Past Media Links of the Week

January 6, 2008:

Answers in Atheism
Lively conversations with interesting guests are guaranteed when you join host Edwin Kagin (National Legal Director of American Atheists) on his weekly webcast. Answers in Atheism is streamed live every Thursday at 6:00 p.m., and archived shows are available as well. Click here for the show's homepage.

December 30, 2007:
UTVS Religious Series: Atheism
This report from journalist Adam Sebestyen profiles two atheists (one of them a member of MNA) to explore atheism in the U.S. Sebestyen notes the bias against nonbelievers but allows his two subjects to tell their stories without editorializing. Click here to view the video.

December 23, 2007:
NPR's Weekend Edition on Atheist Holiday Celebrations
It's always interesting to hear mainstream media perspectives on issues important to atheists. This segment from NPR's Weekend Edition Sunday, titled "Removing Religion from the Holidays a Tall Order" offers an interesting take on how atheists approach the holiday season, although not without a few misleading generalizations. Click here to listen.

December 9, 2007:
The McLaughlin Group on Mormonism
Regular viewers of the weekly PBS political talking head show The McLaughlin Group know that heated discussions are par for the course. So why was panelist Lawrence O'Donnell condemned for expressing his views on Mitt Romney's "Faith in America" speech? Only because Mr. O'Donnell reported some unpleasant truths about the Mormon church. There is an unwritten media rule that criticism of "mainstream" religions is off limits, even when the facts are not in dispute. Click here and scroll down to watch.

December 2, 2007:
"Did Life Start in Mica?" from NPR's Science Friday
Since Urey and Miller's "primordial soup" experiment in 1953, scientists have been striving to recreate the conditions that led to the appearance of life on Earth. Now, researcher Helen Hansa, a biophysicist at the University of California at Santa Barbara, has introduced the hypothesis that life may have begun between sheets of mica rock, a scenario that begs for the name "soup and a sandwich." Click here to listen to this entertaining interview.

November 25, 2007:
"Near Death Experiences" on Funny or Die
This short film from Will Ferrell's comedy website Funny or Die begins like any number of programs that try to lend credence to near death experiences. Then it takes an unexpected (and hilarious) turn. Click here to watch.

November 25, 2007:
Questions on Religion: Fair Game in Politics?
A recent discussion on National Public Radio's Talk of the Nation focused on whether politicians who court votes based on religion should be pressed to answer questions about their own beliefs. Professor Jonathan Turley of George Washington University thinks so, and wrote an op ed inUSA Today to that effect. Click here to listen.

November 18, 2007:
Hell's Angel: Mother Teresa
This documentary, originally aired on BBC Four in England back in 1994, surely will never be broadcast in the United States. It exposes the dark side of the work and life of Mother Teresa of Calcutta, and inspired its host, Christopher Hitchens, to write his scathing book The Missionary Position: Mother Teresa in Theory and Practice. Thanks to the internet and YouTube, you can watch it on your computer in three parts. Click here for part one.

November 11, 2007:
Senator Grassley's Investigation of the Finances of Televangelists
As a result of many independent accounts of financial excesses of televangeists such as Benny Hinn, Creflo Dollar, and others, Iowa's Republican Senator Charles Grassley is looking into whether tax laws have been violated as a result of these televangelists enriching themselves. If these TV ministries and their megachurches don't come clean about minister pay packages, expense accounts, and use of luxury cars and jets, Senator Grassley vows to make his voluntary request for information less voluntary. This exchange is from National Public Radio's Talk of the Nationprogram. Click here.

November 4, 2007:
Bill Maher on Religion
We've been waiting for a prolonged piece from Bill Maher on the absurdities of religion, and he has provided one with this week's link. The self-proclaimed "rationalist" delivered this monologue on his cable show Real Time with Bill Maher. Click here.

October 28, 2007:
Richard Carrier on Morality Without God
You may know Richard Carrier from the film The God Who Wasn't There, from his book Sense and Goodness Without God, or from his many other publications and appearances. In this presentation, sponsored by the Center for Inquiry, Mr. Carrier explains the morality of Naturalism, the worldview that nature is all there is. Click here.

