Friendly Atheist Podcast

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Hemant Mehta and Jessica Bluemke Greiff cover the latest news, politics, and pop culture with a focus on atheism and religion. This is the official podcast for FriendlyAtheist.com.

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Recent Reviews
  • quantumdrive
    Your new t-shirt
    I love the show! Jess, you just created y’all’s next t-shirt. “That’s Between Me, God and Monkey Fur Coat”🤣
  • james x SDA
    These guys tell it like it is and Jessica makes it sound fun thanks
    You guys are top-notch I love listening to you guys each week
  • Orangemoon 00
    Lovely Sanity Break
    Every time Jessica cracks-up “off mic” in the distance and needs a sec to recover from laughing SO hard at whatever absurdity Hemant is reporting/telling— it gives me LIFE! ☺️ Laugh at what used to terrify is soooo healing!! Thank you!!
  • BibliophileG
    Double plus good
    Factual podcast. Great team (J&H perfect balance in delivery from calm to outrage). How do you make me smile while telling me bad news?!? Good for you!
  • TerfInTheHouse
    Enough is enough
    I am an apathetic agnostic, an old school liberal, and a proud TERF. After hearing the latest episode, it’s a shame to find out that the real deniers of science are these hosts and not the people they “report” on. They ignore biological facts; I thought facts were an atheist’s raison d’être. And their generalizations of republicans and democrats is juvenile, at best. Not all republicans are vicious hate mongers; not all democrats know what they are talking about. These hosts need to do better.
  • Sinfjotli43
    Waste of time
    Not a serious examination of any given topic. Shame to have wasted any time on it.
  • kirbys1
    My weekly treat
    I was compelled to write a review today right before I listened to this week’s episode. Obviously, I had to give this show five stars, and I have been a Patron for a little while now - it’s actually the only show for which I signed up for a whole year at once. So why am I just now giving it a review? Well, reader, it’s because I’m so confused about my excitement to listen to this week’s episode. I caught myself thinking, “I’m going to treat myself while getting ready for work and listen to the Friendly Atheist Podcast,” which doesn’t seem that weird until you realize they are talking about the world and the messed up stuff happening. Jess and Hemant have managed to create a place where even hearing about the chaos and absolute trouncing of our basic human rights is still a little treat. Out of the 13 shows I subscribe to every month, this is absolutely my favorite. Thank you both for the work you do, and thank you for helping us all stay informed.
  • TMurnock
    Great chemistry!
    I really love the dynamic between Jessica and Hemant. Hemant brings the facts and Jessica adds the color commentary. It proves an entertaining, informative and welcoming experience! One of my first podcasts ever followed and these many years later I still look forward to each weekly episode.
  • No Puns Available
    Uplifting show for an isolated atheist
    Jessica is a dose of sanity I deeply appreciate. Living in a remote part of the UP I don’t know any other atheist women. It gets pritty bleak. So I sing and cry and laugh along every week and feel uplifted for a minute. That guy on the show with her is pretty cool too, but I don’t do crosswords and am a horse girl forever and my dogs interrupt all my recordings so to me it feels like Hemant is a good cohost on Jessica’s podcast. 😆
  • Brownbomb
    The dynamic duo
    Between Jessica’s gasps of shock and Hemant’s Kermit sounding “mmhmms” I just can’t get enough. I FINALLY subscribed on Patreon so I can listen to the bonus episode. Thank you both for hosting such a great show! Oh, and by the way Jessica, Satan DOES love that outfit! Lol
  • Drive.on
    Great show but rarely uplifting
    Always great even though the stories usually make me mad. I am thankful that Jessica and Hemant are making the world aware of how organized religion and their leaders can be dangerous to the rest of us. Keep up the good fight!
  • Bhynd
    Love the Garbage Year in Review
    Jessica does a fabulous job accumulating the best and worst as Hemant sits back to relax. Always long but always good to help get over the trauma over the past year.
