The Non-Prophets

By: Atheist Community of Austin
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  • Summary

  • And we are The Non-Prophets!... airing on the first and third Sunday of every month, starting at 3:00 PM Central (01:30-03:00 UTC) on our Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/thenonprophetsaca. The Non-Prophets focuses on atheism and the separation of church and state.

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-non-prophets--3254964/support.
    Copyright Atheist Community of Austin
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Politics & Government
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Episodes
  • Not Medically Necessary

    Not Medically Necessary
    Nov 14 2024
    “Not Medically Necessary”: Inside the Company Helping America’s Biggest Health Insurers Deny Coverage for Care

    Pro Publica, By T. Christian Miller, on Oct 23, 2024

    https://www.propublica.org/article/evicore-health-insurance-denials-cigna-unitedhealthcare-aetna-prior-authorizations


    The panel delves into the complexities and pitfalls of the U.S. healthcare system, particularly the insurance industry's reliance on algorithms and outsourced decision-making to approve or deny pre-authorized medical claims. They examine the unsettling trend of companies like Evicore, which utilize algorithms to deny claims based on perceived discrepancies, leaving critical decisions to doctors who have limited time and often lack specific expertise. AJ and Jonathan discuss personal experiences, highlighting frustrations with insurance companies’ arbitrary denials that delay essential treatments, turning healthcare into a bureaucratic struggle that often prioritizes profit over patient well-being.

    AJ recounts enduring unnecessary delays due to insurance denials, underscoring how slight procedural changes—such as different anesthesia types—can lead to rejections. A poignant example involves a friend’s life-saving Crohn’s disease medication, which, despite its necessity, was repeatedly denied, demonstrating the callous indifference inherent in these processes. Jonathan discusses his experiences with the VA, which he acknowledges as imperfect but effective in comparison to private insurance. The panel further explores the tangled connections among major health insurance companies, pharmacies, and outsourced providers, underscoring the corporate consolidation that prioritizes profit margins over patients’ lives. Their conversation critiques how healthcare has morphed from a fundamental right into a profit-driven service, emphasizing that for these companies, patients are merely "price tags" whose wellbeing is secondary to the financial bottom line.

    The Non-Prophets, Episode 23.45.2 featuring Phoebe Rose, AJ, Cynthia and Jonathan Roudabush

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-non-prophets--3254964/support.
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    17 mins
  • Worship Leader Sings Swan Song

    Worship Leader Sings Swan Song
    Nov 12 2024
    Right-wing Christian worship leader Zach Radcliff charged with child sex crimes

    The Friendly Atheist, By Hemant Mehta, on Oct 23, 2024

    https://www.friendlyatheist.com/p/right-wing-christian-worship-leader

    The discussion highlights yet another scandal involving sexual abuse within a religious institution, this time focusing on Michigan's Liber University and its ties to a former student and church member, Zachary Radcliffe. Radcliffe, once celebrated as a successful Liberty University alumnus, is now facing multiple charges of child sexual abuse, including using online communication to exploit minors. Despite these serious charges, church leaders have distanced themselves from the issue, failing to acknowledge it in services while continuing to condemn others outside their circles, particularly targeting the LGBTQ+ community.

    The conversation touches on the troubling history of religious institutions that have protected abusers, citing examples from various denominations and religious figures. There's a deep frustration expressed about how churches often avoid transparency and accountability, using their hierarchical structures and conservative values as shields that foster environments where predators can operate. These protections not only allow abusers to hide but also enable them to move from church to church, continuing harmful patterns without interference.

    Panelists argue that the Purity Culture propagated within such churches may even contribute to these issues. By suppressing natural expressions of sexuality and demonizing certain behaviors, these institutions create psychological stress that can lead to the abusive release of suppressed urges. Furthermore, power dynamics within the church allow leaders to exploit vulnerable individuals, especially children, while often escaping scrutiny due to their perceived moral authority.

    The problem of victim-blaming within these religious communities is emphasized, where victims are often shamed while abusers are portrayed as repentant sinners deserving of forgiveness. This attitude silences victims, leaving them afraid to come forward for fear of ostracization or further victimization by their own community. The culture within these conservative spaces often upholds an idealized image of the church, minimizing or concealing the abusive actions of those in power.

    The discussion extends to societal issues, with a critique of how certain demographics—predominantly white, conservative men in high-ranking religious roles—repeatedly surface as abusers. There’s a consensus that societal privilege often enables such individuals to evade justice or face minimal consequences, which only perpetuates the cycle of abuse within these organizations. The hosts express outrage over the leniency given to religious institutions, arguing that such environments are no longer safe or justifiable places for children.

    To address these issues, the panel suggests several interventions, including improving education for children on personal safety, encouraging parents to report suspicious behavior, and creating support systems outside of the church for those who do come forward. The dialogue concludes with a strong condemnation of religious institutions that prioritize reputation and tradition over moral accountability, stressing the need for genuine, self-derived morality rather than one dictated by religious texts that seem to enable and protect abuse rather than prevent it.

    The Non-Prophets, Episode 23.45.1 featuring Phoebe Rose, AJ, Cynthia and Jonathan Roudabush

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-non-prophets--3254964/support.
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    20 mins
  • Evolution in Real Time

    Evolution in Real Time
    Nov 10 2024
    Scientists Have Observed Evidence of Evolution in Real Time

    Popular Mechanics, By Darren Orf, on October 11, 2024

    https://www.popularmechanics.com/science/animals/a62570259/snail-evolution-real-time/

    In the final segment of the discussion, the spotlight is on a fascinating and often overlooked subject: snails. Kelley, the resident scientist, delves into a long-term research project being conducted in Sweden that has been ongoing for decades. This extensive study has uncovered intriguing data about these creatures that inhabit shorelines and lakes.

    Kelley emphasizes the importance of snails in their ecosystems, highlighting their roles in nutrient cycling and as indicators of environmental health. The findings from this study not only enhance our understanding of the snails’ biology and behavior but also provide valuable insights into evolution and biodiversity. Kelley's excitement about the research underscores the potential implications for conservation efforts and our understanding of how these seemingly simple animals have adapted to their environments over time. The segment paints a picture of snails as more than just slow-moving creatures, revealing their significance in the tapestry of life.

    The Non-Prophets, Episode 23.44.4 featuring Scott Dickie, Damien H, Kelley Laughlin and Stephen Harder

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-non-prophets--3254964/support.
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    21 mins

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