October 21, 2007:
Dan Rather Reports on Christian Proselytizing in the Military
This installment of Dan Rather's program on HDNet profiles Mikey Weinstein, founder of the Military Religious Freedom Foundation. Mr. Weinstein's documented accounts of how non-Christians in the American military are pressured to convert and targeted for abuse by superiors are sobering examples of how the First Amendment is often ignored in the armed forces. Click here.

October 14, 2007:
Clips from The Ruling Class
Seven years before The Life of Brian (1972, to be exact), The Ruling Class was released. If you're not familiar with the film, it follows an "eccentric" English Lord (played by Peter O'Toole), who thinks he's Jesus. O'Toole was nominated for an Academy Award as Best Actor for his role in The Ruling Class, and we wonder if such an honor would be bestowed on his performance if the film were released today. Click here.

October 7, 2007:
Extant Dodos Productions
If you thought you could never enjoy watching the Discovery Institute's videos attacking evolution, you've never seen the Extant Dodos versions. Click here, then scroll down. In two parts, DI's Icons of Evolution is exposed, step by step, as the propaganda it is.

September 30, 2007:
Atheism vs. Humanism: Hitchens and Doerr
This segment from the show Interfaith Voices pairs atheist Christopher Hitchens, author of God Is Not Great: How Religion Poisons Everything, with humanist Ed Doerr, President of Americans for Religious Liberty. Is Hitchens too negative, or is Doerr too conciliatory? Click here and decide for yourself.

September 23, 2007:
Stephen Colbert "Nails" Mother Teresa
In this segment from The Colbert Report, our host investigates Mother Teresa's recently disclosed letters in which she reports "god's absence" over a fifty-year period. In light of that, he asks, could a really nice atheist be made a saint? Click here.

September 16, 2007:
Stewart Lee's "What's Wrong with Blasphemy?"
At times funny, at times frightening, but always fascinating, this documentary by atheist comedian and writer Stewart Lee examines the power of religious censorship in the U.K. Those who perceive Britain as more enlightened on freedom of speech issues than the U.S. should click here.

September 9, 2007:
Harry Shearer's Spot for the L.A. Archdiocese's Property Auction
With so many Catholic Archdioceses being forced to pay claims over sexual abuse by their clergy, some are selling off assets to compensate the victims. In this clip from LeShow, comedian Harry Shearer offers his version of how a radio spot for the Los Angeles Archdiocese's real estate auction might sound. You'll need RealPlayer (free); download the link to the spoof here.

September 2, 2007:
Atheist Music on The Pagan Station
This internet music station is the first (and as far as we know, only) one dedicated to infidel rock. The home of over 600 atheist, free-thinker, and pro-science tunes, you're sure to discover something new. And to top it all off, it's free! Click here.

August 26, 2007:
Philip Pullman's The Golden Compass: The Movie Trailer
You might call atheist Philip Pullman's fantasy trilogy "the anti-Narnia." Pullman himself has low regard for the C.S. Lewis works; the villain in his books is an all-powerful church called the Magisterium. While the movie studio is desperate to downplay Pullman's criticism of religion, see what clues you can find in this five-minute trailer for The Golden Compass, due in theatres this December. Click here.

August 19, 2007:
On the Media's "God No!"
This segment from the weekly National Public Radio program dedicated to covering media concerns itself with portrayals of atheism. At least in this report, misinformation is balanced by the words of atheists delivering their own messages. Click here.

August 12, 2007:
The Evangelical Atheist on www.ijoke.tv
In this clip, a comedian identified only as "BlueGuyFromARedState from Houston" shares his response to people who offer to tell him about Jesus, and then offers his vision of what evangelical atheism might be like. Click here.

August 5, 2007:
Doug Stanhope: "Would You Believe . . . "
The explicit language warning is definitely in effect for this clip as comedian Doug Stanhope practices his unique brand of "cruel and unusual comedy" while taking merciless aim at Christianity. Click here.

