Shows
(A)Theist Podcast(A)Theist Encore: Dr. Belden Lane, Backpacking with the SaintsPresenting “(A)Theist Encores” where we highlight previous episodes that are fan favorites AND carry significant weight today!Our first encore highlights Dr. Belden Lane, a retired Professor of Theology from St. Louis University. Dr. Lane offers a unique perspective to all things religion, specifically focusing on finding God in non-traditional places. He authored Backpacking with the Saints: Wilderness Hiking as Spiritual Practice” where he highlights the spiritual journeys he has taken in natural areas throughout the world.Dr. Lane was our very first interview, recorded back in March 2023 and premiered on the day of our po...2025-05-051h 13
(A)Theist PodcastEp. 50 - Becky Garrison; Gaslighting for God: Religious Satire in Modern AmericaBecky Garrison is an American author, storyteller, journalist, and of most interest to Kelley and Erin, a religious satirist! Her incisive commentary on faith, culture, and spirituality is bolstered by her extensive background, including a MDiv from Yale Divinity, a MSW from Columbia, and publishing with The Wittenberg Door since 1994.On (A)Theist, Becky shares the importance of satire in modern religious movements, essentially arguing that the satirist provides the much-needed reflection that keeps movements (in this case, churches) healthy for everyone. Becky also introduces us to the concept of a spiritual narcissist. We’re confident a num...2025-04-211h 24
(A)Theist PodcastEp. 49 - Introducing David Morris of Lake Drive BooksMeet Dr. David Morris. David is the founder and publisher of Lake Drive Books, focusing on publishing books that “help you heal, grow, and discover.” With 25 years experience in corporate publishing, David created Lake Drive as an independent publisher focusing on authors who are redefining their spiritual paths, are healing from religious trauma, or working to bridge faith and doubt. David shares with Kelley and Erin his experiences with big publishers, his goals as an independent publisher, shares some new authors with the audience, and discusses his journey of publishing his own book.After the episo...2025-04-071h 09
(A)Theist PodcastEp. 48 - Artificial Intelligence Part 2In the second part of our continuing series about Artificial Intelligence, we tackle some major questions:What really is AI? What’s the difference between AI and AGI? Should we feel optimism or existential dread? Should we be excited or scared? (Hint: The answer is probably a little of both!)Kelley and Erin’s conversation will probably leave you with mixed feelings, but the reality is simple: AI is here. It will grow. It is going to be a reality for all of us moving forward. So rather than deeply value it or deeply condemn it...2025-03-2451 min
(A)Theist PodcastEp. 47 - “Nexus” by Yuval Harari / Artificial Intelligence Part 1The first in a two (or more) part series discussing Artificial Intelligence, Kelley and Erin discuss Nexus: A Brief History of Information Networks from the Stone Age to AI by Yuval Harari.Erin and Kelley have wanted to discuss AI since the very beginning of the show and Nexus is a perfect starting point.Harari condenses 100,000 years of human history into a series of moments when information permanently shaped the way in which we live: the Stone Age, Gutenberg’s Bible, witch-hunts, the rise of fascism, and even the new populist movement we see today. In...2025-03-1043 min
(A)Theist PodcastEp. 46 - The Anti-Social CenturyThe "loneliness epidemic” is well documented and publicized. But what’s the full story?Journalist Derek Thompson published “The Anti-Social Century” in the February 2025 issue of The Atlantic.This powerfully researched essay posits that Americans have been steadily choosing to become more isolated over the course of the last century. Notable examples include the adoption of the automobile, the popularization of the TV, and most recently the proliferation of the smartphone.Erin and Kelley discuss the findings of the article, impacts on our daily lives, and connect it to an essay from psychotherapist Esther Pe...2025-02-2449 min
(A)Theist PodcastEp. 45 - Wendy Solganik: Finding Joy Through CreativityCan creativity be a form of spiritualism? What about meditation? Kelley and Erin would both absolutely say YES.Kelley recently met Wendy Solganik, the creator ofwww.willawanders.com. She teaches courses on making art for thesake of art itself. No push for perfection. No need to impress others. Just purely to relax and find joy. Digging deeper, Kelley learned Wendy has an incredible life story… She initially pursued a high-stress, high-income, professional career only to do what SO MANY of us dream of: give it up and make art!Wendy is so refreshingly hon...2025-02-1058 min
(A)Theist PodcastEp. 44 - Larry Jordan; Everyone is Related and Everything is ConnectedWhen was the last time you did something for a complete stranger that was purely for the betterment of their lives? Our guest this episode is Larry Jordan, who spent 25 years as an investment banker before he started to ask himself the same question. In 2011, he quit his job and began a spiritual journey in which he has served others all over the world. In the process, his whole life and personality have been completely transformed.
