Shows
CogPod: The Logic and Reason ShowBetcha Didn't Know They Were Atheist! Surprising Celebrity RevealsYou might think you know which celebrities are atheists—but get ready to be surprised! In this episode, Claudine and Rick explore IMDb’s list of famous atheists and dive into the unexpected names, trends, and stories behind them.Some may shock you, others might make total sense.IMDb Famous Atheists List:https://www.imdb.com/list/ls059865562/#Atheism #Celebrities #FamousAtheists #BeliefSystems #PopCulture #Podcast #CogPod #CelebrityFacts #FaithAndFame #mindblown
2026-01-2350 min
CogPod: The Logic and Reason ShowTaking Off the God Glasses: Faith, Feminism, and Finding RealityRick and Claudine dive into what it means to “take off the God glasses” and see life without a religious filter. They unpack personal journeys through faith, atheism, homeschooling, and purity culture, finding both humor and heartbreak in the absurdities of belief. Along the way they explore cognitive dissonance, feminism, science versus creation stories, and how tragedy can shatter—or reshape—faith. It’s a curious, candid, and often funny look at what happens when indoctrination gives way to honest questions.Julia Sweeney's "Letting Go of God":https://youtu.be/uE59PtBGqus?si=hqSJbLwVjSL2h-c_#GodGlasses #FaithJourney #Atheism #Feminism #PurityCult...
2025-12-1836 min
CogPod: The Logic and Reason ShowEmbracing Reality Beyond Religion: Freedom, Cognitive Dissonance & Leaving Evangelical FaithEmbracing reality beyond religion can be terrifying and liberating at the same time, especially if you’re deconstructing evangelical Christianity and wrestling with cognitive dissonance, purity culture, and fear of hell. In this episode, Claudine and Rick talk through life on the “other side” of faith, why it’s worth leaving an unhealthy belief system, and practical steps for deconstructing safely and finding community.You’ll hear Claudine’s story of growing up strict evangelical, becoming a pastor’s wife, and then slowly realizing her moral compass was hers all along—not something handed down by a church...
2025-12-1151 min
CogPod: The Logic and Reason ShowSuddenly Raptured! Evangelicals, Movies, and the Rapture MythWhat is the rapture, where did the idea first come from, and why did it loom so large in evangelical life?In this episode, Claudine shares her rapture-saturated evangelical upbringing—complete with “Left Behind” style movies and altar-call fear—while we unpack the theology, history, and pop‑culture behind rapture teaching.We have conversations about “rapture trauma” and deconstruction, we explore how this doctrine has no doubt screwed people up and probably embarrassed them.\\ DEFINITIONS //Cognitive Dissonance:A psychological state in which a person experiences discomfort or tension from holding two or more conflicting beliefs, attitudes, or values at the same time...
2025-12-0441 min
CogPod: The Logic and Reason ShowDeconstructing Faith, Purity Culture, Ethics and More – A Guide to Our First 19 EpisodesNew to CogPod or trying to catch up? Episode 20 is your guided tour through our first 20 episodes (excluding 12 and 15), from “Religion vs Ozzy” and purity culture’s obsession with female sexuality to Christianity’s parable problem, coming out at Thanksgiving, felony murder, and interviews with voices like Mandisa Thomas of Black Nonbelievers.This retrospective highlights the big themes—deconstruction, religious trauma, church and state, ethics, criminal justice, holidays with family, and rebuilding life after belief—so exvangelicals, doubters, and curious believers can quickly find the conversations that matter most to them.\\ EPISODE LINKS //01-Religion vs. Ozzy: https://youtu.be/fTQjIiLqxXc0...