July 29, 2007:
James Randi at Princeton
In this lecture delivered at Princeton University in 2001, James "the Amazing" Randi discusses "The Search for the Chimera." He proceeds to give examples of the seemingly inexhaustible human capacity to believe unsubstantiated claims, providing a public service to anyone who has ever been tempted to believe in anything supernatural. Click here.

July 22, 2007:
Sam Harris at the Aspen Ideas Festival
More than anyone else, Sam Harris may be the one person you'd want on your side in a debate on reason vs. faith. Witness his presentation on "Believing the Unbelievable: The Clash Between Faith and Reason in the Modern World" to see how he deftly disarms the arguments for faith and calmly answers all questions with irrefutable logic. Click here.

July 15, 2007:
David Mills on the Emerging "Golden Age of Atheism"
Call him an incurable optimist, but David Mills, author of Atheist Universe: The Thinking Person's Answer to Christian Fundamentalism, sees a bright future for nonbelief. Find out why by watching his talk at Ohio State University, titled "10 Reasons America is Approaching a Golden Age of Atheism." Click here.

July 8, 2007:
The Brave New Workshop's "Who Would Jesus Bomb?"
We're proud to say that this week's link comes from our own backyard: the venerable Minneapolis-based comedy ensemble the Brave New Workshop. Watch and listen as they perform the sketch and song "Who Would Jesus Bomb?" from their review titled Shut Your American Pie Hole,or Discount Family Values. Click here.

July 1, 2007:
Brian Keith Dalton's "Mr. Deity"
This clever, funny web series shows us how, in spite of the perks, being the supreme entity and creator of the universe can be a real drag at times. Join Mr. Deity as he deals with billions of prayers left on his answering service, unauthorized biographies, his ex, Lucy, and the decision of what kinds of evil he should allow on Earth. Click here.

June 24, 2007:
The Daily Show on "The Ten Commandments of Driving"
Just in case you take the entire premise behind these segments as a joke, be advised that the Vatican actually did issue ten new commandments for motorists (if you don't believe us, click here). As in the case of many news stories, all you really need to know can be found on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart. For its take on the Vatican's latest absurdity, click here and here.

June 17, 2007:
Spitting Image's "The Pope's Miracle"
With the Vatican in the news so often lately, it's time to look back at the premier source of Papal puppet satire, the British comedy show Spitting Image. In this short segment, the Pope plugs his favorite laundry detergent. click here

June 10, 2007:
Lou Dobbs Interviews Christopher Hitchens
In a surprisingly cordial and thoughtful segment, CNN's Lou Dobbs talks with Christopher Hitchens about disbelief, religious intolerance, and his new book, God Is Not Great: How Religion Poisons Everything. click here

June 3, 2007:
GoLeft.TV's Report on Taxpayer Supported Christian Gulags
If the description above seems like hyperbole, watch this interview with Mollye Barrows, a news anchor and reporter for an ABC affiliate in Florida as she details the outrageous and appalling coercive methods and conditions at several Christian schools, enabled by your tax dollars and no government oversight thanks to President Bush's Faith-Based Initiative. click here

May 27, 2007:
Songs by The Rev. Barking Nonsequitor
This week's A/V LOTW is actually a trio of links to some very funny songs by the Rev. Barking Nonsequitor. MNA is proud to claim the Rev. as a member, and encourages you to listen to "Help Me Jesus X," "My Bad I'm an Atheist," and "From the Bushes." Then go to our Members and Friends page to find the internet home of all this auditory goodness.

May 20, 2007:
The Christopher Hitchens/Al Sharpton Smackdown
This event garnered attention in the media mostly because of Rev. Al Sharpton's comment that Mormons don't really believe in god, but from our perspective, Christopher Hitchens's points are much more memorable. The author of God is Not Great: How Religion Poisons Everything is at once both urbane and provocative, delivering a scathing critique of belief in the supernatural. more

May 13, 2007:
The Rational Response Squad Debates Kirk Cameron and Friend on Nightline
The RRS did an admirable job of decimating the arguments for the existence of god put forth by former sitcom actor and current born-again creationist Kirk Cameron (Growing Pains) and his partner in fearmongering, Ray Comfort. Of course, considering the nonsensical lines of unreason presented by these two Way of the Master hosts, the term "shooting fish in a barrel" comes to mind. more

May 6, 2007:
A Brief History of Disbelief
Jonathan Miller's excellent BBC documentary on atheism may be shown on a public TV station near you, if conservative Christians don't succeed in their attempts to stop it. No need to wait; you can view all three parts here.