Larry identifies himself as a follower of Jesus with a Zen practice. He eagerly engages in diverse faiths and belief systems, e...2025-01-271h 21
(A)Theist PodcastEp. 43 - Faith Deconstruction with Liz Charlotte Grant, Author of Knock at the SkyLiz Charlotte Grant is an award winning non-fiction storyteller having been featured in The Huffington Post, the Revealer, Sojourners, Christianity Today, and the National Catholic Reporter, among many others. She grew up in a deeply conservative branch of white American evangelicalism. After going through a deconstruction of faith, she now finds herself writing in progressive, mainline, global, and liberatory theological Christian spaces.
Liz just released her debut book Knock at the Sky: Seeking God in Genesis After Losing Faith in the Bible. Throughout the book, Liz recalls her journey of faith deconstruction and invites readers to read t...2025-01-1357 min
(A)Theist PodcastBONUS: 2024 Wrap UpHappy New Year from Erin and Kelley!
We’re actually “off” for a holiday break, but we jumped on a Zoom call to plan out future episodes and ended up doing a bit of a reflection on how much we’ve grown in 2024.
This is a “raw” recording - almost zero editing - just our authentic appreciation for how much has happened in 2024. Huge thank you to our audience - it’s because of YOU we’ve been able to grow as much as we have!
Special guest: Erin’s 4 year old daughter!
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2024-12-3013 min
(A)Theist PodcastEp. 42 - An Election RetrospectiveThis isn’t a political podcast. But the nature of modern politics does permeate everything this podcast is about: modern culture, psychology, religion, social science, etc. So, Erin and Kelley have a deep conversation about the 2024 Presidential Election. No matter what your political affiliation, you’ll find both hosts deeply focused on finding connections between liberals, progressives, conservatives, podcasters, political parties, and most importantly… humans who care about each other.
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We welcome your feedback, show suggestions and questions! Contact us at atheist@stlpodcasts.com.
Be sure to check us out at www.a...2024-12-1652 min
(A)Theist PodcastEp. 41 - The Spirituality of Food with Chef Maggie KellyHappy Holidays to all of our listeners!
In the spirit of celebrating the holidays, Kelley has invited her dear friend Maggie Kelly to discuss food as a sacred practice. Maggie has been an award winning restaurateur and chef for over 40 years. Her relationship with food is not religious, but it is sacred.
Maggie discusses her relationship with food, the role food plays in building bonds between people, the importance of chefs in the sustainability movement, and her own perspectives on what it means to cook for another person.
SOFT DISCLAIMER: We intentionally recorded...2024-12-021h 13
(A)Theist PodcastEp. 40 - Culture as Refuge with Dr. Ignacio Sanchez PradoDr. Ignacio Sanchez Prado is a Professor of Spanish, Latin American Studies, and Film and Media Studies at Washington University in St. Louis. His research focuses on the relationship between cultural institutions, political ideologies and aesthetic representation in literature, cinema, gastronomy and other forms of cultures.
Ignacio discusses a “little bit of everything” on this episode of (A)Theist. That’s the point… Dr. Sanchez Prado deeply values intellectualism and curiosity in a time where both are declining in society. In addition to his breadth of knowledge about the world around him, he discusses deep flaws in how Amer...2024-11-181h 01
(A)Theist PodcastEp. 39 - Reverend Dr. Nichole Torbitzy on Nationalism, Patriarchy, and ReligionReverend Dr. Nichole Torbitzky is an assistant professor of religion and University Chaplain at Lindenwood University in St. Charles, Missouri. In April 2024, Dr. Torbitzky co-edited Preaching the Uncontrolling Love of God: Sermons, Essays, and Worship Elements from the Perspective of Open, Relational, and Process Theology. Among her co-editors is Dr. Thomas Jay Oord, whom we met in Episode 32!
