In this episode, Tommy and Lilin address the recent advances of Christian nationalists and their impact on reproductive rights and LGBTQIA+ visibility. They share a personal story about their HOA’s flag code enforcement during Pride Month and how they plan to creatively resist. The discussion includes the failure to codify IVF and birth control protections, and efforts to restrict no-fault divorce, all part of a broader agenda to impose a narrow, regressive view of family. Tommy and Lilin highli...
Jun 17, 2024•42 min•Season 1Ep. 48
Welcome to Satanist Next Door. After a brief hiatus, Tommy and Lilin discuss the personal and political impact of restrictive abortion laws, using their daughter's recent pregnancy as a backdrop. They discuss the fear and danger these laws create, not just for those seeking abortions but also for women wanting to carry pregnancies to term. They debunk anti-abortion myths and highlight the importance of bodily autonomy and informed choice. This episode challenges listeners to think critically abo...
Jun 03, 2024•45 min•Season 1Ep. 47
In this episode, Tommy and Lilin shift their focus from the planned discussion on abortion laws in Texas to address the recent internal conflicts within The Satanic Temple (TST). Joined by Lucien Greaves , they delve into the controversy surrounding TST leadership and ministerial disputes that have erupted over the past week. The conversation begins with Lilin recounting her experience of discovering and confronting a group within TST that was sharing derogatory memes and discussing potentially ...
May 18, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Season 1Ep. 46
Trigger Warning - This subject covers topics that could be triggering including abuse and SA. In this episode, Tommy and Lilin tackle a provocative question from social media: Would you rather encounter a bear or a man in the woods? This seemingly simple query opens up vital discussions about safety, perceptions, and the real dangers women face from men. The hosts discuss why many women prefer the bear, emphasizing the threats posed by men, rooted in widespread societal experiences. They challen...
May 06, 2024•50 min•Season 1Ep. 45
In this episode, Tommy and Lilin are fired up over yet another chaplain program pushed through legislation in Florida. They discuss Governor DeSantis’s controversial statements about the roles of chaplains in schools, specifically his exclusion of Satanists while pushing for Christian presence. Tommy and Lilin rip into the hypocrisy of claiming religious freedom while systematically denying it to Satanists. They lay out how, despite legal recognitions, including by the IRS, that define Satanism ...
Apr 29, 2024•58 min•Season 1Ep. 44
Join Tommy and Lilin in this episode where they discuss violence targeting the Satanic community. With unflinching honesty, they discuss the alarming rise in hate crimes and domestic terrorism against their religion, reflecting on a series of unsettling events from pipe bombs to arson at their headquarters. Amidst these threats, they uphold the principles of peace and equality, challenging the hypocrisy of attackers hiding behind religious justifications. Tune in as they affirm the rights of all...
Apr 14, 2024•59 min•Season 1Ep. 43
In this episode, Tommy and Lilin discuss "Open Office", a monthly virtual gathering where the Houston Congregation of The Satanic Temple invites both Satanists and the Satan-curious to explore various aspects of Satanism. Throughout the episode, Tommy and Lilin reflect on how the Satanic Invocation, written by Lucien Greaves and used during city council meetings as well as religious services, touches on themes of personal sovereignty, arbitrary authority, and personal growth. They share feedback...
Apr 08, 2024•57 min•Season 1Ep. 42
In this episode of Satanists Nextdoor, Tommy and Lilin discuss their perspective on rituals within Satanism, exploring how rituals can be tailored to individual needs, fostering a sense of empowerment and self-discovery, serving as a powerful tool for self-expression, healing, and transformation, allowing individuals to reclaim their autonomy and celebrate their journey away from imposed beliefs. They explore the concept of rituals as psychodrama rather than invoking supernatural forces, while s...
Mar 31, 2024•57 min•Season 1Ep. 41
In this episode of Satanists Nextdoor, Tommy and Lilin respond to a listener's inquiry from Shannon about the Satanist perspective on gun ownership. Shannon's email ignites a frank discussion on the fine line between supporting responsible gun ownership and upholding the personal right to steer clear of firearms. This episode delves into the complexities of gun rights within the Satanist community and beyond, without evasion. Operating from their distinctive standpoint in Texas—a state known for...
Mar 25, 2024•30 min•Season 1Ep. 40
In this episode, Tommy and Lilin sit down with Jessy Aumiou'xx, the East Coast's very own Satanic baker and owner of Sugar Anarchy, to chew over the big question: to use a satanym or not? It's all about the decision of whether or not to use a pseudonym in the Satanic community. Jessy shares their life as a public Satanist running their bakery and how that intertwines with their personal beliefs and business operations. Jessy is all about being out there, using their real name, and what that mean...
