Show Notes

Humanism and AI

In this solo episode I discuss Artificial Intelligence. Should we agree with Richard Dawkins that Claude is conscious? Probably not, for several reasons. I talk about how LLMs work, why I don’t think they are conscious and how a humanist should respond.

Topics:

(Semi) Technical description of how Large Language Models work LLMs are trained…

June 7, 2026June 7, 2026

Liam: A friend and a Friend

Liam is a friend and a colleague of many years. He is a member of the Religious Society of Friends often called Quakers. Liam and I have shared deep conversations before and after my deconversion. I respect the way Liam holds and lives out his beliefs.

You might be surprised. The British Liberal Quakerism Liam…

May 24, 2026May 24, 2026

Doubt is Antimemetic

I recently read Antimemetics: Why Some Ideas Resist Spreading by Nadia Asparouhova and it blew my mind. Just reading the intro I knew I needed to do an episode on the subject. Almost everything about deconstruction and deconversion is antimememetic. It is a significant idea that resists spreading.

May 3, 2026May 4, 2026

Friends and Family: Mark Anthony Diaz

Mark Anthony Diaz is the author of Reedkeeper’s Journey and one of my best friends. Mark and I grew up together. We had the same sarcastic friend group in high school. We did ministry together. Crucially, Mark stuck with me after my deconversion. Mark is a person of deep conviction, and while he’s a talented…

April 19, 2026April 19, 2026

Colin Ryan: Epic Tiny Victories

Welcome back Colin Ryan, author, storyteller, comedian and survivor of Bipolar 2, OCD and ADHD. Colin has written Epic Tiny Victories: A hopeful story about depression anxiety and reframing your life. It is hilarious, honest and poignant. Colin describes in the book growing up Evangelical, purity culture and his deconstruction process. Join us as we…

March 29, 2026April 2, 2026