2025-11-281h 00
CogPod: The Logic and Reason ShowComing Out at Thanksgiving: Laughs, Stories & Top Ten SurprisesIn this light-hearted episode, we share funny and honest stories about coming out—whether as gay or atheist—at the family dinner table.Featuring clips from Amy Poehler’s Good Hang podcast with Ariana Grande and a comedy bit from Alex Edelman, plus our own Top Five Response Lists.Tune in for relatable, hilarious moments and holiday cheer. To get involved, email us at: CogPodShow@gmail.com\\ LINKS //Videos:Amy Poehler's Good Hang Podcast w/ Ariana Grandehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sqF-GLIjzxk#Thanksgiving2025 #ComingOutStories #ComedyPodcast #LGBTQ #HolidayLaughs #AmyPoehler #ArianaGrande #AlexEdelman #TopTenList #FunnyThanksgiving #FamilyDrama #LettermanStyle
2025-11-2027 min
CogPod: The Logic and Reason ShowFelony Murder Explained | Controversies, Reform & Real CasesHow much do you really know about Felony Murder?Think it can't possibly happen to you? Think again.In this eye-opening episode inspired by HBO’s Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, we make a bit of a departure from our religion-focused topics and dive deep into the felony murder rule—how you can be charged with murder even if you didn’t kill anyone. Explore its complex history, infamous cases like Michelle Carter, Ryan Holle, Kevin Reese, Lakeith Smith, and the ElkCo Four. We also cover the Hulu movie The Girl from Plainville, racism in convictions, and current effort...
2025-11-1534 min
CogPod: The Logic and Reason ShowDeconstructing Faith: Resource Guide for Life After BeliefAre you questioning your faith, deconstructing religion, or recovering from religious trauma?In this “Sharing Is Caring” episode, we gathered some of our favorite resources—YouTube channels, books, online communities, and even a little comedy—for anyone at any stage of secular exploration and healing. Whether you’re battling cognitive dissonance, facing difficult emotions, seeking validation, or ready to laugh again, we’ve got you covered.Featuring YouTube channels like Genetically Modified Skeptic, Theramin Trees, Religion for Breakfast, Monte Mader, DZ Debates, DarkMatter2525, and more.Plus, some resourceful books, subreddits, movies, and support options. Allies, seekers, and survivors welcome.LINKSYouTube...
2025-11-081h 00
CogPod: The Logic and Reason ShowChristianity's Parable ProblemEver wondered why all the horrific stories in the Christian bible are considered parables?Have you noticed that your church picks and chooses the verses to read you...like it's a salad bar?This episode gives a fast, clear overview of what a parable really is, where the concept originated, and—most importantly—why Jesus and Christian teachers lean on them so much. Whether you’re curious about biblical symbolism, seeking spiritual insight, or just want answers to age-old questions, get the basics on parables in every Christian tradition. Perfect for ex-fundamentalists, seekers, and anyone questi...
2025-10-3038 min
CogPod: The Logic and Reason ShowThe Great American Dissonance: Separation of Church & StateIn this episode of CogPod, we unpack one of America's most vital yet misunderstood principles — the separation of church and state.From its constitutional roots to today’s legal battles, we explore why this safeguard exists to protect freedom FOR EVERYONE — of all faiths (or no faith at all).Featuring discussion on the work of the Freedom From Religion Foundation (https://ffrf.org), this is an essential conversation about democracy, belief, and the rights of all citizens and how misinformation can cause Cognitive Dissonance.Drop your experience in the comments. Join the conversation: cogpodshow@gmail.com\\ DEFINITIONS //Cognitive Dissonance:A psyc...
2025-10-2331 min
CogPod: The Logic and Reason ShowReligion is the Original MLM SchemeReligion is the original multilevel marketing scheme. Modern MLMs got their inspiration for their structure and control of others directly from religion.Have you noticed the overlap between faith and MLM culture?Drop your experience in the comments.Join the conversation: cogpodshow@gmail.com\\ DEFINITIONS //Cognitive Dissonance:A psychological state in which a person experiences discomfort or tension from holding two or more conflicting beliefs, attitudes, or values at the same time. This tension often motivates individuals to...
2025-10-1644 min
CogPod: The Logic and Reason ShowLeaving Faith Behind: Sam Stone (Ex-Christian Musician from Brisbane, Australia)Musician and producer Sam Stone from Brisbane, Australia shares his journey from growing up in a large fundamentalist Christian family to finding freedom through music and secular thinking.We discuss how religion hampered his initial musical growth, the steps in his deconstruction of the religion he was raised in, and the courage to walk away.Sam will return to CogPod with recommended books, videos, and channels for those questioning their faith and wanting assistance in deconstructing their indoctrination.If you'd like to share your story, have questions, or comments, email us at cogpodshow@gmail.com\\ DEFINITIONS //Cognitive Dissonance:A...