Dr. Torbitzky’s current research investigates “Whiteheadian notions of subjective form and the internal relations subjective form has on the order of eternal objects in the primordial nature of God.” If you’re struggling to understand that sentence, you’re not alo...2024-11-0449 min
(A)Theist PodcastEp. 38 - Felicia Murrell, Love as an Act of RestorationFelicia Murrell is a spiritual companion, life coach, and author. In February 2024, she published And: The Restorative Power of Love in an Either/Or World.
Felicia brings the wisdom of her book to the (A)Theist Podcast by asking a simple but powerful question: Since most of us respond to the normal cares and concerns of daily life through frustration or anger, what would happen if we instead responded with deep, affirming love?
Felicia titles her book with the conjunction and. The idea resonates deeply with Kelley and Erin, as all three embrace the beauty...2024-10-211h 15
(A)Theist PodcastEp. 37 - Faith & Culture with Journalist Cathleen FalsaniCathleen Falsani is an award winning journalist and author. Writing at the intersection of religion, spirituality, faith and culture, Cathleen is the author of several books including The God Factor: Inside the Spiritual Lives of Public People, The Dude Abides: The Gospel According to the Cohen Brothers, and Belieber!: Fame, Faith and the Heart of Justin Bieber.
Cathleen has also worked as both a reporter and columnist for the Chicago Sun Time, Chicago Tribune, and Sojourners magazine.
Cathleen spends her time on (A)Theist reflecting on famous interviews she’s done over the years, namely in...2024-10-071h 20
(A)Theist PodcastEp. 36 - Faith & Motherhood with Chelsea Kim LongWe've already learned about faith deconstruction - a process in which a person steps away from the religious context in which they were raised, questions the doctrines, and arrives at new conclusions about their beliefs. (Ep. 32)
In this episode, Kelley and Erin meet Chelsea, someone who went through her own deconstruction and has since developed a faith that is non-traditional, progressive, and very rooted in both classical religious practice and anthropological human community building.
Chelsea Kim Long is a lay theologian, Cyristian mystic, meditation teacher, and a neighborhood faith practitioner. Above all, she identifies as a...2024-09-231h 15
(A)Theist PodcastEp. 35 - Stillness is the Key by Ryan Holiday / A Discussion of StoicismErin and Kelley discuss Stillness is the Key by Ryan Holiday. This New York Times Bestseller from 2019 explores Stoic and Buddhist philosophy, arguing that slowing down is actually the key to success. Holiday draws from Confucius, Seneca, Marcus Aurellius, John Stuart Mill, Nietzsche, and many others to identify the approach that’s allowed some of the most famous people in modern history to succeed despite intense pressures.
Erin also takes this opportunity to teach us about some of her own philosophical beliefs, namely that of stoicism. Originating in Ancient Greece and Ancient Rome, the philosophy is that th...2024-09-0949 min
(A)Theist PodcastEp. 34 - Contemplative Practice through Centering PrayerWhat connections are drawn between Alcoholics Anonymous (Episode 31), Open & Relational Theology (Episode 32), and Mimetic Theory (Episode 33)? Believe it or not, quite a bit!
Meet Rich and Jim - two individuals who met decades ago through 12 Step work in Alcoholics Anonymous. These gentlemen have focused heavily on using contemplative practice to work through the 11th Step of AA. Commonly thought of as meditation, this practice offers a way of “centering” one’s thoughts and emotions on a regular basis. When applied in a religious context, this is frequently known as centering prayer, allowing God to enter one’s thoughts...2024-08-261h 03
(A)Theist PodcastEp. 33 - Mimetic Theory with Jonathan FosterDr. Jonathan Foster joins the (A)Theist Podcast to help hosts Kelley and Erin learn about Mimetic Theory, an explanation made by philosopher René Girard. Mimetic theory posits that human behavior and culture are driven by desire, and that desire itself is driven my what we see in others and wish to imitate (or "mimic").
Dr. Foster's research falls at the intersection of Mimetic Theory, Open and Relational Theology (Episode #32), Grief (Episodes 9, 10, and 11), and Love as an expression of consent.
He starts with a big question: Why did Jesus have to die?