April 29, 2007:
The Atheist Experience
Sponsored by the Atheist Community of Austin, The Atheist Experience is a weekly show that tackles issues such as deconversion, atheist activism, the Christian left, bogus creationist arguments, and much more, always in a witty, informational, and irreverent way. Find video here, audio here, and learn more about how to subscribe to the show here.

April 22, 2007:
10 Things I Hate About Commandments
Can you imagine Cecil B. DeMille's 1956 film The Ten Commandments as a teen comedy along the lines of 10 Things I Hate About You? No? Fortunately, the creators of this hysterical trailer for 10 Things I Hate About Commandments have done it for you. click here

April 15, 2007:
Ryan Smith and Julie Wittner's WWJD (a music video)
Humor returns to the A/V Link of the Week with this hilarious, dead-on parody of country music, advertising, and a uniquely American form of Christianity. You'll want to watch this video a few times to appreciate all the priceless details these two writer/performers have put into their work. click here

April 8, 2007:
Dogma Free America
The topics discussed on this audio podcast include the "intelligent design" movement, separation of state and church, fundamentalism and much more. As of this writing, seventeen episodes are available for your listening pleasure. click here

April 1, 2007:
Richard Dawkins on WHYY's Fresh Air
With this installment, Dr. Dawkins, author of The God Delusion, The Selfish Gene, and many other books, becomes the first personality to be featured three times on the A/V Link of the Week (see March 26 and October 8, 2006). His interview with host Terry Gross demonstrates that no matter how many times you hear Richard Dawkins speak, you will always hear something new and interesting. click here

March 25, 2007:
Lori Lipman Brown on MPR's Midmorning
In this recently aired episode of Minnesota Public Radio's interview and call-in show, Midmorning, the guest is Lori Lipman Brown, Director and lobbyist for the Secular Coalition for America. She discusses Rep. Pete Stark's response to SCA's survey to find the highest-ranking government official with no god beliefs, current violations of the First Amendment, her own background, and more. click here

March 18, 2007:
Daniel Dennett on Breaking the Spell
This episode of the Charlie Rose television show features guest host Bill Moyers interviewing Daniel Dennett, Professor of Philosophy at Tufts University and author of Breaking the Spell: Religion as a Natural Phenomenon. Among other things, Dr. Dennett explains how belief in supernatural agents is a product of evolution. click here

March 11, 2007:
Debate: "Is America Too Damn Religious?"
According to the audience that heard this program live in New York City, the answer is a resounding "yes." Listen to the panelists, including Susan Jacoby and Rev. Barry Lynn, make the case for a truly secular America in this debate produced by public radio station WNYC. click here

March 4, 2007:
The Dover Decision: A Look Back
This recent segment from NPR's Science Friday recounts the story of the Dover, Pennsylvania school district's attempt to include "intelligent design" in the science curriculum as an alternative to evolution, the historic court decision that revealed "I.D." as warmed-over creationism, and the aftermath. Guests include Randy Olson, director of Flock of Dodos (the linked page also includes a video clip of the film). click here

February 25, 2007:
Eric Lane Barnes' "The Fundamental"
Here's a dance craze we certainly hope is not sweeping the nation. Follow the link to a website where you can sample this toe-tapping bit of satire (click on the arrow next to Track 9). click here

February 18, 2007:
The Ant Analogy
As this clip from a popular television comedy shows, those who would persuade children to believe in a deity should reconsider telling a child that humans are to god as ants are to humans. The kid might make a few logical conclusions. click here

February 11, 2007:
Nightline on The Rational Response Squad
The post-Ted Koppel version of Nightline recently profiled the Rational Response Squad and the Blasphemy Challenge. You've got to hand it to these folks for putting up with some of the questions of the witless correspondent in such a cheerful and upbeat way. click here