2025-10-0933 min
CogPod: The Logic and Reason ShowDating When Your Secular: Navigating Love, Disclosure, and CompatibilityAre you feeling out of place in the modern dating world as a secular single or non-believer? We break down the realities, challenges, and advantages of secular dating in 2025. From deciding when to disclose your beliefs to building real compatibility in mixed-belief relationships, this episode unpacks the stats, stories, and expert advice for nonreligious singles.Join the conversation: cogpodshow@gmail.com\\ DEFINITIONS //Cognitive Dissonance:A psychological state in which a person experiences discomfort or tension from holding two or more conflicting beliefs, attitudes, or values at the same time. This tension often motivates individuals to resolve the inconsistency, either...
2025-10-0935 min
CogPod: The Logic and Reason ShowChristian Nationalism: Lies, History, and the Real Threat to American DemocracyExposing the myths of Christian nationalism in America—it’s not how our country started.We dive deep into the legal, historical, and psychological impacts of Christian nationalist propaganda, including cognitive dissonance and constitutional conflict.Discover why these teachings are not only false but a danger to pluralism and freedom.
2025-10-0249 min
CogPod: The Logic and Reason ShowINTERVIEW: Mandisa Thomas, President of Black NonbelieversMandisa Thomas, president of Black Nonbelievers, joins CogPod to talk about building a supportive secular community for Black Americans living without religion—even in the Bible Belt.She shares her journey, the challenges of “coming out” as a nonbeliever, and how Black Nonbelievers offers understanding and connection for those who feel isolated.We discuss how the current administration’s policies threaten non-profit organizations, and why collaboration is vital for survival.For anyone wrestling with faith, family, and identity, Mandisa’s story offers hope, practical advice, and a path toward true community. Discover how to get involved, find support, and connect wi...
2025-09-261h 24
CogPod: The Logic and Reason ShowThe Wacky World of Christian Scientists: Faith Healing or Fatal Delusion?Join us as we dive into the bizarre world of Christian Science - a religious sect founded by Mary Baker Eddy in 1879 that rejects modern medicine in favor of prayer healing.We explore the strange beliefs that have led to countless preventable deaths (even of some well-known celebrities), especially among children, and examine why this once-thriving movement is now rapidly dying out.From denying the reality of matter itself to practicing “absent treatment” healing from a distance, Christian Scientists hold some of the most unusual doctrines in modern Christianity.We’ll uncover the dark h...
2025-09-2553 min
CogPod: The Logic and Reason ShowInside The MAGA Brain: The Psychology of When Politics Override RealityWe discuss the clinical psychology behind the MAGA movement - not to attack, but to understand how cognitive dissonance and motivated reasoning affect brain processing when political identity becomes core to personal identity.Drawing from peer-reviewed research and insights from leading clinical psychologists we explore:🧠 How motivated reasoning rewires information processing🧠 The neuroscience of political identity formation🧠 Cognitive dissonance and reality perception🧠 Epistemic closure in modern political movements🧠 Why facts alone can’t change deeply held beliefsThis isn’t about left vs right or even po...
2025-09-1846 min
CogPod: The Logic and Reason ShowDoes God Have a Gambling Problem?Former NFL quarterback Tim Tebow’s inconsistency–even with prayer, atheist NFL players like former NFL punter Chris Kluwe's thoughts on religion, and the Buffalo Bill's Stevie Johnson’s infamous "God tweet" after dropping a game-winner—we discuss prayer, faith, and divine intervention in professional sports.We question how, with both team's players praying to God before a game, how does their God determine the loser?We also read a couple of recent listener/viewer mail.Plus, we explore the cognitive dissonance of athletes thanking God for touchdowns while ignoring concussi...