Mar 18, 2024•1 hr 12 min•Season 1Ep. 39
In this episode, Tommy and Lilin unpack a whirlwind of activism, community engagement, and satanic representation, discussing their recent endeavors and the power of local involvement. From confronting the Texas chaplaincy programs at a recent school board meeting to engaging with secular and pagan communities, this episode explores the heart of satanic advocacy and the importance of standing up for secularism and inclusivity in public spaces. The hosts recount their recent participation speakin...
Mar 11, 2024•1 hr 5 min•Season 1Ep. 38
In this episode of "Satanists Nextdoor," Tommy and Lilin, alongside Lucien Greaves, Tanooki Liz Sailhatan (Nooki), Murphy Fawkes, and Lilith Starr, from The Satanic Temple , discuss the ridiculous yet dangerous tide of anti-Satanic legislation that's been cropping up like a bad rash across the country. This lineup of Satanic heavyweights doesn't just talk the talk; they've been walking the walk, fighting on the front lines against the kind of laws that sound like they were cooked up during a sat...
Mar 04, 2024•1 hr 28 min•Season 1Ep. 37
In this episode of "Satanists Nextdoor," Tommy and Lilin discuss the tragic loss of Nex Benedict, a 16-year-old non-binary student whose life was cut short, reflecting the broader, systemic issues facing the LGBTQIA+ community today. Their discussion stresses the importance of addressing these issues head-on. Nex Benedict was more than a statistic; Nex was a cherished member of their community, loved by family and friends for their passion, creativity, and zest for life. Through an exploration o...
Feb 26, 2024•48 min•Season 1Ep. 36
In this episode of "Satanists Nextdoor," hosts Tommy and Lilin Lavin discuss the legacy of Alexei Navalny, whose fight against corruption and authoritarianism in Russia has resonated with people across the globe. Navalny's unwavering spirit and his ultimate sacrifice for the vision of a free Russia starkly embody the values of justice, personal freedom, and the relentless pursuit of truth. Through the lens of Satanism, we explore how Navalny's activism reflects the principles of compassion, just...
Feb 18, 2024•46 min•Season 1Ep. 35
Join Lilin and Tommy in this episode as they delve into the contentious issue of religious freedom, with a specific focus on recent legislative attempts to marginalize Satanism, including the implications of Arizona's SB1279 and Iowa's SF2210 . This episode goes beyond a mere rundown of legal challenges; it's a candid conversation about how these legislative moves reflect a deeper societal struggle with pluralism and the foundational principles of the United States. They explore the misuse of th...
Feb 11, 2024•58 min•Season 1Ep. 34
In this episode, Tommy and Lilin touch on the heart of a matter that's all too familiar for many of us: the ongoing fight for Satanism to be recognized and respected amidst the wider conversation on religious rights. Discussing the latest legislative actions in Arizona ( SB1279 ) and the incident in Iowa, where vandalism against a Satanic display was officially labeled a hate crime, this moment is a wake-up call on the real threats to religious expression and a reminder that legal protections ne...
Feb 05, 2024•53 min•Season 1Ep. 33
In this episode of Satanists Nextdoor, Tommy and Lilin confront the tumultuous Texas border crisis and the broader harsh realities of our current political landscape through a Satanic lens. They challenge the status quo while advocating for a world where compassion and reason triumph over fear and manipulation. Expect a candid discussion that cuts through the noise, tackling the political games surrounding the border, the vindictive anger of the GOP base, and the disturbing trend of using religi...
Jan 28, 2024•54 min•Season 1Ep. 32
In this episode of Satanists Nextdoor, Tommy and Lilin explore the gritty reality of depression, focusing on the unique challenges it presents, especially in the Satanic community. They confront the many stigmas of mental health and the unique challenges faced by individuals in leadership roles, and they stress the importance of supportive conversations. Their discussion covers personal experiences and societal pressures, illustrating how the tenets of Satanism can be a practical tool for not on...
Jan 21, 2024•49 min•Season 1Ep. 31
Join us in this episode of Satanists Nextdoor as we discuss cognitive dissonance with our special guest, Tim Baxter from 'Satan's Therapist.' In this episode, we explore cognitive dissonance, which can be characterized as the mental discomfort one experiences when holding conflicting beliefs or when faced with new information that challenges existing views. We discuss why understanding cognitive dissonance is important, especially in the context of Satanism, where questioning established norms a...
Jan 15, 2024•56 min•Season 1Ep. 30
In this episode of Satanists Nextdoor, Tommy and Lilin tackle 2024, a year that's shaping up to be a focus on the battleground against theocracy. Kicking off with the Executive Ministry's statement on postponing SatanCon to 2025, they discuss the community's response - a blend of unity and determination to strengthen TST's mission. Tommy and Lilin don't shy away from the hard-hitting issues: LGBTQIA+ rights, reproductive rights, and the looming threat of theocratic policies. They call for proact...