Be s...2024-08-121h 00
(A)Theist PodcastEp. 32 - Open and Relational Theology with Thomas Jay Oord**HEADS UP!**
We recorded this interview with Thomas Jay Oord several weeks before releasing it. You'll hear references to a trial in which members of the Church of the Nazarene have charged Dr. Oord with promoting doctrines out of harmony with the doctrinal statements of the Church. This accusation and trial are the result of Dr. Oord's continued affirmation of LGBTQ+ individuals.
This trial occurred on July 25th. On July 31st, Dr. Oord will be sharing the results via a livestream with other theologians. If you'd like to learn more or join the livestream, you...2024-07-2955 min
(A)Theist PodcastEp. 31 - The 12 Steps: How Alcoholics Anonymous Became "The Greatest Spiritual Heist of the 20th Centruy"Alcoholics Anonymous is a well-known fellowship of people dedicated to the abstinence-based recovery from alcohol addiction. While the 12 Step program is deeply based in spirituality, the organization is non-denominational and open to anyone regardless of faith.
Erin and Kelley invite David to the show to discuss his experience working the 12 steps, even as someone who has a complicated history with traditional Christian theology. David articulates the idea that AA has essentially taken the very best of all religions, neutralized the organized religion part, and given people the ability to create their own form of higher power. For ma...2024-07-151h 14
Tailwind MarketingNavigating AI for Web UX and Organizational Psychology With Erin Sucher-O’GradyErin Sucher-O'Grady is a Senior Strategist and leadership team member at Integrity XD, a St. Louis-based UX agency serving Fortune 500 companies and local businesses. With a robust history of leading marketing teams of all sizes, Erin brings a wealth of experience, contributing to the broader conversation through consulting, writing, and podcasting. She is also noted for her valuable insights into artificial intelligence, having helped launch innovative AI products for healthcare nonprofits. A passionate educator and learner, Erin is currently completing her master's degree in organizational psychology at Harvard University. In this episode… With technological breakthroughs lik...2024-07-0950 min
(A)Theist PodcastEp. 30 - What's the Enneagram?You hear Kelley talk about the “7’s” all the time on the show. What does that mean? To celebrate ONE YEAR of (A)Theist episodes, Erin and Kelley put together this explainer on the ENNEAGRAM.
What is the enneagram? It’s a system of personality archetypes that when explored give insights into our own fixated patterns and a pathway towards softening and growth. Kelley walks us through and gives us a toe dip into this fascinating system.
For more information and to take the Enneagram test to discover your type we suggest visiting https://www.enneagramin...2024-07-0156 min
(A)Theist PodcastEp. 29 - "The Anxious Generation" - A Discussion of Jonathan Haidt's Recent BookDr. Jonathan Haidt, author of The Righteous Mind (2012) and The Coddling of the American Mind (2018) is frequently mentioned on the show. His newest book, published in 2024, is The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness.
Kelley and Erin dive into Haidt's new research where he makes the case that the rise of smartphones and overprotective parenting have led to an epidemic of mental illness in kids.
After listening to the episode, be sure to check out more about Dr. Haidt's research (as well as his own podcast) at www.jonathanhaidt.com.
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(A)Theist PodcastEp. 28 - “Witches” (AKA Women Who Heal) Part 3 - Katie Wedding, Medium & Grief EducatorErin and Kelley continue the three-part series on “Witches” (women in healing roles) by talking with Katie Wedding. Katie is a certified Grief Educator and Medium. In this episode, Katie goes into great detail about her journey to become a Medium, how she conducts her practice, and how her work provides a valuable service to those in need.
After listening to this episode, be sure to check out Katie’s website at www.katiewedding.com.
Note: Katie frequently works with Amy Rush, whom we met in Episode 27. Several portions of this episode refer back to that epi...2024-06-031h 09
(A)Theist PodcastEp. 27 - “Witches” (AKA Women Who Heal) Part 2 - Amy Rush, Death Doula and MediumOur “Witches” series is focusing on women who heal, often in what may be considered ‘non-traditional’ ways. The concept of ‘death’ brings up strong emotions, but did you know there’s a group of legitimate healers who can guide individuals and their families through the grief and dying process? For Part 2, Erin and Kelley meet Amy Rush, a certified Medium and Death Doula. Is a medium what you think it is? What’s a death doula? This is a truly FASCINATING episode!