2025-09-1149 min
CogPod: The Logic and Reason ShowReligion's Obsession With Female PurityClaudine shares her eye-opening experiences at a Christian school—where girls were pressured to save their “gift” for marriage, facing intense scrutiny and psychological oppression.This episode exposes the damaging consequences of purity culture: double standards for boys and girls, religious hypocrisy, and the policing of girls’ clothing.Hear firsthand how these beliefs impact self-worth, relationships, and mental health, and join the conversation challenging patriarchal systems within religious communities. Perfect for those deconstructing faith or curious about how purity culture affects women today.YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@CogPod-Show
2025-09-0447 min
CogPod: The Logic and Reason ShowHow Do We Stop This Violence?? We Have Some IdeasWe’re not experts—just citizens who care. This impromptu discussion looks at the mental health crisis behind so many violent outbursts like the tragedy at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis yesterday morning (8/27/25).Please join the discussion in our attempts to help others and hopefully avoid another tragedy.YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@CogPod-ShowIf you or someone you know needs help, call or text:Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988orMental Health Hotline at 866-903-3787
2025-08-2826 min
CogPod: The Logic and Reason ShowThe BULLSHIT of Thoughts and Prayers After Mass ShootingsWhy do ‘thoughts and prayers’ actually make us feel worse?We dive into the psychology of performative empathy, empty gestures, and how these responses harm both givers and receivers. The science behind why genuine care beats hollow sympathy every time.YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@CogPod-ShowATTENTION: This episode of CogPod was recorded yesterday, way before the horrible shooting in Minnesota today (8/27/25). Normally this would be bad timing, but the more people get angry about these mass shootings in America, the better. Let's change these laws for...
2025-08-2745 min
CogPod: The Logic and Reason ShowWhat Religions Really Say About Atheists: Fear Tactics, Myths & Personal StoriesAre you curious about how religious leaders and communities talk about atheists—and why?In Episode 03 of CogPod, we dive deep into the fear tactics and common phrases used by preachers and congregants to discourage believers from associating with non-believers.Claudine shares powerful personal stories from her time as a Christian, revealing what she was taught and believed about atheists. We break down the best-known warnings, myths, and social pressures wielded inside and outside of sermons—and discuss the psychology behind them.Whether you’re a former believer, an atheist, or just interested in rel...
2025-08-2052 min
CogPod: The Logic and Reason ShowThe Psychology Behind Religious SuperstitionsDo you feel torn between what you’ve been taught and what feels true? This episode explores cognitive dissonance within the context of faith, superstitions, and recovery from religious trauma.With clinical insight, personal stories, and actionable steps, we’ve created a safe space to question, heal, and re-align your beliefs.Our special guest is a doctor of psychology. She explains how religion uses fear and superstition to control.Is cognitive alignment possible after leaving faith behind?Our guests break down the step-by-step mental “deprogramming” journey, sharing tips, psychological support, and practical advice for reclaiming your min...
2025-08-1445 min
CogPod: The Logic and Reason ShowReligion Versus OzzyIn this debut episode of CogPod, hosts Claudine and Rick reflect on the recent passing of Ozzy Osbourne—exploring how heavy metal artists like Ozzy and KISS were often demonized by religious communities, despite personal faith backgrounds.Co-host Claudine shares honest memories from her Christian upbringing, including perceptions of artists like Barry Manilow, and her journey opening up to the secular world. We discuss the backlash over Chip and Joanna Gaines’ new reality series for featuring a gay couple, and how faith communities often respond to cultural change.CogPod is a safe space to unpack cogn...
2025-07-2546 min
It's About Damn Crime! PodcastS3E5 - OneCoin. OneScam. OneGone. (2017)OneCoin. OneScam. OneGone. (2017)
In this episode, we have the story of the cryptocurrency OneCoin.
Unlike a typical unsolved crime case, we all know exactly how this all went down.
The mystery here isn’t who did it. We know exactly who did it.
44-year-old OneCoin founder Ruja Ignatova disappeared in 2017, leaving millions of OneCoin investors with nothing. One the other hand, Ruja went into hiding with an estimated $500 million dollars.
There are millions of extremely angry people ar...
2024-06-2123 min
It's About Damn Crime! PodcastS3E4 - The Vanishing Inventor (1890)The Vanishing Inventor (1890)
On September 16th, 1890, artist and inventor Louis Le Prince boarded a train headed for Paris.
