representative Brian Harrison and his conservative colleagues have vowed to cut funding for any Texas public university offering LGBTQ studies, as well as opposing tuition assistance for families earning under $100,000. However, their threats lack teeth since the funding at issue comes from private endowments, not state coffers. This political posturing appears to be a ploy to score points with conservative voters rather than a practical policy i...
2024-12-1021 minTruth WantedTruth Wanted 07-42_with Kelley Laughlin and @ApostateAshleyDiscover the truth today in our latest episode of Truth Wanted! Kelley Laughlin and Apostate Ashley play with high tech grifters as they speak in tongues about graphic footage and how things existed before the claim of god’s creation. Eli Slack, the backup host, joins and offers some icing on some of the calls. Puck in OH wants to talk about high tech grifters that pitch weird quantum stuff who are asking for money and asks the hosts their opinions on what makes these people so appealing. Kelley explains that people may fall for thi...
2024-10-191h 22
The Non-ProphetsRusk ISD praying themselves into legal hot water?A Texas public school superintendent won't stop promoting Christianity at workThe Friendly Atheist, By Hemant Mehta, on Jul 24, 2024https://www.friendlyatheist.com/p/a-texas-public-school-superintendentIn the latest segment on religious issues in public schools, the focus turns to Rusk Independent School District (ISD) Superintendent Gray Burton and his controversial approach to prayer in school settings. The Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF) has been in a contentious battle with Burton, who has replaced traditional moments of silence with student-led prayers, a move deemed unconstitutional by the FFRF. Their concern extends to several specific incidents, including a...
2024-08-1117 min
The Non-ProphetsDrag Performance at Olympics gets a RiseOlympics opening ceremony sparks outrage with drag queens parodying Last Supper: 'Gone completely woke'Fox News, By Alexander Hall, on July 26, 2024https://www.foxnews.com/media/olympics-opening-ceremony-sparks-outrage-drag-queens-parodying-last-supper-gone-completely-wokeThe Paris 2024 Olympics opening ceremony ignited a storm of controversy, primarily due to a performance that some viewers misinterpreted as a parody of the Last Supper rather than an homage to Greek mythology. This artistic display, featuring drag queens and various historical figures, aimed to celebrate the rich cultural and religious tapestry that is a fundamental aspect of the Olympic Games' history. Despite its intentions to...
2024-08-1019 min
The Non-ProphetsLibrary Witch Hunt: Arrest the Librarians Next?Inside the two-year fight to bring charges against school librarians in Granbury, TexasNBC News, By Mike Hixenbaugh, Tyler Kingkade, Scott Friedman and Eva Parks, on July 23, 2024https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/school-librarians-banned-books-investigation-texas-rcna161444In a saga reminiscent of the Keystone Cops, a two-year pursuit of felony charges against school librarians in Granbury, Texas, unfolded like a farcical mission gone awry. Right-wing extremist Scott London embarked on a vendetta, pouring over stacks of literature while sporting a body cam to capture his quest to persecute—er, prosecute—three school librarians. Their alleged crime? Allo...
2024-08-0819 min
The Non-ProphetsUnarmed Woman Shot by Police in her homeSonya Massey shooting: Illinois police release bodycam video of fatal shooting of Black woman in her homeCNN, By Eric Levenson, Jillian Sykes and Brad Parks, on July 23, 2024https://www.cnn.com/2024/07/22/us/sonya-massey-police-shooting/index.htmlA distressing case of police brutality involving the death of a Black woman, Sonia Massi. Sonia, a 36-year-old mother of two, called the police for help because she suspected an issue nearby. The police arrived at her home, and the situation escalated tragically, resulting in Sonia's death. The incident, reported by CNN, involved an officer named Grayson, whose troubling...
2024-08-0619 min
The Non-ProphetsSchool Invasiveness Over Parental Rights? Drug Testing KidsFloresville ISD debates random drug testing for middle, high school extracurricularsSan Antonio Express News, By Melissa Manno, on June 24, 2024https://www.expressnews.com/news/education/article/floresville-isd-considers-random-drug-testing-19508797.php?sid=6628c885020c5168ed00c05The debate over implementing random drug testing for approximately one hundred students per year in Floresville Independent School District has sparked mixed reactions within the community. The proposed policy aims to curb drug use among students by enforcing punishments such as suspension from extracurricular activities and parking privileges upon testing positive. Parents' responses...
2024-07-2122 min
The Non-ProphetsRyan Fucking Walters (Need I say more?)Oklahoma orders schools to teach the Bible 'immediately'BBC News, By Bernd Debusmann Jr, on June 29, 2024https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cjk35vv2ryjo In this segment discussing Oklahoma's recent educational policy changes, the focus is on Ryan Walters, the school superintendent, who has mandated integrating Bible studies into the state's classrooms. This move has sparked widespread debate over its constitutionality and educational implications. Walters argues that understanding the Bible is crucial for grasping the foundation of the United States, which has drawn criticism for potentially marginalizing non-Christian students.Opposition to Wa...
2024-07-2021 min
The Non-ProphetsHindus Want to Get in on The Religious Action in LouisianaReligious leader wants to display Indian scriptures in Louisiana public classroomsWGNO ABC, By Keymonte Avery, on June 24, 2024https://wgno.com/news/politics/louisiana-politics/religious-leader-wants-to-display-indian-scriptures-in-louisiana-public-classrooms/Indians seek display of Gita verses along with Ten Commandments in Louisiana schools - IndiaPost NewsPaperIndia Post News Service, on June 29, 2024https://indiapost.com/indians-seek-display-of-gita-verses-along-with-ten-commandments-in-louisiana-schools/In Louisiana, a contentious new law has stirred debate over the intersection of religion and public education. T...
2024-07-1822 min
The Non-ProphetsDesantis has Beef with Lab MeatFlorida lab-grown meat ban: DeSantis says it protects beef industryUSA Today, By Ana Goñi-Lessan, Dan Rorabaugh and Mike Snider, on May 5, 2024https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/food/2024/05/05/florida-lab-grown-meat-ban/73569976007/ Today's spotlight falls on Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, a figure who seems to have a knack for stirring up controversy. As we delve into the fray, we learn of DeSantis' latest tangle, this time with the cultivated meat industry.In a state known for its vibrant agriculture and culinary scene, De...
2024-06-0919 min
The Non-ProphetsHarrison Butker Shanks his Commencement SpeechHarrison Butker speech: The biggest mistake he made in his controversial commencement commentsCNN, By AJ Willingham, on May 17, 2024https://www.cnn.com/2024/05/16/sport/harrison-butker-commencement-speech-analysis-cec/index.htmlIn this episode we confront the unsettling reality of misogyny through the lens of one individual: Harrison Butker. Amidst societal shifts and growing awareness of gender issues, Butker's words emerge as a stark reminder of the pervasive nature of sexism and its impact on discourse.With each utterance, Butker reveals the depths of his...
2024-06-0820 min
The Non-ProphetsLawmaker Wants to Teach Myths in Science ClassMN lawmaker: Public schools engage in 'censorship' by not teaching CreationismThe Friendly Atheist, By Hemant Mehta, on May 07, 2024https://www.friendlyatheist.com/p/mn-lawmaker-public-schools-engageIn this episode the hosts discuss a heated debate over an education bill in Minnesota, introduced by Republican State Senator Glenn Grunhagen. The bill, known as SF 3567, aims to prevent book banning by school districts. However, Grunhagen opposes a section of the bill that would allow parents and librarians to restrict material for students, provided the restrictions are not based o...
2024-06-0621 min