In this episode of The Non-Prophets, the panel reacts to the alarming halt in CDC communications, with the U.S. now flying blind on public health threats. Budget cuts, mass firings, and political meddling have silenced disease alerts that once informed doctors, hospitals, and the public. The team dives into how dismantling the CDC’s outreach endangers lives, erodes trust in science, and shows contempt for evidence-based governance. It’s not about public safety—it’s about control. NPR, “CDC’s pub...
Jun 09, 2025•21 min•Season 24Ep. 2301
In this fossil-fueled episode of The Non-Prophets, the hosts unpack a new discovery: lizard-like footprints in Australia that could rewrite the timeline of tetrapod evolution by 40 million years. From the science of peer review to the philosophical weight of evidence, the panel dives into how science self-corrects, why tentative claims aren't failures, and how our distant past continues to shape our future. Also: religion, dinosaurs, road durability, and… Silurians? News Source Popular Mechanics...
Jun 06, 2025•21 min•Season 24Ep. 2203
In this episode of The Non-Prophets, the panel highlights Faye “What” Albernas, a bold and vibrant voice for unity in the LGBTQ+ community amid growing hostility in Florida. Reporting from Miami Beach Pride, Albernas calls for connection and compassion, even while wrapped in color and confronting serious issues like HIV funding cuts and anti-trans legislation. The hosts discuss the tension between faith and queerness, the power of visibility, and how celebration can be an act of resistance. News...
Jun 04, 2025•21 min•Season 24Ep. 2202
In this powerful episode of The Non-Prophets, the panel tackles the disturbing case of Robert Morris—a megachurch pastor who used his influence to shield himself after years of sexually abusing a child. The team discusses how religious power structures protect predators, silence victims, and shield moral leaders from justice. From golden parachutes to biblical forgiveness, this story exposes the entitled arrogance of spiritual abusers and the complicity of the churches that defend them. News Sou...
Jun 02, 2025•21 min•Season 24Ep. 2201
In this refreshing and hopeful episode of The Non-Prophets, the hosts celebrate some rare good news for secular politics: the Congressional Freethought Caucus has added two new members—Representatives Judy Chu and Delia Ramirez. The panel explores what the Freethought Caucus stands for, why secular representation matters, and how language, humanism, and smart tactics can help normalize atheists and nonreligious values in public office. It’s a thoughtful, funny, and inspiring discussion on the fu...
May 30, 2025•22 min•Season 24Ep. 2103
In this deeply unsettling episode of The Non-Prophets, the panel confronts the tragic and controversial case of Adriana Smith—a brain-dead woman in Georgia whose body is being kept on life support to carry a pregnancy to term. Despite being legally dead, Georgia’s abortion restrictions prevent her family from making medical decisions, effectively reducing her to an incubator. The hosts examine the ethical, legal, and human rights implications of this case, exploring how far the state’s control o...
May 28, 2025•20 min•Season 24Ep. 2102
In this episode of The Non-Prophets, the panel unpacks a troubling new bill—The Interstate Obscenity Definition Act—that threatens to redefine what counts as “obscene” in America. Framed as protecting public decency, the bill could lead to sweeping censorship of porn, LGBTQ+ content, art, and personal expression. The hosts expose the vague language, moral posturing, and religious overtones driving the legislation, and explore how it could impact everything from adult entertainment to free speech...
May 26, 2025•22 min•Season 24Ep. 2101
In this episode of The Non-Prophets, the panel explores the Democratic Party’s surprising new strategy: using religion to push back against Trump-era policies. From Capitol Hill vigils to Bible-quoting sit-ins, leaders like Hakeem Jeffries and Cory Booker are invoking Scripture and moral framing to regain ground with religious voters. But does this signal genuine change—or is it political theater? The hosts examine whether moral messaging can replace policy-driven advocacy, and what it means for...
May 24, 2025•19 min•Season 24Ep. 2004
In this episode of The Non-Prophets, the panel reacts to the election of Pope Leo XIV—the first American pope—and what his leadership might mean for the Catholic Church. While some see the appointment of Robert Francis Prevost as a possible attempt at modernization, others remain skeptical. The team discusses the Pope’s political views, possible reform efforts, and the Catholic Church’s long, global history of corruption and harm. Is this new pope a sign of change—or just another face for an unc...
May 23, 2025•22 min•Season 24Ep. 2003
In this heartfelt and painful segment, The Non-Prophets discuss a mother’s public reckoning with sending her son to conversion therapy. Connie Hoying, mother of Pentatonix singer Scott Hoying, recounts the regret and harm caused by trying to "pray the gay away" in her new memoir. The panel dives into the psychological damage of so-called “ex-gay therapy,” its religious justifications, and why it must be seen—and banned—as a form of torture. LGBTQ Nation originally published this personal story o...
