The Armchair Philosopher: Recent Episodes
Sean C. Duregger
A lost episode has been found! In our final episode of Season 5, Marie D’Elephant joins me to discuss her story of challenging and then leaving her faith. She is one of the hosts of the Everyone’s Agnostic podcast (which is on an indefinite hiatus, but there is a wealth of episodes to listen to), and Marie has […]
On the season finale of Season 5, I’m honored to have Jennifer Knapp as a guest! We discuss her faith journey as well as her music. We also discuss Inside Out Faith, a non-profit Jennifer created to actively engage faith communities in order to educate, affirm and foster support of LGBTQ persons and their allies. About […]
Many people see the Pro Choice vs. Pro Life debate in simple terms. Sometimes this even affects how people will vote or what political party they align themselves with. Asha Dahya seeks to change this conversation. On this episode we discuss her recently funded docuseries “Life At All Costs: Going Beyond Pro Choice Vs. Pro […]
Halloween is upon us! I sit down with Jill Worsley to talk about her podcast At The Fire, hear ghost stories and talk about her experience as the child of a recreational ghost hunter! About Jill Worsley: Jill Worsley is the host of the podcast At The Fire along with her husband, Ben. At The […]
On this episode I sit down with Magister Bill M. of The Church Of Satan. We have a fantastic conversation about his journey and why the philosophies of Satanism have resonated with him. About Bill M: Bill M. is a Magister in The Church Of Satan. He also hosts a podcast over at Radio Free […]
On this episode Lisa Gungor joins me to discuss her book The Most Beautiful Thing I’ve Seen and her journey of marriage, kids and viewing faith through a different lens. About Lisa Gungor: Lisa Gungor has been scribbling songs since she was seven years old. After studying art in college, she and her husband, Michael, […]
Singer/Songwriter John Mark McMillan joins us this week to discuss his faith journey, as well as tribalism, anxiety, doubt and pursuing Jesus no matter where it takes him. About John Mark McMillan: John Mark McMillan is something of an anomaly: an artist and Platinum-selling songwriter bending genres and defying categorization by carving out his own […]
On this episode, Michael Gungor stops by to discuss music, life, faith, ego and deconstruction. About Michael Gungor: Michael and Lisa Gungor are curators of the Grammy-nominated musical collective simply known as Gungor. The duo uses their skills as accomplished song writers and multi-instrumentalists to tell honest and forthright stories – some personal and […]
This week my old friend Josiah Hesse drops by to talk about his new book Carnality: Sebastian Phoenix and the Dark Star out now on Suspect Press. We discuss his Carnality series, atheism, Evangelicalism, Christian music, the Exvangelical movement and a whole lot more. About Josiah Hesse: Josiah is a freelance journalist in Denver, Colorado. He […]
This week we wrap up (for now) the LGBTQ+ Conversations with an exploration of gender. I am joined by Alex Iantaffi to discuss his journey as well as the research behind understanding gender identity.
What if Seekers, Doubters, Believers, Thinkers, Straight, Gay, Transgender, Men, Women, Conformist, Non-conformist, Christians, Atheists, Humanists, Young, Old, Lawyers, Theologians, Strange Minister Types...What if EVERYONE felt safe gathering in a space to drink beer and sing along with old school hymns and maybe a few classic rock tunes? No agenda, just a community sing-along to celebrate our differences and similarities?
Beer And Hymns seeks to do just that.
We are continuing our series called "Coming Out." Throughout the rest of the year, you will hear personal stories from the LBGTQ Community about the impact of embracing who they are. This episode Kylie Justine and BJ Colangelo share their stories and we hear from an anonymous listener email.
Jay Bakker returns to dive a little deeper into his continued message of love and grace.
This week we begin an informal series called "Coming Out." Throughout the rest of the year, you will hear personal stories from the LBGTQ Community about the impact of embracing who they are and celebrating true freedom. This episode I sit down with John Doolan and Brady Hardin to hear their stories.
