(A)Theist Podcast

Erin 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 succee...

What 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 tho...

Dr. 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 Theo...

**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 tr...

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 w...

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...

Dr. 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 pa...

Erin 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 Ka...

Our “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 thin...

The 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...

In 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...

Following 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 ....

As 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. ...

Join 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.  M...

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 peo...

In 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 afte...

In 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’...

In 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 Substack We we...

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 Substac...

Dr. 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 P...

What 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 ch...

In 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 we...

In 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 Imperf...

“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:...

After 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/el...