Jan 08, 2024•54 min•Season 1Ep. 29
In this compelling episode of Satanists Nextdoor, join hosts Tommy and Lilin as they engage in a profound discussion with special guests Nooki, Murphy Fawkes, Kaelea, and Lilith Starr. Inspired by a powerful collection of letters following the David Silverman photo debacle as well as other internal challenges within The Satanic Temple community. Our guests share their perspectives on the importance of maintaining unity, the dangers of purity spirals, and the need for constructive conflict resolu...
Dec 31, 2023•1 hr 24 min•Season 1Ep. 28
In this episode of Satanists Nextdoor, join hosts Tommy and Lilin for a discussion about Satanic parenting, offering their perspectives on how Satanic foundations can positively shape parenting. They'll explore how these principles can not only foster critical thinking and compassion but also help teach children about establishing safe boundaries, appreciating themselves, and developing healthy self-respect. Whether you're part of the Satanic community, a parent seeking alternative perspectives,...
Dec 25, 2023•1 hr 13 min•Season 1Ep. 27
In this episode of Satanists Nextdoor, Tommy and Lilin are discussing the escalating challenges faced by The Satanic Temple across the United States, focusing on the recent vandalism of the Iowa congregation's Baphomet display at the Iowa State Capitol . They touch on the complexities of religious freedom as guaranteed by the First Amendment, emphasizing that this fundamental right extends to all faiths, including those often marginalized, misunderstood, or considered objectionable by some. Focu...
Dec 17, 2023•1 hr 2 min•Season 1Ep. 26
In this episode of Satanists Nextdoor, Tommy and Lilin explore the heartbreaking case of Kate Cox, a Texas woman whose pregnancy with a fetus diagnosed with Edwards Syndrome (Trisomy 18) brings her face-to-face with the state's stringent abortion laws. This deeply personal narrative opens up a wider conversation about the critical importance of bodily autonomy and the alarming implications of its erosion. They also examine how historical events, not too distant in the past, could resurface if in...
Dec 11, 2023•56 min•Season 1Ep. 25
In this thought-provoking episode of Satanists Nextdoor, Lilin and Tommy discuss the heated controversy surrounding the inclusion of Satanic symbols in holiday displays. They challenge the narratives presented by Christian extremists defend the constitutional protections of religious expression in public spaces, and discuss the pagan roots of the Christmas tree, highlighting the irony and hypocrisy in Christian groups claiming exclusive rights to public holiday displays. Support the show...
Dec 03, 2023•28 min•Season 1Ep. 24
In this episode of Satanists Nextdoor, join us as we discuss The Satanic Temple's Protect Children Project campaign and its action against corporal punishment in Dumas, Texas. We're joined by congregation members and leaders from various Texas congregations who participated in the 'Student Rights Cards' initiative at Dumas High School, ready to share their experiences. The episode looks at TST's work to end corporal punishment in schools, focusing on the importance of not only respecting student...
Nov 26, 2023•1 hr 6 min•Season 1Ep. 23
In this episode of Satanists Nextdoor, we'll explore the aftermath of the recent midterms and their implications for our essential rights. We kick off with Ohio's Issue 1, contrasting the overwhelming public support for an abortion amendment with the GOP's stubborn resistance, highlighting a stark disconnect in democratic values. In Texas, Governor Abbott's relentless pursuit through special sessions to pass contentious education and immigration legislation raises critical questions about the tr...
Nov 13, 2023•56 min•Season 1Ep. 22
In this episode of Satanists Nextdoor, hosts Tommy and Lilin unpack the resurgence of a recurring dark chapter in history akin to a modern-day witch hunt. Did witch hunts ever truly end? In this episode, they explore how the specter of the Satanic Panic is re-emerging, not just against Satanists but also targeting the LGBTQ community, educators, and even librarians. With firsthand experience from the initial panic, our hosts draw parallels between the wrongful convictions of the past, like the M...
Nov 05, 2023•50 min•Season 1Ep. 21
Join us in this episode of Satanists Nextdoor as we take you to the heart of the Polk County Pagan Market's Samhain event as a vendor for The Satanic Temple Houston. From heartwarming encounters to thought-provoking discussions, we'll share all that unfolded on this exceptional day. While we experienced the magic of this event, we also faced challenges from religious individuals who chose to enter despite polite requests not to. Discover how we answered their questions and defended our beliefs, ...
Oct 30, 2023•50 min•Season 1Ep. 20
In this episode of Satanist Nextdoor, hosts Tommy and Lilin have a heartfelt conversation with Nigel and Lilibat about their journey to sobriety . With the support of The Satanic Temple's (TST) Sober Faction —a group that promotes sobriety without relying on supernatural beliefs and welcomes anyone interested in this path— Nigel and Lilibat found more than just sobriety . They discovered a strong sense of belonging and made real friendships within their local Satanic community . If you're curiou...
Oct 22, 2023•59 min•Season 1Ep. 19