After the episode, check out Amy’s website at www.inspireddying.com.
We welcome your feedbac...2024-05-201h 02
(A)Theist PodcastEp. 26 - "Witches" (AKA Women Who Heal) Part 1 - Featuring Dr. Lauren Sucher-O'Grady, MDThe term “witch” has deep historical connotations. In most cases, the term was used to vilify a woman who had some gift or talent for healing others. As humanity evolved, the term was further weaponized in ways that hurt and killed women.
In this three (or more) part series, Erin and Kelley CELEBRATE three separate women who are all healers in one way or another. In this episode, meet Dr. Lauren Sucher-O’Grady - a brilliant emergency physician and history buff. Dr. Sucher-O’Grady is a descendant of a woman accused of witchcraft in Pennsylvania during the same...2024-05-0645 min
(A)Theist PodcastEp. 25 - How to Know a Person Part 2 / Featuring the Game "Where Should We Begin" by Esther PerelIn the final part of the “How to Know a Person” series, Erin & Kelley (and their producer Justin) play a game designed to build powerful relationships. Note that these three people have been close friends for well over a decade, but you’ll STILL hear them learning more about each other and strengthening their friendship!
The game is called “Where Should We Begin: A Game of Stories” by Esther Perel. Check it out here: https://game.estherperel.com/.
At one point in the episode, Justin mentions a NYTimes editorial called “The 36 Questions that Lead to Love” which yo...2024-04-2256 min(A)Theist PodcastEp. 24 - How to Know a Person Part 1Following our series on making change in local communities, Erin and Kelley got to thinking - how do we really know a person? Join us for a special two part series where we discuss what goes into really getting to know somebody else!
This episode features the book "How to Know a Person: The Art of Seeing Others Deeply and Being Deeply Seen" by David Brooks (2023). You can find it HERE.
We welcome your feedback, show suggestions and questions! Contact us at atheist@stlpodcasts.com or on Instagram on @stlpodcasts!
After the episode, don...2024-04-0857 min(A)Theist PodcastEp. 23 - Making Change Happen: ConclusionAs a follow up to Episode #22, Erin and Kelley reflect on Bridge of Hope Ministries - what did we learn? How is change currently happening? Where might we all get involved to create meaningful change at the community level?
We welcome your feedback, show suggestions and questions! Contact us at atheist@stlpodcasts.com or on Instagram on @stlpodcasts!
(A)theist is produced by Trend Media STL.
Musical credit: "Better" Anno Domini Beats.
2024-03-2526 min(A)Theist PodcastEp. 22 - Making Change Happen: Bridge of Hope St. LouisJoin Kelley and Erin as they talk about local change efforts with Bridge of Hope St. Louis. Joining us in this episode are Kelli Braggs, Executive Director of Bridge of Hope, and Debra Wiens, the Board President of Bridge of Hope.
Bridge of Hope was founded in St. Louis in 2001. In 2020, the focus of the organization evolved into a strong effort to bring medical respite care into St. Louis. Medical respite - also known as recuperative care - provides acute and post-acute medical care for unhoused individuals. This care includes meals, daily medical care, transportation, and general case m...2024-03-1146 min(A)Theist PodcastEp. 21 - How Does Change Happen?Change is a constant in our lives. Sometimes it’s good, sometimes it’s bad. Sometimes it’s because of individuals looking to make a positive impact; sometimes it’s because of individuals seeking to socially engineer how you think. The social media landscape often encourages us to advocate for change at a large scale. The reality is that the majority of change happens when a small group of people work hard in their local community. Kelley and Erin kick off the “How Does Change Happen” three part miniseries exploring the nature of change on multiple levels.
We welcome your f...2024-02-2634 min(A)Theist PodcastEp. 20 - Women in the Church (Or the Lack Thereof) Part 3 - ConclusionIn the final segment of this three part series, Kelley and Erin discuss what we’ve learned about the role of women in the church and feminist theology. If you haven’t listened to Part 2, you’ll really want to check that episode out first.