February 4, 2007:
Interview with Warren Allen Smith, author of Who's Who In Hell
In this interview, self-described "humanistic naturalist" Warren Allen Smith discusses why he decided to write a book listing well-known atheists, humanists and freethinkers (such as John Steinbeck, Sinclair Lewis and Albert Schweitzer), what Humanism means, whether religion and philosophy can coexist, and much more. click here

January 28, 2007:
The Blasphemy Debate
Two notable Brits, political pundit Christopher Hitchens (columnist at The Nation, Slate, and The Wall Street Journal, and author of a scathing biography of Mother Teresa) and actor, writer, and comedian Stephen Fry (Blackadder, Jeeves and Wooster) confront the Incitement to Religious Hatred Bill, which threatens to become law in the U.K. In the course of the conversation they make many fascinating observations about religion and intolerance. click here

January 21, 2007:
Monty Python in "The Secret Life of Brian"
This British documentary tells what went on behind the scenes as the Pythons wrote, filmed, and promoted The Life of Brian, the funniest movie ever made about religion. The documentary is split into five parts, so after viewing the first, go to the links in the center column (to the right of the main screen) to see the rest. click here

January 14, 2007:
Elon Gold's "The Theo Awards"
In this animated short, comedian Elon Gold proposes to pick a winner among the world's religions. Move over, Oscars and Emmys, for the Theo Awards. click here

January 7, 2007:
Francis Stokes's God, Inc.
This series of web videos by independent filmmaker Francis Stokes is what you might get if you crossed the TV series Touched by an Angel with the comic strip Dilbert. Since the A/V Link of the Week was on hiatus last week, enjoy two episodes of God, Inc.: scroll down to the middle of the page and, to watch them in order, click on the lower of the two videos first. click here

December 24, 2006:
NPR on "The Atheist Brigade"
After an introduction from All Things Considered host Robert Siegel that casts atheism as a tiny and mean-spirited movement, the actual story from Brooke Gladstone is more even-handed, allowing author Sam Harris (The End of Faith) to answer such charges. click here

December 17, 2006:
The Atheist Delusion
This satirical "response" to atheism derives its humor from stating religious arguments fairly accurately. In fact, after you watch the first presentation, watch "Atheist Delusion 2: Deluded Mailbag" to hear how some nonbelievers apparently took it seriously. click here

December 10, 2006:
Richard Belzer's Jazz for Jesus
Sure, there's Christian rock, country, and even heavy metal music. But what about jazz? Comedian Richard Belzer shows us what Jazz for Jesus might sound like in this animated short. click here

December 3, 2006:
James Randi on Faith, Belief, and Atheism
This installment of the show "Ideas and Issues" from WETS-FM, hosted by Hugh LaFollette, features author, lecturer, and recipient of the MacArthur Foundation "genius" grant, James Randi. Mr. Randi explores the reasons behind false beliefs and the case for atheism in his usual articulate, thoughtful way. click here

November 26, 2006:
Video from the "Beyond Belief" Conference
The full title of the conference, sponsored by The Science Network, is ""Beyond Belief: Science, Religion, Reason and Survival." To view presentations and discussions by such luminaries as Steven Weinberg, Lawrence Krauss, Richard Dawkins, Michael Shermer and Sam Harris, click here

November 19, 2006:
Father Guido Sarducci's Guide to the Saints
In this classic clip from Saturday Night Live, Father Guido Sarducci (Don Novello) tells how saints are really chosen, and reveals that St. Patrick was just a guy who was very attractive to snakes. click here

November 12, 2006:
Mr. Show's "What to Think Network"
From the sketch comedy program Mr. Show, here are two parodies of religious tv. The first, called Good News, profiles a "reformed" homosexual, who has "seen the light" quite a few times now. The second, called "The Bible Machine," profiles Marshall, the lost disciple. click here

November 5, 2006:
George Carlin on Religion
In this clip of one of his stand-up routines, comedian and vocal atheist George Carlin discusses "the all-time champion of false promises and exaggerated claims." If anybody out there is not familiar with Mr. Carlin's humor, be warned that he does not mince words, particularly those you can't say on television. click here