  • drbuttons
    Please get pop filters
    I love Hemant and the reporting he does. Unfortunately, as someone with misophonia the gross mouth noises and mic pops make this podcast impossible to listen to. I’ll stick to reading the blog and listening to podcasts where he makes guest appearances.
  • Ms Airies
    New Listener
    I love this show except for Jessica. She just wants to be heard and adds nothing but squeals and noises. She has a nice voice when at a rare, normal tone, but like Mika B. On Morning Joe, is just a strange appendage. Maybe if she had her own show or contributed info-sorry Jessica. You still get five stars because your podcast is so good.
  • Greg4485
    No one does it better!
    This is by far my favorite podcast of this or any genre. Jessica is my absolute favorite and I feel like she could be my best friend! Hemant, at least show some enthusiasm for having the best co-host! I love that you two are completely opposite and it brings a good balance. This podcast has really been a rock for me on some bad times and good. The only negative thing I have is that they don’t have more content! I feel like I’m there in the room when listening and getting to know you two, I hope you never stop! I’d rate it more than 5 stars if I could.
  • Schwanzy71
    Hemet and Jessica are the right combination at the right time.
    Jess, Dotty, and Helmet, are hilarious. Been listening for a while. Love the banter back and forth. Jessica spontaneously comes with some of the funniest “Jess-ism’s .” “Ooofa-Doofa” this is a great podcast. I love the way Jess will call out the “Garbage Monsters” and their effort to legislate a “Handmade’s Tale”dystopia. Hemet’s ability to find these stories is amazing. When breaks the news to Jessica, hearing her reactions gives us the perfect amount of humor to digest the unfortunately bad news, without becoming bitter. We all need both of you more than ever right now. You both are making a difference.
  • -- C
    My god…
    I don’t have words. Jess is my favorite, I don’t know if she can explain friendship to Hemant more than what is clearly one of the greatest friendships. The two of them are absolutely magic. They both bring such heartfelt thoughts in such different ways.
  • Terry is a Dragon
    Great show
    Hemant is frequently cited by other athiest podcasts. Jessica is great.
  • JonX86
    Doom Listening
    You heard of doom scrolling? This is doom listening. Hemant brings a no nonsense approach to religious and political news and Jess brings much needed levity and heart. Both play very well off each other with their opposing personalities. Despite the often depressing topics, their witty banter and grounded perspectives makes for a thoroughly enjoyable listen. They're fighting the good fight.
  • granpabetha
    Keeping me sane.
    I look forward to this podcast every week. As an ex-evangelical and now atheist, there are almost no people in my world who stay informed on rising Christian nationalism, let alone know it exists. This podcast has made me feel less alone in my atheism and political viewpoint. Hement relays current events and news stories relating to atheism, christian nationalism, and general religious bigotry that I would otherwise not learn about through typical media sources. He doesn’t call himself a journalist, but he is actually being too humble. Jessica’s honest, unfiltered commentary is at times genuinely hilarious, and other times deeply relatable. I’ve recently been close to tears on several occasions listening to Jessica’s unscripted and emotional monologues. One in particular where she described how a male listener had reached out to her with criticism that she was hating on men too much. Speaking about the way women have to navigate the world due to the violence caused by men, she delivered what in my mind is akin to the America Ferrera’s Barbie speech. I feel honored to hear your words and your voice, Jessica. Thank you both for your essential work on this podcast.
  • JBuzzo
    Thank You
    I need both of you to stay safe and stay strong because your voices are needed in the upcoming dark times (and yes, I enjoy when Jessica sings and I like her jokes)
  • jgspeir
    Great podcast BUT
    “Don’t know, don’t care, doesn’t matter” Hement, you are talking this way to Jessica more and more. Stop it!