As a reminder, we know some of the content in this segment may be troubling for some people. We have a few important links you should absolutely check out after listening to this episode:
Call to Action (https://www.cta-usa.org/) - A group championing the progressive Catholic movement by challenging Catholic...2024-02-1239 min(A)Theist PodcastEp. 19 - Women In the Church (Or the Lack Thereof) Part 2 - An Interview with Linda PieczynskiIn the second part of our series on Women in the Church, Erin and Kelley interview Linda Pieczynski. Linda is a retired lawyer who served as the President for Call to Action - a group advocating for women’s rights in the Catholic Church. Linda also served as a Board Member for Dignity USA, which advocated for LGBT rights in the Catholic Church.
In this episode, Linda shares the story and her ‘why’ behind leading the charge in the Church’s progressive movement.
Linda served as the media spokesperson for Call to Action in 2002 when the Bost...2024-01-291h 21(A)Theist PodcastEp. 18 - Women In the Church (Or the Lack Thereof) Part 1In the first of a three part mini-series, Erin and Kelley discuss the role of women in organized religion. What role have women played in the past? What is the status quo? What does the bible say about the role of women? These are questions we start to explore in this episode!When you're finished with this episode, we encourage you to check out a few links: Kelley's Substack Erin's SubstackWe welcoe your feedback, topic suggestions and questions! Contact us at atheist@stlpodcasts.com or on Instagram on @stlpodcasts....2024-01-1530 min(A)Theist PodcastEp. 17 - Meaning Part 3: Reflecting on Meaning - What Have We Learned and How Do We Use It?Happy New Year! Kelley & Erin ended 2023 leaving us with huge questions about meaning and purpose. Following our powerful conversation with Dr. Patrick Hill (which you can check out in Episode 16!), we start 2024 reflecting about meaning and purpose. What have we learned? How can we use it? What can we be mindful about as we start a new year?
Other links to check out:
Kelley's Substack: https://aspiralspace.substack.com/
Erin's Substack: https://missivesfromaluddite.substack.com/
We welcome your feedback, topic suggestions and questions! Contact us at atheist@stlpodcasts.com or on Instagram on @stlpodcast...2024-01-0135 min(A)Theist PodcastEp. 16 - Meaning Part 2: A Conversation with Dr. Patrick HillDr. Patrick Hill is an Associate Professor of Psychological & Brain Sciences at Washington University in St. Louis. His current research is interested in how individuals explore options for and ultimately commit to a purpose for life. Dr. Hill runs the PATH Lab where he studies Purpose, Aging, Transitions, and Health. He also hosts his own podcast called Your Direction.
Dr. Patrick Hill’s PATH Lab: https://pathlab.wustl.edu/
Your Direction Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/6X5uKnhlLGQZkwxNTLeiEU
We welcome your feedback, show suggestions and questions! Contact us at atheist@stlpodcasts.com or on Instag...2023-12-181h 05(A)Theist PodcastEp. 15 - Meaning Part 1What gives our lives meaning? How do we define and discern meaning? How does meaning influence our sense of well-being? Does a sense of purpose even matter? What’s the difference between a vocation of meaning and a life of meaning?
Kelley and Erin kick off our “Meaning” mini-series by starting to tackle some of these questions and outline a coming interview with Dr. Patrick Hill.
Be sure to check out our Substacks for more of our thoughts on just about everything:
Kelley’s Substack: https://aspiralspace.substack.com/
Erin’s Substack: https...2023-12-0438 min(A)Theist PodcastEp. 14 - "Finitude" - Time Management for MortalsIn the third and final part of a three-part miniseries, Kelley and Erin reflect on their conversation with Oliver Burkeman. Before you listen to this episode, be sure to check out episodes #11 and #12, where we learn more about Mr. Burkeman and his award-winning writing.
You can learn more about Oliver Burkeman and even sign up for his twice-monthly newsletter “The Imperfectionist” through his website: www.oliverburkeman.com.
Be sure to check out our Substacks for more of our thoughts about Finitude and a variety of other topics:
Kelley’s Substack: https://aspiralspace.substack.com/
Erin’s Su...2023-11-2029 min(A)Theist PodcastEp. 13 - "Finitude" with NYT Best-Selling Author Oliver BurkemanIn the second of a three-part miniseries, New York Times bestselling author Oliver Burkeman shares his thoughts on finitude. Mr. Burkeman is a British author and journalist, formerly writing for The Guardian. In this episode, he discusses his 2021 book 4,000 Weeks: Time Management for Mortals.