May 21, 2025•21 min•Season 24Ep. 2002
In a disturbing yet unsurprising twist, the U.S. Justice Department—under the Trump administration—backed the Catholic Church’s stance against mandatory reporting laws that would require clergy to report child abuse confessed during confessional. The Non-Prophets panel unpacks the civil rights investigation launched against the law, discusses the implications for victims and justice, and contrasts global approaches to church accountability. How long can the confessional loophole shield abusers f...
May 21, 2025•21 min•Season 24Ep. 2001
Southern Baptist Convention membership has dropped to its lowest level in over 50 years, falling from nearly 13.7 million in 2021 to just over 12.7 million in 2025. While leaders tout rising baptism numbers, critics say this masks the real issue—declining relevance and aging congregations. The Non-Prophets dive into what this means for American Christianity, global religious trends, and why the church’s cultural power may not be fading as fast as its pews. News Source The Friendly Atheist, by He...
May 17, 2025•19 min•Season 24Ep. 1904
A Milwaukee judge is facing federal charges after allegedly helping a man avoid ICE agents by allowing him to exit through a jury door—agents who only had a non-judicial warrant. Judge Hannah Dugan’s defenders argue she was upholding constitutional protections, not obstructing justice. Is this a principled stand for civil rights, or a threat to law enforcement authority? The Non-Prophets examine what’s legal, what’s moral, and what it means for judicial independence in an increasingly polarized ...
May 16, 2025•21 min•Season 24Ep. 1903
A Georgia elementary school sparked national outrage after posting “Whites Only” and “Blacks Only” signs over water fountains during a lesson on desegregation. The teacher claimed it was part of a history lesson on Ruby Bridges, but the move left students confused and targeted, and parents furious. Was this an ill-conceived attempt at immersive education—or a reckless display that retraumatized and divided? The Non-Prophets break down the controversy, ethics, and long-term impact. News Source Th...
May 14, 2025•20 min•Season 24Ep. 1902
Calvary Chapel San Jose has finally been held accountable after defying COVID restrictions, spreading misinformation, and racking up millions in fines. A California appellate court upheld a $1.2 million penalty against the church, rejecting claims of religious discrimination. The panel dives into what this ruling means for religious privilege, public safety, and the growing tension between faith and law. Is this a sign that courts are beginning to take church accountability seriously? News Sourc...
May 12, 2025•21 min•Season 24Ep. 1901
When Atlanta megachurch pastor Phillip Mitchell told his congregation to stop blaming white cops and start teaching “obedience to authority,” backlash erupted—including from his own members. While he apologized on Instagram, many saw it as hollow, especially when he doubled down on the same dangerous rhetoric. The panel breaks down the historical and present-day implications of respectability politics in Black churches, police violence, and what true accountability really looks like. News Source...
May 09, 2025•20 min•Season 24Ep. 1803
Hundreds of U.S.-based scientists are applying to a French university program following major federal research funding cuts in the U.S. France’s new initiative promises financial support and academic freedom, prompting what some are calling a potential “brain drain.” The panel discusses the implications for American innovation, global collaboration, and the growing politicization of science funding. News Source NPR by Alana Wise, April 18, 2025 https://www.npr.org/2025/04/18/nx-s1-5368132/us-res...
May 07, 2025•22 min•Season 24Ep. 1802
With the death of Pope Francis, attention turns to his divisive legacy in the U.S. Catholic Church. While hailed globally as a reformer, Francis alienated many conservative American Catholics over his stances on climate change, immigration, and LGBTQ rights. As the Vatican sought inclusion, U.S. Catholics increasingly aligned with far-right politics, exposing the church’s internal fractures. The panel explores what this split means for the future of Catholicism and the global religious landscape...
May 05, 2025•26 min•Season 24Ep. 1801
A Russian drone strike has damaged Chernobyl’s outer containment structure, raising alarms across Ukraine and beyond. Experts stress that while the inner sarcophagus remains intact and no radiation leak has been detected, the deliberate nature of the attack signals a troubling escalation. The panel explores the potential environmental, political, and psychological consequences of targeting one of history’s most infamous nuclear disaster sites. News Source Reuters by Yurii Kovalenko, April 13, 20...
May 03, 2025•24 min•Season 24Ep. 1704
Senator James Lankford is pushing a bill to relax political speech restrictions for churches, despite admitting it's largely unnecessary. The Non-Prophets panel explores how clergy already flout the Johnson Amendment with impunity while secular 501(c)(3)s remain muzzled. Could repealing the rule backfire and empower atheist nonprofits? Or would it further tilt the playing field toward well-funded religious institutions? News Source: The Friendly Atheist by Hemant Mehta, April 14, 2025 https://ww...