He was ultimately headed for New York to join his wife and children. He was going to solidify the patent on his revolutionary invention that was about to change the world.
Unfortunately, Louis Le Prince never arrived in Paris that night.
He never arrived anywhere.
Listen to this episode to discover why it took more than 100...
2024-06-1426 min
It's About Damn Crime! PodcastS3E3 - The Max Headroom Interruption (1987)The Max Headroom Interruption (1987)
As the day wound down on Sunday, November 22nd, 1987, the greater Chicago area was in a fabulous mood.
At exactly 9:14pm, something very strange and kind of surreal interrupted WGN sports anchor Dan Roan as he described the Bears’ victory over the Lions.
In this episode, we dive head first into the crazy-ass case of the Max Headroom broadcast signal intrusion that shocked Chicago, Illinois in 1987.
Was this the work of a tech-savvy savant prankster or...
2024-06-0717 min
It's About Damn Crime! PodcastS3E2 - The Boston Art Heist (1990)The Boston Art Heist (1990)
On March 18th, 1990, the largest theft of property in American history went down. It remains the largest unsolved art heist in world history.
It happened at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston, Massachusetts.
Was it the job of seasoned international art thieves?
Was it some local Boston thugs who happened to get away with the biggest robbery of their lives?
Did the robbers have help from the inside?
2024-06-0623 min
It's About Damn Crime! PodcastS3E1 - The Hinterkaifeck Massacre (1922)The Hinterkaifeck Massacre (1922)
In the winter of 1922 outside of Munich, Germany, six people were brutally murdered - including two children.
The killer(s) then made themselves at home at the Bavarian farmstead known as Hinterkaifeck...for almost five days.
There's a reason why this unsolved crime has captured the fascination of all who hear this story...worldwide...for over 102 years.
Did the widow's husband really die in the war eight years earlier?
Then who...
2024-06-0421 min
TTRPG AcademyA Fools Errand Episode 12 Skorched LandsAcross the Great Lucidian Sea there is a mysterious Fogbank known as the Fools Curtain. The tales from those sailor that barely survived this region of the Lucidian Sea has spurred a rumor that if one could get to the other side vast undiscovered lands exist. This land has become known as the Shattered Teeth, myth and rumor surround its origin. Only one organization ever tried to make it to the shattered teeth, the Wanderman Assembly.
Now 40 years since the failed expedition of the Wanderman Assembly only one surviving heir to the fortune exists. In order to secure...
2023-05-082h 46
Breathing Nu LifeEpisode 2: Canadian Nu-metal bands & SkorchedThis week's episode begins the journey of exploring and discovering Nu-metal bands outside of the U.S.A. Jeremy talks about Canadian bands Slaves on Dope and Finger Eleven while Tom trips over himself talking about Kittie. This week's episode features the band Skorched out of Melbourne, Australia.
And yes, that is a cat crying in the background. His name is Buttface.
2022-03-0250 min
It's About Damn Crime! PodcastS2: Episode 08 - Alec Baldwin Kills Cinematographer - Was Halyna Murdered? - PART THREEWas Halyna Hutchins Murdered? If an upset crew member put a live bullet in the prop pistol that Alec Baldwin used when she was shot, that's exactly what happened. Could it be that it was negligence and incompetence on the part of the rookie Armorer and the Assistant Director with a track record of missteps and misfires? Or was it simply a tragic accident that killed cinematographer Halyna Hutchins and wounded director Joel Souza?
In this episode, we follow up with new information that has surfaced since Part Two of "Was Halyna Hutchins Murdered?". Alec Baldwin finally...
2021-11-0510 min
It's About Damn Crime! PodcastS2: Episode 07 - Caught After Death: Reverse DNA / Forensic Genealogy Exposes Michael SumpterThanks for dropping by and listening to Solve Crimes’ series, “Caught After Death”. With recent advancements in Reverse DNA / Forensic Genealogy searches, law enforcement detectives working on cold cases are excited to close some of their most frustrating unsolved murders.
Michael Sumpter terrorized the city of Boston in the late sixties through the mid seventies. Sumpter had a lengthy record with many sexual assault charges, but no murders. While serving 15 years for a 1975 assault of a Boston woman, he was released to hospice care and died of cancer in 2001.