You can learn more about Oliver Burkeman and even sign up for his twice-monthly newsletter “The Imperfectionist” through his website: www.oliverburkeman.com.
Be sure to check out our Substacks for more of our thoughts about Finitude and a variety of other topics:
Kelley’s Substack: https://aspiralspace.substack.com/
Erin’s Subst...2023-11-0659 min(A)Theist PodcastEp. 12 - "Finitude" - An Introduction“Finitude” is defined as the ‘state of having limits or bounds.’ In the first of a three part miniseries about finitude, Erin & Kelley explore this concept as they prepare to interview New York Times bestselling author Oliver Burkeman, author of “4,000 Weeks: Time Management for Mortals.”
Be sure to check out our Substacks for more of our thoughts about Finitude and a variety of other topics:
Kelley’s Substack: https://aspiralspace.substack.com/
Erin’s Substack: https://missivesfromaluddite.substack.com/
We welcome your feedback, show suggestions and questions! Contact us at atheist@stlpodcasts.co...2023-10-2356 min(A)Theist PodcastEp. 11 - Debriefing Grief: Finding Awe in HealingAfter a powerful interview with Betty and Kyle Mertens, Erin and Kelley reflect on the concept of grief. The variety of ways people heal and overcome devastating losses brings both hosts back to the theme of finding awe in the beauty around us.
As a reminder, we encourage all of our listeners to check out the links below to support Ella’s Umbrella.
Ella’s Umbrella: https://www.kyleandbetty.com/ellasumbrella/
Betty & Kyle’s Instagram: @kyleandbetty
Unraveled: When Loss Changes Everything - Amazon
Never Far Apart - Amazon
We welcome your feedback, show sugg...2023-10-0931 min(A)Theist PodcastEp. 10 - From Heartbreak to Healing: Processing Grief with Betty and Kyle MertensIn the second segment of our miniseries about Grief, Erin and Kelly introduce us to Betty and Kyle Mertens, who lost their daughter Ella just before her first birthday. Since then, Betty and Kyle have gone on to author “Unraveled: When Loss Changes Everything” and “Never Far Apart” and have founded the non-profit Ella’s Umbrella. Please consider donating to Ella’s Umbrella using the link below.
Please check out the following links and donate to Ella’s Umbrella if you can:
Ella’s Umbrella: https://www.kyleandbetty.com/ellasumbrella/
Betty & Kyle’s Instagram: @kyleandbetty
Unraveled: When Loss Changes Ever...2023-09-251h 03(A)Theist PodcastEp. 9 - Understanding Grief: Does Everything Happen for a Reason?Erin and Kelley unpack one of the most common phrases used when encountering a challenging period of life: “everything happens for a reason.” In this introduction to our theme on dealing with grief and facing the most difficult moments in life, Kelley and Erin explore how we move through the obstacles that are an inevitable part of life.
Other links to check out:
Kelley's Substack: https://aspiralspace.substack.com/
Erin's Substack: https://missivesfromaluddite.substack.com/
We welcome your feedback, show suggestions and questions! Contact us at atheist@stlpodcasts.com or on Instagram on @stlpodcast...2023-09-1127 min(A)Theist PodcastEp. 8 - What We Read, Summer 2023As Summer 2023 comes to an end, Kelley and Erin discuss the various books they read over the past few months. After listening to the episode, check out the complete list HERE!
Other links to check out:
Kelley's Substack: https://aspiralspace.substack.com/
Erin's Substack: https://missivesfromaluddite.substack.com/
We welcome your feedback, show suggestions and questions! Contact us at atheist@stlpodcasts.com or on Instagram on @stlpodcasts!
(A)theist is produced by Trend Media STL.
Musical credit: "Better" Anno Domini Beats2023-08-2846 min(A)Theist PodcastEp. 7 - Reflections on Community BuildingKelley and Erin wrap up our Community Building mini-series by offering their reactions to their interview with Ben and Adam. Ted Lasso features heavily in this conversation! If you haven’t listened to Episodes 5 and 6, go back and check those out before this episode!