What happens when you put an evangelical minister and a lesbian comedian together in a van? An event for anyone who believes that love and laughter can change the world. The fight for civil rights is in full force in 2017, with a slew of discriminatory laws rearing their ugly heads in Southern states all […]
Mimetic Theory, Monsters, Hell and God collide on today's Armchair Philosopher Podcasts. Hellbound? Director Kevin Miller joins the conversation to discuss a class he was preparing called Mimetic Theory & Monsters. The class would eventually be cancelled because of events outside his control, but it's a very eye-opening conversation and one that Kevin hopes to transfer into future projects.
BJ Colangelo is a survivor. Raised in Chicago, IL, she now resides in Cleveland, OH where she writes about horror films, creates her own films and is continuing to kick cancer's ass. BJ joins me to discuss her battle with Pancreatic Cancer and how Horror films helped in many aspects of her healing and empowerment.
We continue with our series Ask Me About My Feminist Agenda and this week my wife joins in on the fun! Jennifer and I have a candid conversation about her childhood, church background, time in Bible School and how her faith journey has impacted her perspective as a feminist.
We continue with our series Ask Me About My Feminist Agenda and are delighted to have The Rev. Wil Gafney back on the podcast. Her unique approach to The Bible in regards to Race, Gender, and Culture have been a blessing in my own "faith journey." We discuss her ideas on Feminism, Race and Politics as well as her book Womanist Midrash: A Reintroduction to the Women of the Torah and the Throne.
I discuss some materials that helped me through my "deconstruction" process in my faith and gave me a hopeful outlook on the future.
We begin a new series called Ask Me About My Feminist Agenda this week! Lauren R. E. Larkin and Sarah Taras from the Ezer Uncaged podcast help me kick off the conversation. This episode we discuss Feminism from a Progressive Christian perspective focusing on gender roles, sexuality and their place in "The Church".
Shunning Jehovah's Witnesses via a doorbell, The Bible Answer Man embraces Eastern Orthodoxy & the terrifying fact that I'm a dad with older kids...
When I had the idea for this series "Processing Belief Through Music," I wrote out a wish list of songwriters I'd want to speak to. David Bazan was at the top of my list. His songwriting has been a major part of the soundtrack for over a decade now. Scheduling an interview proved that perseverance can be damn hard, but rewarding. As I spoke to TW Walsh and then Derek Webb, Bazan seemed to be the connective tissue of the conversations. It was an honor to be able to speak with David Bazan about his new album and his perspectives on wrestling with belief through songwriting.
Our series "Processing Belief Through Music" continues as Derek Webb joins me to discuss his music, upcoming album and his tumultuous relationship with Christianity.
I wasn't a fan of Patreon's changing pricing structure, so I took it all down. In 2018, I'll be re-structuring "premium" content for those who are interested in The AxPx Diaries continuing or for those who just want to financially support The AxPx Podcast. Look for a "Patron Saint" page launching soon. Until then, check out the handful of AxPx Diaries episodes I've done so you can get a taste for what the AxPx premium content will be like.
Here's my first "AxPx Diary" episode! Enjoy!
TW Walsh kicks off our series "Processing Belief Through Music." I've been a fan of his music since discovering The Soft Drugs in 2008. Before that, TW spent time on the road and in the studio as a member of Pedro The Lion. Since he didn't grow up around "Christian Culture," his insights as an outsider looking in are valuable.
This episode I sit down with beloved character actor Stephen Tobolowsky (Groundhog Day, Silicon Valley, Heroes just to name a few) to discuss his new book My Adventures With God.
While Star Wars was a cornerstone to my fascination with Science Fiction and Fantasy, Star Trek's ideas and philosophies gave me more to chew on as I grew up. Today's episode is dedicated to Star Trek and the impact Gene Roddenberry has made in our lives.
This week we take things to space as I sit down with Richard Garriott to discuss video game development and space travel!
This episode dives into The Second Naïveté and are joined on the podcast by Michael Hardin and Margaret Placentra Johnston to help lay the groundwork. Rob Davis then joins me as we attempt to unpack this very important concept of our Deconstruction and Spiritual Journey.
