Freedom of Speech Derangement Syndrome

Welcome to “The Breakdown” where we plumb the depths of the Internets most fascinating accounts of this world in which we live, scoop up the weirdest headlines, and serve them up with a side of sarcasm, humor, and a sprinkle of absurdity.

🎙️ Hosts:

Aaron Barker, The Evangelical Infidel - @breakdradio

Miss Information, Erica Sauer: @nolefan01

The Breakdown is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Quick programming note: in our endeavor to find better product for the show (and save money!) we started using a new software. But as always, the gremlins were present and affected the show. This is a partial program, beginning at the bottom of the first hour because of technical issues getting Erica’s volume piped in. That was all Barker’s fault. Hopefully next week we’ll be back to normal and fully operational.

In this episode of The Breakdown, we dive into one of the most controversial stories emerging from Kansas—the Satanic Grotto’s attempt to hold a black mass at the state capitol. We discuss the legal, religious, and cultural implications of this event, the response from lawmakers, and the broader debate about religious freedom in America.

Every great day fighting for freedom begins with a great night’s sleep; every great night’s sleep begins with a great pillow. That’s why my family and I use My Pillow products. Use promo code BARKER and save.

Our guest, independent journalist Helen Reicher, sheds light on the motivations behind the Satanic Grotto’s actions, the political reactions, and the unexpected fallout from the controversy. We also explore the broader issue of how the government balances religious expression with public sentiment.

Alongside this discussion, we tackle a range of related topics, including:

* The role of faith in government spaces

* Legal challenges surrounding religious events

* How media coverage amplifies certain narratives

* The intersection of religious freedom and activism

Join hosts Aaron Barker and Erica as they navigate this heated debate with humor, insight, and critical analysis. Whether you’re religious, agnostic, or simply interested in constitutional rights, this episode is a must-listen.

Where to Listen: Available now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major streaming platforms.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit aaronbarker.substack.com/subscribe