After listening to the episode, check out https://stlshakes.org/streets/ and make plans to see “Soccer in St. Louis” September 14 - 16, 2023!
You can find more links, including some historical information referenced in this episode, at https://linktr.ee/atheistpodcast.
Other links to check out:
Kelley's Substack: https://aspiralspace.su...2023-08-1424 min(A)Theist PodcastEp. 6 - Building Community with Ben Hochman and Adam FloresThe second part of our mini-series on Collective Effervescence introduces us to Benjamin Hochman and Adam Flores. Ben is a sports columnist for the St. Louis Post Dispatch and the author of “11 in '11: A Hometown Hero, La Russa's Last Ride in Red, and a Miracle World Series for the St. Louis Cardinals.” Adam is the Director of Community Engagement and Education at the St. Louis Shakespeare Festival.
In this episode, Ben and Adam detail an awesome project they’re developing combining Shakespeare in the Streets with St. Louis City Soccer. After listening to the episode, check out https...2023-07-3154 min(A)Theist PodcastEp. 5 - Community Building Through Collective Effervescence“Effervescence” is defined as “vivacity or enthusiasm.” Can it build community? ABSOLUTELY! Join us for the first of a three-part miniseries on Collective Effervescence! We’ll deep dive into how arts, sports, culture, and place builds a community. How do we do it? Why does it work? Why does space matter so much? What does it bring to our lives and why is it so incredibly important right now?
Other links to check out:
Kelley's Substack: https://aspiralspace.substack.com/
Erin's Substack: https://missivesfromaluddite.substack.com/
We welcome your feedback, show suggestions and questions! Contact us...2023-07-3138 min(A)Theist PodcastEp. 4 - Reflections on AweWe conclude our three-part miniseries on Awe with reflection: What have we learned? What moved us? And how do we fit this into our lives?
Links to check out:
Kelley's Substack: https://aspiralspace.substack.com/
Erin's Substack: https://missivesfromaluddite.substack.com/
We welcome your feedback, show suggestions and questions! Contact us at atheist@stlpodcasts.com or on Instagram on @stlpodcasts!
(A)theist is produced by Trend Media STL.
Musical credit: "Better" Anno Domini Beats
2023-07-1722 min(A)Theist PodcastEp. 3 - An AWEsome Conversation with Dr. Belden LaneIn the second of a three part miniseries on Awe, Kelley and Erin interview professor emeritus of theology Dr. Belden Lane, author of “The Great Conversation: Nature and the Care of the Soul” and “Backpacking with the Saints: Wilderness Hiking as Spiritual Practice.”
After listening to this emotional episode, feel encouraged to learn more about Dr. Lane at https://sites.google.com/a/slu.edu/beldenlane/.
Other links to check out:
Kelley's Substack: https://aspiralspace.substack.com/
Erin's Substack: https://missivesfromaluddite.substack.com/
We welcome your feedback and show suggestions! Contact us at atheist@stlpodcasts.com!
(A)theist is...2023-07-031h 01(A)Theist PodcastEp. 2 - Understanding AweErin and Kelley kick off the first of a three-part miniseries about ‘awe.’ What is awe? What does it mean for us? And how is it changing?
This episode extensively discusses the book “Awe: The New Science of Everyday Wonder and How It Can Transform Your Life” by Dacher Kelter. After the episode, we invite you to explore awe yourself at www.dacherkeltner.com/.
We're just getting started with this podcast journey! Send us any thoughts or show suggestions to atheist@stlpodcasts.com!
Kelley's Substack: https://aspiralspace.substack.com/
Erin's Substack: https://missivesfroma...2023-07-0347 min
(A)Theist PodcastEp. 1 - Welcome to the (A)Theist Podcast!Meet Kelley, a devout theist, and Erin, a devout atheist. After years of friendship, we invite you into our deep conversations about American cultural trends, psychology, technology, and what any of it has to do with religion. In this new series, every topic is on the table!
We're just getting started... Send us any thoughts or show suggestions to atheist@stlpodcasts.com!
Kelley's Substack: https://aspiralspace.substack.com/
Erin's Substack: https://missivesfromaluddite.substack.com/
(A)theist is produced by Trend Media STL.
Musical credit: "Better" Anno Domini Beats
2023-07-031h 10