It’s almost Christmas! Which only means one thing…Krampus is coming to town for all the bad girls and boys! I have a conversation with Greg Horton about the history of Krampus and other Christmas time folklore.
I have a conversation with Bob McDonald about his journey through most of the major religions and his decision to start up a church of his own: The Gnostic Church Of Dharma And Virtue.
Rob Davis returns to the show in an impromptu discussion about life on the other side of his journey from full-time ministry 6 years ago to normal, every day life. When anyone “deconstructs” their faith there is a natural progression that takes place, very similar to the various steps of grief. Rob and I talk […]
As we journey through life we will lose people we love along the way. It's something that can shake us to our core and challenge our world view. This week I have a conversation with Ronn Compestine about his faith journey after the loss of both parents 10 years ago.
As we near Halloween, ghost stories are on everyone's minds. This week I have a conversation with Ghost Hunter Ray Friis. We discuss the paranormal, demonic activity and even the Catholic Church's real life exorcism division.
The AxPx is back! After a hiatus that went far too long, I am very happy to be in a place in my life where I can bring this podcast back. This week I talk to Blake Collier about Horror movies and how he approaches these films as a Christian.
Joey Avalos finally returns to the show! Sean and Joey catch up and discuss their journey so far. Music by Shearwater.
Daniel G. Harmann is the founding member of the band The Trouble Starts. I have a history with his music since about 2010 when I discovered his album “Risk.” Since then, I’ve wanted to get the chance to interview him and the stars finally aligned. Here is my candid conversation with Daniel G. Harmann. Show […]
We’re back! I know, you’ve missed us. Welcome to Season 2 of The AxPx Podcast. I’ve been wanting to get this going again for some time, but life always seemed to get in the way. This week I talk to an old friend of mine, Mike Wittig. He’s just launched Wittig Works a personal training […]
Tim was born in Taiwan, but at the age of 10, legally moved to Miami with his mother and sister, where they lived for seven years (with a good chunk of that time also spent in Ecuador) before a legal mess ensued, forcing them to return to Taiwan. They managed to make their way to […]
In this imprompu episode, Sean drinks Gin & Fresca, attempts a call-in show and ends up talking to Joey for almost an hour about Gay Marriage and other random topics. Enjoy!
On June 19th, Exodus International (a Christian “Gay Therapy” organization well known for their “Pray The Gay Away” strategies) announced that they were closing up shop. This announcement was came by way of Alan Chambers, president of Exodus International with a blog post simply titles “I Am Sorry.” Chambers then announced a day later at […]
Greg Horton (@expastor) joins us this week to discuss skepticism and theology. We piggyback off of last week’s podcast with Tripp Fuller, so I suggest you give that one a listen before this one. Enjoy! Show Notes: Greg Horton interviews Trip Fuller Suggested Reading: Christian America?: Perspectives on Our Religious Heritage Schools Of Theology: Calvinism […]
These past couple of months have peaked our curiosity in Process Theology. So, we enlisted the help of Tripp Fuller from the Homebrewed Christianity and the Theology Nerd Throwdown podcasts to explain to us what the hell “Process Theology” actually is. The result? We’ve barely scratch the surface. Enjoy! Show Notes: Guest: Tripp Fuller Website: Homebrewed Christianity Links […]
The AxPx Podcast is a year old! Wow. I had no idea it would last this long. Joey and I reflect on how we’ve grown this past year. We’re both more comfortable in our skins and realize that a sense of community is to thank for that. We’re both looking forward to the conversations we’re […]
Sorry it’s been a while. Sean checks in with the announcement of SKPTC. A local meet-up that will begin in Temecula, California on June 5th. SKPTC: Beer, Wine & Free Thought June 5th at Crush and Brew in Temecula, CA Click the above link to RSVP
This week, I (Sean) travel to Brea, California to visit the Brea Congregational United Church of Christ. I went to the morning Sunday School where they were doing A Faith & Reason series by John Dominic Crossan “The Challenge of Jesus,” then I visited the church service. Everyone at the church had a smile on their face. […]
Sean and Joey have a casual conversation with Rob Davis (@coffeeorsuicide) about doubt, depression, health and balancing doubt, unbelief and a healthy lifestyle. Show Notes: Musical Break #1: Mike Hale, “Fuck The World” from the album Broken With No Hope. Musical Break #2: Mike Hale, “Lives Like Mine” from the album Lives Like Mine.