May 02, 2025•23 min•Season 24Ep. 1703
Harvard University is taking legal action after the Trump administration froze $2.2 billion in federal grants, citing failure to address antisemitism and comply with vague new rules about “merit-based” practices and “viewpoint diversity.” The panel discusses the implications for academic freedom, student activism, and how terms like antisemitism may be misused to silence dissent. Is this a crackdown on hate or a political power play? News Source AP News by Michael Casey, April 14, 2025 https://a...
Apr 30, 2025•26 min•Season 24Ep. 1702
When an Iowa couple sued MercyOne and Catholic Health Initiative for the death of their unborn child, the Catholic hospital initially argued the fetus wasn't a person—despite Catholic doctrine claiming life begins at conception. Only after public backlash did the hospital walk back its legal argument. The panel explores the church’s double standards, financial motivations, and what this case reveals about its moral authority in public health. News Source: The Friendly Atheist by Hemant Mehta, Se...
Apr 28, 2025•22 min•Season 24Ep. 1701
A legal dispute between Freedom From Religion Foundation and American Atheists over a donor’s estate raised eyebrows—but the reality was far less dramatic. After questions emerged over a handwritten memo altering distribution plans, the parties sought transparency, not a fight. The case was settled amicably, with all organizations receiving more than expected. The panel unpacks lessons in ethics, optics, and legacy. News Source: Friendly Atheist by Hemant Mehta, April 8, 2025 https://www.friendl...
Apr 25, 2025•20 min•Season 24Ep. 1603
A $250K grant intended to install LGBTQ+ historical markers in Ohio was abruptly canceled by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), sparking backlash from advocacy groups and lawmakers. The panel examines why commemorating LGBTQ+ history is being politicized and what this says about state-level efforts to erase marginalized voices from public memory. News Source: Central Ohio News by David Rees, April 8, 2025 https://www.nbc4i.com/news/local-news/central-ohio-news/doge-cancels-250000-oh...
Apr 23, 2025•19 min•Season 24Ep. 1602
The Supreme Court sided with the Department of Education, pausing a lower court ruling that would have restored grants for diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. The panel explores what’s at stake—not just for education, but for democracy itself. Are DEI efforts under threat because they aim to level the playing field? Or is ignorance becoming policy by design? News Source: CBS News by Melissa Quinn, April 4, 2025 https://www.cbsnews.com/news/supreme-court-trump-administration-to-cancel-educ...
Apr 22, 2025•20 min•Season 24Ep. 1601
Major win for abortion rights in US after new ruling Metro by Sarah Hooper on April 1, 2025 https://www.smartnews.com/en-us/article/4797808326211539939 The Non-Prophets 24.15.4 with Cynthia McDonald, AJ, Kelley Laughlin and Rob Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-non-prophets--3254964/support ....
Apr 19, 2025•14 min•Season 24Ep. 1504
Oklahoma’s Ryan Walters wants to bring Bibles into classrooms—and silence the watchdogs. But is it religious freedom or unconstitutional overreach? In this episode, The Non-Prophets take aim at Oklahoma State Superintendent Ryan Walters, who is suing the Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF) for doing what it does best: upholding the Constitution. After the FFRF blocked Walters from using $3 million in public funds to buy Trump Bibles for every classroom, Walters retaliated by accusing the org...
Apr 18, 2025•20 min•Season 24Ep. 1503
Texas Pastor Says Bible Has 'No' Grounds for Being Anti-Transgender NewsBreak by Nick Mordowanec, on March 31, 2025 https://www.newsbreak.com/share/3943600104434-texas-pastor-says-bible-has-no-grounds-for-being-anti-transgender The Non-Prophets 24.15.2 with Cynthia McDonald, AJ, Kelley Laughlin and Rob Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-non-prophets--3254964/support ....
Apr 16, 2025•20 min•Season 24Ep. 1502
On April 1st, 2025, a bipartisan proposal to let members of Congress vote by proxy while on parental leave sparked unexpected chaos in the U.S. House. Co-sponsored by Rep. Ana Paulina Luna (R) and Rep. Brittany Pettersen (D), the measure aimed to support working parents in government. But GOP leaders attempted to quietly kill the bill using a procedural trick—only to face rebellion from their own side. Nine Republicans joined Democrats to derail the legislative agenda, exposing the hypocrisy in ...
Apr 15, 2025•22 min•Season 24Ep. 1501
CIA found the Ark of the Covenant by using psychics , declassified files claim NewsBreak The Independent, By James Liddell, on March 28, 2025 https://www.newsbreak.com/share/3939128610325-cia-found-the-ark-of-the-covenant-by-using-psychics-declassified-files-claim The Non-Prophets, Episode 24.14.4 featuring Scott Dickie, , Jimmy Jr. and Helen Greene Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-non-prophets--3254964/support ....
Apr 15, 2025•21 min•Season 24Ep. 1404