  • gracemch
    Thank you both
    I’ve been listening since I was a freshman in high school (8 ish years) and Hemant and Jessica have played a big role in shaping my beliefs and how I interact with the world. I love the podcast overall, and specifically something relatively small but really important to me was hearing from two fellow south Chicago suburb folks in a way that made me feel less alone during a time in my life where I really needed that, so thank you. Sent with love from Palos Hills IL <3
  • Kelly from MN
    Fun Informative Atheism
    The chemistry of the hosts is delightful. More than just a podcast with a generic liberal outlook, what many atheist podcasts have become, this show brings insight and information into a conversation about the role of atheism and religion in society and politics. Jessica brings wit and joy that makes it a pleasure to listen to. I have even grown to appreciate Hemant, who more than just droning on mansplaining everything, brings deep background knowledge and research to the conversation. 10 stars for Jessica, 0 stars for Hemant, averages to a solid 5 star podcast.
  • R Wilson 84
    Favorite day of the week
    I look forward to this show all week. Listening to this show gives me hope that there are normal people in the world calling out the bigots. For a person stuck in northeastern Indiana surrounded by maga this show helps me bring reason to so many conversations I get roped into. Keep hating on Indiana Jess! It makes me laugh so hard because it’s all true. Chirp chirp class of ‘07
  • AJR605
    My favorite podcast
    Post deconversion, I needed a podcast that wasn’t solely counter-apologetics, and this show fit the bill perfectly. I look forward to it every week, and it’s the only podcast for which I allow notifications. That’s saying something in my world. Hemant and Jessica are a fantastic duo. His well-researched, detailed stories combined with her commentary simply work. I appreciate how Hemant is relentless in his reporting and holding those in power accountable. Jessica’s energy ranges from pure chaos to righteous outrage. Even if you aren’t an atheist, you should appreciate this show. The only people who won’t like it are christian nationalists, and who cares about their opinions?
  • Keago265
    Love these guys!
    The dichotomy of their personalities combined with both of their intelligences and competence makes every episode a fantastic listen. Hemant helps keep the conversation level headed and moving along, which my ADHD desperately needs in order to stay focused. While Jessica provides the visceral responses that I want to have, which is extremely validating. Both being well educated and extremely professional, their show will keep you interested from start to finish every week.
  • Diego Pakman
    Great listen
    I look forward to the episodes every week. Hemant suffers through so much Christian content for the appalling highlights so you don't have to!
  • A somewhat punny guy
    Toxic masculinity has no place here
    As a straight, white man I must say that Jesica’s latest rant about toxic masculinity was quite upsetting to listen to. The guy complaining about her rants obviously tuned her out and never listened to the details - otherwise he would have never said that to her. That she has to put up with that nonsense is what upsets me. This is a podcast that highlights some of the worst things about mankind. I find it fascinating, informative, disturbing, and (sometimes) entertaining. The contrast of one person looking at these topics from a logical, well-researched perspective and one reacting live works very well here. As someone who had very little direct exposure to the sorts of people they talk about, it helped me stay sane when I had a boss who would spout conspiracy theories on a nearly daily basis and not listen to any logical counterpoints. While I long since got away from him, I continue to listen to this podcast every week.
  • Jack9579
    Been listening for years
    I have been following Hemant for years and I really appreciate his professional take on recent events.
  • TJ el
    My favorite podcast.
    I’m a man of few words so this will be brief. Once you get used to Hemant’s delivery style and Jess’s interruptions you’ll see that the substance of this show is second to none. They cover the important stories and do so with a little humor. I never miss a show.
  • Angelfreakinnova
    Discovered recently
    Hi, I’m Angel from Colorado. I love this podcast! Hemant’s research is smart and thorough and Jessica’s laughter and humor is delightful. I’m so surprised that I only discovered this recently as I used to have a very atheistic space and science punk rock new wave band. I’m glad I finally found you. I listen all the time and when I watch on YouTube I let the religious and conservative commercials play to the end while I do dishes or other things because I know that takes money from them and gives it to you and that’s freakin’ hilarious! Keep up the great work! Science and Honor!