This week Sean sits down with the Worship Pastor of The Bridge Church, Aaron Crane. We talk about his personal journey, God, and the nature of worship. Show Notes Musical Break #1: Matt Redman, “10,000 Reasons” from the album 10,000 Reasons. Musical Break #2: Bethel Live, “You Have Won Me” from the album For The Sake […]
The History Channel‘s presentation of the miniseries “event” The Bible has sparked reactions of all kinds. From Mega-Church Evangelicals like Rick Warren and Joel Olsteen enthusiasm about the “power” of the show, to biblical scholars such as Dr. Joel M. Hoffman voicing their distain for the show. After the first episode aired, we read many opinions […]
This week we try to scratch the surface of Evolution with the help of Rachel Nanon Brown (@RachelNanon): Evolution Expert from Dogma Debate Radio, future Paleoanthropologist and research assistant at the Arlington Archosaur site, under Dr. Derek Main. There’s no way we can cover the enormity of this subject in just one podcast. Hopefully this episode is […]
In 1989, Steve Wells began creating what is now The Skeptic’s Annotated Bible (SAB). First it was something for his personal use but 24 years later it has become a valuable internet resource for Skeptics, Atheists and Agnostics. The SAB has just been released in book form and will no doubt be a “conversation […]
This week we’re talking beer. And Jesus. Can they coexist? Ben Smith from Reclamation Brewing Company helps bring a Christian perspective to beer drinking and beer culture. Music by Tumbledown. Show Notes: Guest: Ben Smith of Reclamation Brewing Company Musical Break #1: Tumbledown “Lets Drink” from the album Tumbledown. Musical Break #2: Tumbledown “Empty Bottle” from the album Empty […]
In 2006, Shawn Nelson was a successful City Manager to one of the fastest growing cities in Southern California. However, in October of 2006 his life was drastically changed when his 24 year old son, Jake Nelson, was tragically killed in a car accident. This rocked him and his family to their core as they […]
Yesterday morning, President Obama spoke at the National Prayer Breakfast. Here is the audio. This opens up a discussion I want to focus a podcast on in the near future. Where do we draw the line between religion and politics? Here’s what the First Amendment of the United States Constitution states: Congress shall make no […]
Seth Andrews was once a Bible believing, God-fearing Christian radio DJ. He now is the host of a popular Atheist podcast radio show, with over 250,000 listeners and a devoted online community called The Thinking Atheist. Sean and Joey talk to him about his book “De-Converted: A Journey From Religion To Reason” and his journey. Show Notes […]
On Thursday, January 24, 2013, Sean and Joey attended an exhibit at Loyola Marymount University entitled Manifold Greatness: The Creation & Afterlife of the King James Bible. Speaking at this exhibit was non-other than Bart D. Ehrman, James A. Grey Distinguished Professor of Religious Studies, UNC Chapel Hill and author of some of our favorite books including: Forged, Jesus, Interrupted and Misquoting […]
Continuing the Gun Control conversation, Sean dives in further with his dad, Tom and uncle, Dave. We examine two opposing view points of Gun Control, Assault Rifle Bans and the Second Amendment. Music by Brett Detar. Show Notes Discussion #1: Libertarian Viewpoint, Tom Duregger Discussion Questions: 1) What is your history with guns? 2) There […]
President Barack Obama starts his 2nd term today on a momentus holiday as well, Martin Luther King, Jr Day. Here is the President’s speech. Enjoy.
Sean Duregger and co-host Joey Avalos discuss the hot topic of Gun Control with Texas Police Officer Seth [last name withheld] and Freelance Journalist Brad McHargue. Music by Barsuk recording artist David Bazan*. Show Notes * “American Flags” and “Backwoods Nation” used by permission of David Bazan, his management and Barsuk Records. The AxPx Podcast Episode […]
This is President Barack Obama’s full speech he gave on January 16, 2013 outlining his plan to reduce gun violence in America. Bonus content for the upcoming AxPx Episode 13: Gun Control. Enjoy. Audio from speech downloaded from www.whitehouse.gov.