In 2018, with the help of Reverse DNA an...
2021-10-3013 min
It's About Damn Crime! PodcastS2: Episode 06 - Alec Baldwin Kills Cinematographer - Was Halyna Murdered? - PART TWOWe knew that the weekend would bring out more information and we were right. In this episode, we continue to talk about what happened last Thursday on the set of the Alec Baldwin film "Rust".
We learn about an assistant director with a history of errors in judgement. We finally find out exactly what was going on when the tragic situation happened. We read a statement from Halyna's husband Matt only a day after her death. Stick around...there's much more to this case.
Could a disgruntled crew member have placed live ammunition in Alec...
2021-10-2608 min
It's About Damn Crime! PodcastS2: Episode 05 - Alec Baldwin Kills Cinematographer - Was Halyna Murdered? PART ONEYou've seen the headline "Alec Baldwin Kills Cinematographer" - but did you know about the crew that walked out only hours before over concerns about safety on the set?
Could a disgruntled crew member have placed live ammunition in Alec Baldwin's prop gun? Possibly to prove a point about the lack of safety during filming of "Rust" at Bonanza Creek Ranch near Santa Fe, New Mexico? In other words, was Halyna murdered?
Or was it simply a tragic accident that killed cinematographer Halyna Hutchins and wounded director Joel Souza?
We'll tell the preliminary...
2021-10-2405 min
It's About Damn Crime! PodcastS2: Episode 04 - Caught After Death: Reverse DNA / Forensic Genealogy Exposes Kenneth GouldWelcome to Season 2 of Solve Crimes!
Thanks for dropping by and listening to Solve Crimes’ new series, “Caught After Death”. With recent advancements in Reverse DNA / Forensic Genealogy searches, law enforcement detectives working on cold cases are excited to close some of their most frustrating unsolved murders.
Another recent success is from the Cascade County Sheriff's Office in Montana. They may have just cracked the oldest cold case using Reverse DNA or Forensic Genealogy last month in June 2021 - 65 years after the double homicide of two young kids in Great Falls, Montana.
Cascade County...
2021-07-2015 min
It's About Damn Crime! PodcastS2: Episode 03 - Caught After Death: Reverse DNA / Forensic Genealogy Exposes Joseph HoltWelcome to Season 2 of Solve Crimes!
Thanks for dropping by and welcome to Solve Crimes’ new series, “Caught After Death”.
With recent advancements in Reverse DNA / Forensic Genealogy searches, law enforcement detectives working on cold cases are excited to close some of their most frustrating unsolved murders.
One such cold case unit was the El Dorado County Cold Case Task Force in California which encompasses the South Lake Tahoe, California area. They had two murders with assault from 1977 and 1979 that shared the DNA of one unknown suspect. The suspect's DNA was not in CODIS - the FBI's national DNA database of kno...
2021-07-0110 min
It's About Damn Crime! PodcastS2: Episode 02 - They Killed Their Parents: Edmund Kemper and Joel Guy, Jr.Welcome to Season 2 of Solve Crimes!
Thanks for dropping by and welcome to Solve Crimes’ new series, “They Killed Their Parents”. One thing we want to make clear is that we will attempt to tell stories of interest in the True Crime genre, not to glorify these killers or their horrible acts.
This - and other series - will be documentary style for those of you who find True Crime fascinating and intriguing. In between the cases that we are actively investigating, we’ll be posting true crime content like this. We hope you find them interesting and entertaining.
Let us know i...
2021-06-1917 min
Wall Of Sound: Up Against The WallEpisode #67 feat. Dale Tanner of Ocean GroveWhen bands go through lineup changes it can mean one of two things, one of which is the band won't be the same as they used to be, the other is the flourish into a new entity and continue to dominate with the legion of fans they accumulated over the years and that's what we're predicting for Ocean Grove who debuted their latest member Twiggy this week, who replaces ex-frontman Luke Holmes and guitarist Jimmy Hall. A quick reshuffle of positions and roles within the band now sees the charismatic Dale Tanner ditching the bass in favour...
2019-02-081h 10