(A)Theist Podcast

In 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....

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://a...

As 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...

Kelley 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...

The 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 Shakespea...

“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 no...

We 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...

In 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/belden...

Erin 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...

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...