This week, Joey and Sean sit down and talk Conspiracy Theories with Sambo Moncivaiz. Focusing on Chemtrails and the hidden cure for cancer, we try to uncover the fact and the fiction. Show Notes: Musical Break #1 – Drew Holcomb and the Neighbors, “Anywhere But Here” from their Noisetrade Sampler. Release Date: out now Musical […]
Learn how to relax, clear your mind and puke rainbows with Minneapolis’ WCCO Creative Producer/Director Erica Hanna. We discuss life, meditation and uncover the secrets of puking rainbows. Show Notes Sponsors: Charming Beard Coffee Co-host: n/a TOPIC – “Meditation and the act of Puking Rainbows” Guest – Erica Hanna Charity Water Music Break #1: From Lancaster, Pennsylvania – […]
After a circus of an election year, we figure it’s time to address the “Mormon Moment.” Guest, Trevor McGarrah lays the ground work for his Mormon faith, dispelling the “myths” that circled the 2012 Election Year and Republican Candidate Mitt Romney. Featuring music by Deep Elm’s Our Lost Infantry. Intro Sponsors: Charming Beard Coffee […]
The New Atheism Movement is on Joey’s mind this week. We discuss the “new-ish” movement, Richard Dawkins, Christopher Hitchens and even Kirk Cameron with special guest Rob Hunter. Music by Tin Horn Prayer and Undesirable People. Please subscribe in iTunes so you’ll never miss a show! http://bit.ly/W4KRJ5 Show Notes Intro Sponsors: None Co-host: Joey Avalos […]
We’re a week late on Halloween, but Sean meets up with Jon Kirchoff founder of Full Tech Paranormal Investigations. We talk about focused, non-terminal repeating phantasms, or Class Five full roaming vapors and more! Music by Tyler Daniel Bean and Josh Rouse and the Long Vacations. *Don’t miss an episode, subscribe in iTunes! Show Notes Intro […]
This week Sean and his new co-host Joey Avalos discuss “Healthy Addiction.” Can an addiction really be healthy? Plus music from Deep Elm recording artists The Sky Life and The Dandelion War. *Don’t miss an episode, subscribe in iTunes! Show Notes: Intro Sponsors: Deep Elm Records and Charming Beard Coffee Co-host: Joey Avalos News: […]
Back from a 2 month hiatus with spit-up on my shoulder, I discuss fatherhood, pipe tobacco, scotch and then dive into The Book Of Job! Show Notes: The ACLU is suing on behalf of a small church that wants to distribute leaflets outside the Mormon temple in Brigham City, Utah. Evangelical pastors are […]
Joey Avalos returns to discuss our thoughts on whether The Bible is inerrant. What does that mean to a Christian if The Bible is not inerrant? Links to things brought up in the discussion: Bart D. Ehrman Dale Martin: Introduction to The New Testament History and Literature ELCA Sexuality (A look at what Scripture actually says […]
This week I discuss faith and the journey to full time ministry with Pastor Tim Trudeau of Grace Community Church in Boone, Iowa. Hear Pastor Trudeau’s sermons here: Grace Community Church Sermons
This week’s special guest is Joey Avalos from the band Stars Go Dim. We discuss the positives and negatives of Christian Music and the impact it’s had on our lives personally. Spotify Playlists: Christian Music Facepalm: Christian Music that upon re-visiting is absolutely cringe-worthy to me. Surprisingly Good Christian Music: Christian Music that I discovered […]
My guest for episode #2 is an old friend, Josiah Hesse. We talk about his journey from Charismatic Christianity to Atheism. Guest: Josiah M. Hesse Referenced Links: An Atheist Visits The Thorn Passion Play Reese Roper on Five Iron Frenzy and Scum of the Earth, the church he helped co-found