October 29, 2006:
Eddie Izzard Explains Easter and Christmas
For anyone who has ever wondered what chocolate eggs, pine trees, rabbits and a fat man in a red suit have to do with the Christian holidays, comedian Eddie Izzard has some hilarious answers. This clip is from his Dressed to Kill concert. click here

October 22, 2006:
Rowan Atkinson: The Amazing Jesus
In this video clip, British comedian Rowan Atkinson (Blackadder, Mr. Bean) dons clerical garb to deliver a sermon about one of the great early family entertainers, and manages to slip in a timely message at the end. click here

October 15, 2006:
David Cross on Religion
If the name isn't immediately familiar, you'll recognize comedian (and atheist) David Cross's face from his many appearances on TV sitcoms. His own cable program with Bob Odenkirk, Mr. Show, is an underappreciated classic of sketch comedy. This clip of his stand-up work shows David taking on religion in his distinctive take-no-prisoners style (including explicit language, so consider yourself warned). click here

October 8, 2006:
Richard Dawkins on The God Delusion
Dr. Richard Dawkins recently appeared on NPR's Talk of the Nation: Science Friday to discuss his new book, The God Delusion. Listen as Dawkins, acclaimed evolutionary biologist and author of The Selfish Gene, calmly and rationally explains his arguments against the existence of god to a somewhat nervous-sounding host. click here

October 1, 2006:
Ricky Gervais on Genesis
The brilliantly funny creator, writer and star of the original BBC series The Office (as well as creator and writer of the U.S. version) exploits the absurdities of the bible to hilarious effect in this footage from a one-man performance. click here

September 24, 2006:
Hector Avalos Debunks the Christian Resurrection
In this audio program, Dr. Hector Avalos, Ph.D. in Biblical and Near Eastern Civilizations, debates Dr. William Craig, Ph.D. in Philosophy and Theology, on the historicity of the bodily resurrection of Jesus. Dr. Avalos deftly explains the difference between stories and facts and shows how helpful it is to be fluent in Aramaic when debating Christian apologists. Stay for the end of the program for an interesting (if sometimes bizarre) Q and A session. click here

September 17, 2006:
The Jesus Christ Action Figure
This television commercial parody may have been considered more outrageous before some enterprising Christians started selling "Jesus is my Coach" sports figures, but this spot does such a great job at getting the details right that it's worth a look. click here

September 10, 2006:
Steve Carell & Stephen Colbert: Islam vs. Christianity
Before Steve Carell and Stephen Colbert went on to their own successful shows, they appeared together on The Daily Show in a debate segment called "Even Stevphen." Here they try to settle which is the one true religion. click here

September 3, 2006:
Steven Pinker on Evolutionary Psychology
In this interview, Steven Pinker, Professor of Psychology at Harvard and author of the bestseller How the Mind Works discusses how evolution leads to morality (and immorality), human desires, and sentience, cheerfully offering alternatives to theistic explanations. click here

August 27, 2006:
James Watson and E.O. Wilson on Charles Darwin
James Watson, Nobel prize-winning co-discoverer of the DNA double helix, and E.O. Wilson, Harvard Professor and Pulitzer Prize winner, sit down with interviewer Charlie Rose to discuss Darwin's work. Watson states that Darwin was simply "the most important person who ever lived." Both avowed atheists, these preeminent scientists discuss how evolutionary biology confirms there is no "designer." click here

August 20, 2006:
Bart Ehrman, Author of Misquoting Jesus
In this interview from NPR's Fresh Air, biblical scholar Bart Ehrman explains how his study of the bible led him from being a "born again" believer to becoming an agnostic. The reason? He learned that the bible was assembled from over 5,000 manuscripts, none of them original, no two exactly the same. click here

August 13, 2006:
Conan O'Brien Talks to a Famous Scientologist
The Scientologist's last name is not Travolta or Cruise, but you're sure to recognize him. This sketch was seen on Late Night with Conan O'Brien, and we'd love to see it become a running series with each installment featuring a celebrity spokesman for a different religion. click here