  • frozenpeas18
    So disappointed
    I was so excited when I saw the name and concept of the podcast! I was looking forward to thoughtful and friendly conversation open to people of all faith backgrounds. After a while of one-sided and unoriginal opinions I determined it wasn’t worth much more of a listen unless you whole-heartedly share exactly the hosts’ opinions.
  • SkeptiSass
    My Cure for Post-Deconstruction Loneliness
    I left a lifetime of fundamental Christianity several years ago. Gaining a life of freedom and dignity has meant losing all of my family and friends. Learning to navigate a world where my old certainties no longer apply has been slow and sometimes painful. Listening to your show has given me the gift of a fresh perspective- one based on reality and my own values. You make me laugh. You make me think. You’ve made me not feel so alone.
  • Tonya Cheney
    I needed this!
    I love these hosts! When Jessica started singing Joseph and the Technicolor Dream Coat, I knew I had to stop what I was doing immediately and write a five star review. I love your fair delivery and I love your fiery reactions. Hearing the hosts discuss topics is like getting to have a conversation that I never have the chance to in real life. Thank you.
  • SeeAllenKelly
    Missing host but otherwise great.
    The show has featured less and less of third host Dottie lately and it’s really suffering for it. But regardless of that, the show remains thought provoking while also being entertaining and engaging. A great listen in my AirPods while working for my ultra-religious boss. If only he knew that when he gave me a raise awhile ago that I would a small part of it to subscribe to their Patreon.
  • tchgfbjfc
    Informative beyond local news
    I love Hemant’s research on religious issues we are faced with today. Hemant goes into much greater details about issues one would not even know had religious scandals for the general media does not cover it. Hemant also talks about smaller local issues that don’t make national news. Jessica at times is good at pointing out point of views Hemant misses. I love listening every week.
  • Man From MO
    Enlightening & A Must Listen
    An always enlightening and wonderful listen. It’s the first thing I listen to every Friday morning before I head off to work at 3 am. Keep up the good work! I’ll keep sending you guys info on James River Church as I hear it. Lol.
  • mitchell.rysavy
    My Go-To Sunday Show
    The ‘00s-‘10s-era Reddit/Internet Atheism was very important and formative for me, and that’s when I started following Hemant’s work. Eventually I fell out of it (not atheism, but capital-A Internet Atheism) but I came back because of this podcast. Hemant and Jessica have created something incredibly special and comforting. They are both excellent hosts. I’ve had a Sunday morning ritual of sorts listening to them for years now and they were even my first Patreon podcast subscription! Sending my gratitude and thoughts to both of you, especially Jessica, whose trials and tribulations (a little JCS ref for you) I have empathized with greatly over the past year as I too have had a tough one.
  • AniGaiBak
    See ya later dorks
    I am an athiest and am trying your podcast out for the first time. Many times I almost stopped the podcast and went to another because of her unfunny jokes and stupid laughter and ignorance. But Now I can’t even get to the end. See ya later dorks
  • JLC grateful
    Praise the Lord (of the flies)
    Praise the Lord! These two help keep me sane. I enjoy the banter and the informative discussions.
  • DumsDay
    Catharsis!!
    Love the dynamic of Jess and Hemant! A little rage, a little logic, and a whole lot of compassion.
  • pistolsmcgee
    A crucial fixture of the atheist podcast industrial complex
    I rely heavily on atheist/skeptical podcasts to keep me informed and to remind myself that a lot of people are just as concerned about the same issues I am. Because I listen to several of them, Hemant often chooses stories that I also hear covered by other shows, be they Thinking, Scathing, or some other kind of atheist. Even so, the analysis and opinions provided by Hemant and Jessica are refreshing and often frame the story in a new and different way. And Jessica is fantastic. She’s the Cara Santa Maria of Jordan Holmeses. The “one host reports the story and the other reacts to it” model can be done very well or very poorly, and Hemant and Jessica do it very well. In this dynamic, Jessica’s job is undeniably the harder one. Hemant already knows the story and has had time to think about how to analyze and discuss it. Jessica is coming in cold more often than not, and her ability to roll with the story and punch it up on the fly is among the best I’ve heard.
