The Non-prophets

The Non-Prophets explore the emergence of a new COVID variant, NB 181, and the public health system’s fragile readiness. With mutations targeting the spike protein and signs of increased transmissibility, scientists are urging caution without panic. The panel unpacks virology basics, shares personal stories of loss, and grapples with America’s deep distrust in institutions like the CDC and FDA. When trust erodes, so does the ability to respond—will we repeat past mistakes?News SourceHuffPost UK, “The Most Common COVID Symptoms Right Now”By Julia Ries, May 28, 2025

Delaware has become the 12th U.S. state to legalize medical aid in dying. In this deeply personal episode of The Non-Prophets, the hosts discuss the hard-won passage of House Bill 140 and the dignity it affords terminally ill patients. They examine the safeguards, ethical debates, and religious opposition to such laws—and why support remains strong despite decades of resistance. This is a story of autonomy, compassion, and the right to choose a peaceful end.The Friendly Atheist, “At long last, Delaware enacts ‘death with dignity’ law”By Hemant Mehta, May 29, 2025https://www.friendlyatheist.com/p/at-long-last-delaware-enacts-deathThe Non-Prophets 24.23.3 with Eli, AJ, and Kelley LaughlinDelaware Legalizes Death with Dignity

The Non-Prophets take on Texas’ latest Christian nationalist push—a bill requiring public schools to display the Ten Commandments. But Rep. James Talarico, a Christian Democrat, is having none of it. In a series of epic takedowns, Talarico grills his colleagues on their hypocrisy, biblical illiteracy, and blatant disregard for the Constitution. The hosts analyze the bill’s legal problems, political motives, and the power of standing up for real religious freedom.The Friendly Atheist, “Texas Democrat Exposes GOP Hypocrisy Behind Ten Commandments Bill”By Hemant Mehta, May 28, 2025https://www.friendlyatheist.com/p/texas-democrat-exposes-gop-hypocrisyThe Non-Prophets 24.23.2 with Eli Slack, Kelley Laughlin, and AJTexas Passes Commandments Bill—One Rep Fights Back ✊Rep. Talarico Roasts Hypocrisy with Bible and Constitution

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 public health warnings go dark after staff firings, media freeze”By Elijah Nouvelage, May 21, 2025https://www.npr.org/2025/05/21/nx-s1-5387723/cdc-communications-cuts-social-media-public-healthThe Non-Prophets 24.23.1 with Eli Slack, Kelley Laughlin, and AJAmerica’s Disease Watchdog Has Gone Silent

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 SourcePopular Mechanics, “395-Million-Year-Old Footprints Push Humanity’s Timeline”By Elizabeth Rayne, May 19, 2025The Non-Prophets 24.22.3 with Eli, Cynthia, Rob, and FriendsWe All Came from… Something Like a Lizard

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 SourceLGBTQ Nation, “Albernas waves the unity flag in Florida as the LGBTQ+ community faces vast threats”By Greg Owen, May 19, 2025https://www.lgbtqnation.com/2025/05/faywhat-albernas-waves-the-unity-flag-in-florida-as-the-lgbtq-community-faces-vast-threats/?utm_campaign=daily-newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_edition=202505190600&utm_source=newsletterThe Non-Prophets, Episode 24.22.2 featuring Rob, Eli Slack, and Cynthia McDonaldPride in Florida Is a Protest

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 SourceThe Friendly Atheist, “Albernas waves the unity flag in Florida as the LGBTQ+ community faces vast threats”By Hemant Mehta, May 19, 2025https://www.lgbtqnation.com/2025/05/faywhat-albernas-waves-the-unity-flag-in-florida-as-the-lgbtq-community-faces-vast-threats/?utm_campaign=daily-newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_edition=202505190600&utm_source=newsletterThe Non-Prophets, Episode 24.22.1 featuring Rob, Eli Slack, and Cynthia McDonaldMegachurch Pastor Abused a Child—And Wants Millions

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 future of reason-based policy in government.News SourceThe Friendly Atheist, “The Congressional Freethought Caucus just added two new members”By Hemant Mehta, May 12, 2025https://www.friendlyatheist.com/p/the-congressional-freethought-caucus?utm_source=share&utm_medium=android&r=oa4eg&triedRedirect=trueThe Non-Prophets 24.13.25 with Helen, Rob, Tracy, and FriendsProspective Titles Freethought Caucus Grows—And That’s Good News

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 over reproductive bodies can go—even beyond death.News Source11Alive.com, “Adriana Smith case raises questions about Georgia’s heartbeat law”By Kate Brumback, May 19, 2025https://www.11alive.com/article/news/politics/adriana-smith-case-raises-questions-georgia-heartbeat-law/85-8beefae8-daca-4ef8-86f4-82575a09cf0fThe Non-Prophets 24.13.25 with Helen, Tracy, Rob, and FriendsShe’s Dead. But the State Won’t Let Her Go ⚰️ Georgia Uses Brain-Dead Woman as an Incubator