August 6, 2006:
Jon Stewart on the Imminent End of the World
Armageddon is just around the corner, according to crackpot believers in the Rapture—such as the "journalists" at ABC, CNN, MSNBC, and Fox News. Sometimes it seems that The Daily Show is the only voice of sanity on television. In this video clip, Jon Stewart shows how wacko "mainstream" news has become. click here

July 30, 2006:
The Center for Inquiry's "Point of Inquiry"
The Center for Inquiry describes Point of Inquiry, its radio show and podcast, as "drawing on CFI’s relationship with the leading minds of the day including Nobel Prize-winning scientists, public intellectuals, social critics and thinkers, and renowned entertainers." The show's mission is to "seek to promote among its listeners a thoroughly scientific outlook." An enlightening, intelligent, and thoroughly professional production. click here

July 23, 2006:
The British Humanist Association's "Thought for the Day"
The producers of BBC Radio 4's "Thought for the Day" often assume that their audience consists entirely of the religious. The British Humanist Association has decided to offer this alternative. Be sure to pay close attention to the words on the screen as you listen to the message. click here

July 16, 2006:
Speeches from the Atheist Conference in Iceland
The International League of the Non-Religious and Atheists offers free audio downloads from the recent International Atheist Conference in Iceland. Presentations by Richard Dawkins (author of The Selfish Gene and much more) and Star Trek producer Brannon Braga are available in mp3 form. click here

July 9, 2006:
Bill Moyers On Faith and Reason
This PBS program consists of interviews with noted atheists and theists. The Salman Rushdie interview is recommended, and the program featuring novelist Mary Gordon (Catholic) and philosopher Colin McGinn (atheist) offers some interesting counterpoints. The entire interviews can be heard and seen online. click here

July 2, 2006:
Richard Feynman Talks About Belief
In this clip, Nobel Prize-Winning Physicist Richard Feynman discusses his approach to understanding the universe. With such humor and humility it's easy to forget what an incredibly brilliant mind was Richard Feynman's. If this clip inspires you to seek out more about Dr. Feynman, so much the better. click here

June 25, 2006:
James Randi Debunks Uri Geller and Peter Popoff
This video begins with James Randi exposing Uri Geller, who gained fame by claiming supernatural powers. Then Randi moves on to faith healing, uncovering Peter Popoff's method of fleecing the sick and desperate. Finally, Randi performs "psychic surgery." If you think Americans would never fall for charlatans like these today, you're wrong. Uri Geller and Peter Popoff are both back in business, making more outrageous claims than ever while raking in plenty of cash. click here

June 18, 2006:
Uncommon Knowledge's Evolution Debate: "Monkey Business"
You can tell by the title which side was favored in the program, but if you're interested in seeing a bona fide Professor of Evolution (Massimo Pigliucci of the State University of NY) dismantle the arguments of a Discovery Institute shill (Jonathan Wells), you'll enjoy this public television program. Fun fact: Wells is a follower of the Rev. Sun Myung Moon, who paid for Wells's Ph.D. in Molecular Biology so that he could devote his life to "destroying Darwinism" (a direct quote from Wells). click here

June 11, 2006:
The New England Skeptical Society's "The Skeptics' Guide to the Universe"
Billing itself as "your escape to reality," The Skeptics' Guide to the Universe is a weekly talk show that discusses (and exposes) the latest claims from the world of the paranormal and fringe science. The show is hosted by Dr. Steven Novella, an academic neurologist at Yale University School of Medicine. Dr. Novella and his panel engage in lively discussions and interviews, always with a healthy sense of humor. Download individual shows in the archives, or better yet, subscribe to the podcast. click here

June 4, 2006:
The Simpsons on Creationism
For those who haven't seen this episode of the longest-running animated comedy in prime time, here's the plot: Lisa is shocked when her school starts teaching creationism instead of evolution. Can she prevail in a modern version of the Scopes Monkey Trial? click here

