Atheistville: Conversations Beyond Belief

In this episode, we tackle a deceptively simple question: if someone is choking, do you pray or perform the Heimlich? The conversation leads to deeper issues—parents who choose faith over medicine, the legal limits of religious exemptions, and the impact of homeschooling rooted in ideology rather than evidence. We share personal stories, examine research on the effectiveness of prayer, and discuss...

"I’m not rejecting God. I’m rejecting YOU.” That’s the core idea in this episode of Mike Drop. Host Mike Smithgall breaks down why most atheists aren’t denying the existence of a god, they’re questioning the authority of those who claim to speak for one. From televangelists to politicians invoking divine will, this episode explores how human claims of divine authority often go unchecked, caus...

In this episode, we examine a story from a Christian mother who lost her young son and was met with repeated assurances that he was “in a better place.” While well-intentioned, these comments left her feeling invalidated, diminished, and deeply hurt. We unpack how religious comfort can clash with real-world grief, the theological contradictions it exposes, and the emotional impact on surviving chi...

In this episode, we unpack the centuries-old religious systems that police women’s sexuality while excusing men. From the way conservative Christians condemn women in porn but ignore male participation, to purity culture traditions like veils and “giving away the bride,” we explore the deep roots of patriarchal control. We also discuss the link between modesty rules, property laws, and the ongoing...

Kim Davis, the former Kentucky county clerk who went to jail in 2015 for refusing marriage licenses to same-sex couples, is back in the headlines with a Supreme Court petition to overturn marriage equality. While most experts agree it’s unlikely to succeed, the case highlights a persistent, organized effort to roll back secular rights under the banner of “religious freedom.” In this episode, we ex...

In this episode of The Unholy Roundtable, a panel of atheists explores the rise of Christian nationalism, the persistence of gender inequality in religion, and the powerful social bonds that keep many in the pews. We share personal stories of deconstruction, confront historical myths about America’s founding, and challenge the logic behind religious control. Whether you’ve left religion or are que...

Pastor Doug Wilson’s mission goes far beyond the pulpit. With a growing network of over 150 churches worldwide and a new base just blocks from the U.S. Capitol, he’s advancing a vision for America — and eventually the world — governed by his brand of Christian theology. In this episode, Mike examines Wilson’s rise, his open call to repeal women’s right to vote, and his belief that all societies sh...

When abuse happens in religious institutions, it’s not just a scandal, it’s a system. In today’s “Mike Drop” from the Pulpit of Reason, Mike Smithgall tackles one of the most disturbing moral failures in modern religious life: the widespread cover-up of child abuse by churches. From Catholic dioceses to evangelical megachurches, this isn’t just history, it’s happening now. Why are predators protec...

In this short introductory episode, host Mike Smithgall lays the foundation for what Atheistville is all about, a podcast created for atheists , ex-Christians , skeptics , and anyone questioning religion’s role in their lives. Atheistville isn’t here to bash anyone’s personal beliefs. But it challenges the idea that nonbelievers should stay silent in a world where religion is treated as the defaul...