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. It's not about protecting children—it's about control.News SourceInteresting Engineering, “New obscenity bill could trigger anti-porn prosecution”By Aamir Khollam, May 12, 2025https://interestingengineering.com/culture/new-obscenity-bill-could-trigger-anti-porn-prosecutionThe Non-Prophets 24.13.24 with Helen, Rob, Tracy, E.J. The Porn Panic Is Back: A 1950s Morality Reboot

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 secular voters and marginalized communities alike.News SourceReligion News Service (RNS), “To put pressure on Trump, Democrats turn to religion—and religious activists” By Jack Jenkins, May 7, 2025 https://religionnews.com/2025/05/07/to-put-pressure-on-trump-democrats-turn-to-religion-and-religious-activists/The Non-Prophets, Episode 24.20.3 featuring Helen Greene, Stephen Harder, The Ejector Seat and Cindy Plaza Democrats Quote Scripture to Challenge Trump

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 unchanging institution?News SourceYahoo News!, “Who is Robert Francis Prevost, the new Pope Leo XIV, and how will his political views shape his papacy?” By Andrew Romano, May 9, 2025 https://www.yahoo.com/news/who-is-robert-francis-prevost-the-new-pope-leo-xiv-and-how-will-his-political-views-shape-his-papacy-204820387.htmlThe Non-Prophets 24.13.22 with Helen, Cindy, E.J., Stephen, and Tinny America’s First Pope: Progress or PR Move?

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 of reflection, harm, and hope.News SourceLGBTQ Nation, “I Regretted Sending My Son to Conversion Therapy” by Connie Hoying, May 5, 2025 https://www.lgbtqnation.com/2025/05/i-regretted-sending-my-son-to-conversion-therapyThe Non-Prophets, Episode 24.20.2 featuring Helen Greene, Stephen Harder, The Ejector Seat and Cindy PlazaShe Sent Her Son to Conversion Therapy… Then Regretted It

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 from consequences?News SourceThe Friendly Atheist, “Trump Justice Dept. Sides with Catholic Church in Fight Against Reporting Law” https://www.friendlyatheist.com/p/trump-justice-dept-sides-with-catholicThe Non-Prophets, Episode 24.20.1 featuring Helen Greene, Stephen Harder, The Ejector Seat and Cindy PlazaDOJ Defends Church’s Right to Hide Abuse

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 Hemant Mehta, May 1, 2025https://www.friendlyatheist.com/p/southern-baptist-membership-hitsThe Non-Prophets, Episode 24.19.4 featuring Kelley Laughlin, Eli Slack, Jason Friedman, and Jonathan RoudabushSouthern Baptist Membership Plummets to 50-Year Low

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 system.News Source Reuters, by Sarah N. Lynch and Andrew Goudsward, April 25, 2025https://www.reuters.com/world/us/fbi-director-says-arrested-judge-obstructing-immigration-operation-2025-04-25/The Non-Prophets, Episode 24.19.3 featuring Kelley Laughlin, Eli Slack, Jason Friedman,and Jonathan RoudabushJudge Arrested for Blocking ICE Agents: Justice or Overreach? ⚖️Can a Judge Be Charged for Defending the Constitution?

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 The Independent via Yahoo News, by Katie Hawkinson, April 24, 2025https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/honey-creek-elementary-signs-georgia-b2739151.htmlThe Non-Prophets, Episode 24.19.2 featuring Kelley Laughlin, Eli Slack, Jason Friedman, and Jonathan RoudabushSegregation Signs Posted at Georgia School Spark Outrage

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 Source The Friendly Atheist by Hemant Mehta, April 25, 2025https://www.friendlyatheist.com/p/ca-court-upholds-12-million-fineThe Non-Prophets, Episode 24.19.1 featuring Kelley Laughlin, Eli Slack, Jason Friedman. and Jonathan RoudabushCourt Smacks Down Defiant Church Over COVID Fines

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 SourceAtlanta Black Star by Christian Boone, April 21, 2025https://atlantablackstar.com/2025/04/21/atlanta-megachurch-pastor-apologizes-for-telling-black-folks-to-stop-blaming-white-cops-for-the-killing-of-black-kids/The Non-Prophets, Episode 24.18.3 featuring Cynthia McDonald, Stephen Harder and AJ Atlanta Pastor Sparks Outrage Over Police Violence Comments

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 SourceNPR by Alana Wise, April 18, 2025https://www.npr.org/2025/04/18/nx-s1-5368132/us-researchers-scientists-apply-french-university-programThe Non-Prophets, Episode 24.18.2 featuring Cynthia McDonald, Stephen Harder and AJ FranceAttracts U.S. Scientists After Research Cuts