May 28, 2006:
National Lampoon's "Hello Passion"
Here's an animated short that shows how Mel Gibson might have been inspired to make the movie The Passion of the Christ. You won't have to view any of the sadomasochistic images that appear in Mel's film, though—this cartoon has been rendered in cute-as-a-button "Hello Kitty" style. click here

May 21, 2006:
Anthany's "Progressive Revelation"
Anthany, the "Progressive Rev," is a character who sounds a bit like the French Taunter from Monty Python and the Holy Grail, but he has a message for believers: "You keep praying for me, and I'll keep thinking for you." The latest installment of this religious satire podcast takes on atheism. The funniest bit: a list of the best ways to irritate atheists. click here

May 14, 2006:
Dan Barker and Annie Laurie Gaylor's "Freethought Radio"
This new weekly radio show is broadcast live from Madison, Wisconsin on 92.1 FM on Saturdays from 8-9 a.m. Dan and Annie are co-presidents of the Freedom From Religion Foundation. They describe the program as "Slightly irreverent views, news, music and interviews." We describe it as essential listening. Hear past programs and subscribe to the podcast. click here

May 7, 2006:
Zachary Moore's "Evolution 101"
Dr. Zachary Moore, a Ph.D. in Pathobiology and Molecular Medicine, has assembled a series of podcasts to explain evolutionary theory in layman's terms. Start at the bottom of the page for the first entry, "What is Evolution?" and proceed to more advanced discussions, such as "DNA Functional Redundancy." Zachary Moore provides a much-needed service by explaining evolution in an understandable and entertaining way. click here

April 30, 2006:
Ernest Cline's "Dance, Monkeys, Dance"
Ernest Cline describes himself as "a writer, performer, movie geek, computer nerd, and soldier of fortune." He is the creator of "Dance, Monkeys, Dance," a monologue that puts us squarely in our place. The late Douglas Adams (author of The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy) would have loved this. click here to listen.

April 23, 2006:
George Carlin on The Ten Commandments
Comedian George Carlin's website sells his bestselling books and CDs, but you can hear his monologue on the Ten Commandments (included in his book, When Will Jesus Bring the Pork Chops?) for free. If you're offended by some words, Mr. Carlin's humor isn't for you. But if you like your comedy uncensored, click here, find the words "You can listen to an MP3 version of the Ten Commandments section here," and click on that.

April 16, 2006:
Stefan Molyneux's "FreedomainRadio"
Stefan Molyneux describes himself as "a software executive who has built a multi-million dollar company from the ground up." He is also a thoughtful and refreshing voice for atheism who runs a top-rated free market podcast. Most of his shows deal with Libertarian ideas and philosophy, but no matter your political point of view, you will enjoy his programs on atheism. Start with show number 13, "Proof, Disproof, and Deities," and go on from there. click here

April 9, 2006:
Penn Jillette's "PennRadio"
Penn Jillette, known as "the louder half of Penn & Teller," has his own radio show. Since Penn is very open about being an atheist, this topic comes up often, but plenty of other subjects are covered, too. You can stream or download some shows, or subscribe to the podcast. click here

April 2, 2006:
Stephen Colbert's "This Week in God"
Before Stephen Colbert left The Daily Show for his own program, The Colbert Report, he was the host of the regular Daily Show segment "This Week in God." Rob Corddry has taken over the helm, but you can still see the classic Colbert installments. For brilliant satire on the world of religion, click here and then click on any "This Week in God" clip. After you've seen the first four, go to the bottom of the page, click on "next," and watch some more.

March 26, 2006:
Richard Dawkins's "The Root of All Evil?"
This television program, made for the BBC, evidently is too controversial to be broadcast in the United States. In it, Richard Dawkins, Oxford Professor and bestselling author of The Selfish Gene, takes on Christianity, Islam, and Judaism to show the danger in blindly following irrational indoctrinated beliefs. Fortunately, you can view the program on your computer here.

March 19, 2006:
Julia Sweeney's "Letting Go of God"
Hear Julia Sweeney's funny and insightful monologue, "Letting Go of God." It's part of an episode of NPR's This American Life titled "Godless America." Click on the "RA" icon on the top left margin of the page. You will need the free program RealPlayer to listen.