"Welcome to The Godless Guide, where we explore life, belief, and the journey beyond faith. I’m John, your host, and today, I want to talk about something we all encounter, especially during tough times—prayer.

Now, as someone who no longer believes in a higher power, I’ve found myself in situations where people, with the best intentions, offer prayers for me. And while I may not share their beliefs, I’ve learned to approach these moments with kindness and understanding.

In this episode, we’ll explore how to navigate these interactions with grace and authenticity, staying true to ourselves without diminishing someone else’s goodwill. Whether you’re newly out of faith or have been living as a secular individual for years, let’s talk about finding connection even in differences.

Let’s dive in."

"I looked up and said, Jesus, whatever your will is for my life, I trust it 100 percent." – Riley Leonard, after winning the Orange Bowl.

In my next episode of The Godless Guide, I’m diving into why athletes need to stop thanking God for their victories. This mindset isn’t just outdated—it’s harmful. It diminishes human effort, alienates those who lose, and promotes a toxic narrative that success is tied to divine favor.

It’s time to give credit where it’s due: to the hard work, teamwork, and strategy that actually win games.

Tune in for an honest conversation about faith, sports, and the impact of these beliefs. Let’s break the cycle.

#TheGodlessGuide #FaithAndSports #CriticalThinking

🎙️ "Can an Atheist Be a Chaplain?"

Can someone who doesn’t believe in God offer spiritual care? Can an atheist step into the deeply personal role of a chaplain and provide comfort, guidance, and connection? Spoiler alert: not only can they—but they might be the most qualified to do so.

In this episode of The Godless Guide, I’ll share my journey from Lutheran pastor to atheist hospice chaplain and why I believe nonbelievers are uniquely equipped to support people from all walks of life. We’ll unpack the myths about chaplaincy, dive into what it truly means to provide existential care, and explore how atheists can build bridges across belief systems with empathy and understanding.

Whether you’re an ex-religious individual, a secular thinker, or simply curious about how faith—or the lack of it—intersects with chaplaincy, this episode is for you. Tune in to hear real-life stories from the front lines of hospice care and discover how atheists are redefining what it means to care for the human spirit.

🎧 Listen now on your favorite podcast platform.

Welcome to The Godless Guide, the podcast where we explore life beyond faith with honesty, curiosity, and a touch of irreverence. I’m your host, John, and in this episode, we’re tackling something that hits close to home for many of us: the social and emotional challenges of the holiday season, especially for those breaking free from faith-based traditions.

Christmas can be a time of joy—but also a time of stress, especially when expectations from family, faith, and society collide. Today, we’re diving into how to navigate these pressures, let go of toxic expectations, and create a holiday that feels authentic to you. Whether you’re deconstructing, rebuilding, or just figuring it all out, this episode is for you. Let’s get into it!

Welcome to The Godless Guide, the podcast where we pull back the curtain on religion, traditions, and everything in between. I’m your host, John, and today we’re tackling a holiday hot take: Did Christians steal Christmas?

You’ve heard it before—December 25, nativity scenes, carols by candlelight—but what if I told you that much of what we call ‘Christmas’ isn’t Christian at all? From pagan celebrations like Saturnalia to winter solstice festivals, the roots of this holiday are far older and far less holy than you might think.

So, grab your cocoa, sit by the fire, and let’s unwrap the truth behind the Christmas we know today—and what it means for those of us outside of faith. Let’s get into it.”

Episode 1.