Welcome to CogPod — the podcast where curiosity leads the way. We feature real conversations with thinkers, creatives, and change makers exploring what it means to learn, grow, and connect in our world. Whether it’s uplifting stories, practical life skills, or big ideas about community and resilience, CogPod sparks insightful discussions designed to inspire and enrich. No hype, just honest dialogue that values diverse experiences and genuine curiosity.
Musician and producer Sam Stone from Brisbane, Australia shares his journey from growing up in a large fundamentalist Christian family to finding freedom through music and secular thinking.We discuss how religion hampered his initial musical growth, the steps in his deconstruction of the religion he was raised in, and the courage to walk away.Sam will return to CogPod with recommended books, videos, and channels for those questioni...
Are you feeling out of place in the modern dating world as a secular single or non-believer? We break down the realities, challenges, and advantages of secular dating in 2025. From deciding when to disclose your beliefs to building real compatibility in mixed-belief relationships, this episode unpacks the stats, stories, and expert advice for nonreligious singles.Join the conversation: cogpodshow@gmail.com\\ DEFINITIONS //Cognitive...
Exposing the myths of Christian nationalism in America—it’s not how our country started.
We dive deep into the legal, historical, and psychological impacts of Christian nationalist propaganda, including cognitive dissonance and constitutional conflict.
Discover why these teachings are not only false but a danger to pluralism and freedom.
Mandisa Thomas, president of Black Nonbelievers, joins CogPod to talk about building a supportive secular community for Black Americans living without religion—even in the Bible Belt.She shares her journey, the challenges of “coming out” as a nonbeliever, and how Black Nonbelievers offers understanding and connection for those who feel isolated.We discuss how the current administration’s policies threaten non-profit organizations, ...
Join us as we dive into the bizarre world of Christian Science - a religious sect founded by Mary Baker Eddy in 1879 that rejects modern medicine in favor of prayer healing.
We explore the strange beliefs that have led to countless preventable deaths (even of some well-known celebrities), especially among children, and examine why this once-thriving movement is now rapidly dying out.
From denying the reality of matter itself to pract...
We discuss the clinical psychology behind the MAGA movement - not to attack, but to understand how cognitive dissonance and motivated reasoning affect brain processing when political identity becomes core to personal identity.
Drawing from peer-reviewed research and insights from leading clinical psychologists we explore:
🧠 How motivated reasoning rewires information processing
🧠 The neuroscience of political identity formation
🧠 Co...
Former NFL quarterback Tim Tebow’s inconsistency–even with prayer, atheist NFL players like former NFL punter Chris Kluwe's thoughts on religion, and the Buffalo Bill's Stevie Johnson’s infamous "God tweet" after dropping a game-winner—we discuss prayer, faith, and divine intervention in professional sports.
We question how, with both team's players praying to God before a game, how does their God determine the loser?
We also read a ...
Claudine shares her eye-opening experiences at a Christian school—where girls were pressured to save their “gift” for marriage, facing intense scrutiny and psychological oppression.
This episode exposes the damaging consequences of purity culture: double standards for boys and girls, religious hypocrisy, and the policing of girls’ clothing.
Hear firsthand how these beliefs impact self-worth, relationships, and mental health, and join...
We’re not experts—just citizens who care. This impromptu discussion looks at the mental health crisis behind so many violent outbursts like the tragedy at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis yesterday morning (8/27/25).
Please join the discussion in our attempts to help others and hopefully avoid another tragedy.
YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@CogPod-Show
If you or someone you know needs help, call or text:Suicide &...
Why do ‘thoughts and prayers’ actually make us feel worse?
We dive into the psychology of performative empathy, empty gestures, and how these responses harm both givers and receivers. The science behind why genuine care beats hollow sympathy every time.
YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@CogPod-Show
ATTENTION: This episode of CogPod was recorded yesterday, way before the horrible shooting in Minnesota today (8/27/25). Normally ...
Are you curious about how religious leaders and communities talk about atheists—and why?
In Episode 03 of CogPod, we dive deep into the fear tactics and common phrases used by preachers and congregants to discourage believers from associating with non-believers.
Claudine shares powerful personal stories from her time as a Christian, revealing what she was taught and believed about atheists. We break down the best-known warnings, myth...
Do you feel torn between what you’ve been taught and what feels true? This episode explores cognitive dissonance within the context of faith, superstitions, and recovery from religious trauma.
With clinical insight, personal stories, and actionable steps, we’ve created a safe space to question, heal, and re-align your beliefs.Our special guest is a doctor of psychology. She explains how religion uses fear and superstition to control...
In this debut episode of CogPod, hosts Claudine and Rick reflect on the recent passing of Ozzy Osbourne—exploring how heavy metal artists like Ozzy and KISS were often demonized by religious communities, despite personal faith backgrounds.
Co-host Claudine shares honest memories from her Christian upbringing, including perceptions of artists like Barry Manilow, and her journey opening up to the secular world. We discuss the backlash...
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
The World's Most Dangerous Morning Show, The Breakfast Club, With DJ Envy, Jess Hilarious, And Charlamagne Tha God!
My Favorite Murder is a true crime comedy podcast hosted by Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark. Each week, Karen and Georgia share compelling true crimes and hometown stories from friends and listeners. Since MFM launched in January of 2016, Karen and Georgia have shared their lifelong interest in true crime and have covered stories of infamous serial killers like the Night Stalker, mysterious cold cases, captivating cults, incredible survivor stories and important events from history like the Tulsa race massacre of 1921. My Favorite Murder is part of the Exactly Right podcast network that provides a platform for bold, creative voices to bring to life provocative, entertaining and relatable stories for audiences everywhere. The Exactly Right roster of podcasts covers a variety of topics including historic true crime, comedic interviews and news, science, pop culture and more. Podcasts on the network include Buried Bones with Kate Winkler Dawson and Paul Holes, That's Messed Up: An SVU Podcast, This Podcast Will Kill You, Bananas and more.
The official podcast of comedian Joe Rogan.