  • dalayna89
    This podcast rocks!
    Dear Friendly Atheist Podcast Team, I just have to express my deep appreciation for the Friendly Atheist Podcast. The insightful discussions, thought-provoking topics, and genuine camaraderie between hosts make each episode a delight to listen to. The way you navigate through sensitive issues with empathy and logic is truly commendable, creating a safe space for critical thinking and respectful dialogue. Jess, your presence on the podcast brings such warmth and perspective, making the conversations even more engaging and relatable. Your insights really resonate with the audience, and it would be absolutely wonderful if you could consider visiting Clarksville sometime in the future. Your visit would undoubtedly be a fantastic opportunity to connect with your listeners in a more personal way, and I have no doubt that it would be a memorable experience for all involved. Thank you for all the hard work you put into creating such a fantastic podcast. Keep up the amazing work, and here's to many more enlightening episodes ahead! Warm regards, Jordan
  • silverbirch5
    On Biden Catholic faith
    I have only listened to the episode on Biden’s Catholic faith being up for debate. Please don’t try claim an understanding of what it means to be Catholic as an Atheist. Because you clearly don’t. Yes, it is true MANY Catholics do not correctly understand or practice their faith correctly. It is pretty deep! Why I love it btw. For Biden, the President of the United States of America to not understand the Catholic faith is another issue all together! He stands for NOTHING if he can’t for the faith claims to have. Someone should let him know the Methodist & Episcopal exists already.
  • DeenBfromEP
    Really enjoy this it's rough but good :-)
    I really enjoy this dynamic between the two hosts, Jess is fiery and funny and sharp and Hemant can deliver these stories with unbiased precision. The stories are poignant and necessary providing me with information I was absolutely not aware of. The are doing the lord's work lol.
  • Mauipickle
    One of my favorite podcasts!
    I love the dynamic between Jessica and Hemant! They sound like wonderful friends who are truly passionate about the topics they discuss! Hemant brings interesting things to light and Jessica’s reaction to them is so real and she brings a much appreciated feminism and humanist perspective! I hope they see this and know they are both wonderful and appreciated for their efforts!
  • StartedWithNinja
    My Running Companion
    I’ve been an avid reader of Hemant’s blog since around 2008 and I’ve been listening to this podcast for a few years; I figured it was time to leave a review! I look forward to the release of each new episode because I listen to them during my Friday long runs. The topics are enough to get me fired up and I swear I run better when listening to this podcast. Jessica and Hemant complement each other so well and they have perfect rapport. I love them both for their unique styles and perspectives they bring to every discussion. This podcast is my island of sanity in an otherwise chaotic and indifferent world. It was helped me realize that there are no real monsters or demons, just the ones we see in the mirror and the evil acts and ideas perpetrated by fellow humans in the name of religion.
  • t-rex-loves-sugar-cereal
    Great Content!
    This pod covers so many topics that I find interesting. I do really like both hosts. I’m a Patreon supporter. I just-ugh-I just wish Jessica were less -hacky & un-self-aware. It’s the same loud responses/interruptions constantly. If this doesn’t change somehow -(maybe less loud eruptions/singing)-I’m gonna beep bop boop my way outta my Patreon subscription. I’ll still listen -but I’m not giving my $$ when I’m annoyed 1/2 of the episode.
  • Anonymous563
    Two criticisms
    1. Jess, please speak into the mic. You are charming and witty and make even Hemant exciting to listen to every week. We want to hear every word you say! 2. This podcast only comes out weekly. I need more Hemant and Jess in my life (or at least, in my podcasts). I’m a huge fan of Hemant, and because of this podcast, I’m a fan of Jessica too! They cover a lot of interesting (if outrageous) stories that I would not otherwise hear about. Thanks for everything you two do!
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