The Atheist Experience 740 with Russell Glaser and Tracie Harris

[@CSEwens]

Christopher Hitchens changed my life. He is the closest thing I have to an idol. He had the eloquence of Churchill or Socrates, with a mind like a diamond. We are truly the lesser for his loss.

[@draco601]

I would 100% agree with you. The fact that i only found out about him after he died, is certainly a regret that I'll carry to my grave, but in his words; everyone is immortal in the works that they've and done and the memories they've left behind. So that's what will keep be going. I can meet him anytime. I just have to pick up a book of his or watch a debate.

[@CSEwens]

Abhishek Bhujel​ My girlfriend and I are in the same boat; discovered him after he died. I suppose the best we can do is to press on in his absence. Let us purge the superstition and dogma from our world not through force or coercion, but through reasoned, lucid examination of the cosmos. 

[@CSEwens]

***** No worries, friend. These sorts of things are frustrating indeed; but I consider it a sure sign that we are winning. If they actually had the chops to refute our arguments en masse, they would not have to resort to trying to silence our opinions. That is a mark of a tacit admission of defeat.

[@KincadeCeltoSlav]

+Abhishek Bhujel I Miss him. Selfishly. Sigh.

[@hippocritic]

I always enjoy these shows most when Tracie Harris is on. And not just because she has a beautiful smile. But because she often explains the caller's argument better than they do. Which is helpful for those of us who don't speak crazy.

[@horaceball5418]

CB, how did life originate? What is your best explanation? Provide science please and not just tossing out the word "abiogenesis". Thank you.

[@hippocritic]

***** You tell me, do you think I need to know the answer to that question before I can say I don't believe the bible? If so, why?

[@amandaegeskovhald8222]

***** Scientists barely even know, so how on earth should the rest of us know? One thing is unlikely though, and that is "god did it"

[@gifgit]

***** Troll XD

[@jordanm1186]

Horace Ball Good job on completely missing the content of the original comment and then being completely dishonest in your request on how you want someone to answer your question. FSM did it by the way

[@m4k4ve1iCRO]

He will be missed... Thank you for everything Hitch!

[@brucegooding716]

I've seen many comments that have stated how they have only discovered Christopher Hitchens after his passing. I think Hitch would have been pleased to discover that his body of writings and debates live on to inspire more and more people everyday. Those Christian apologists who have breathed a sigh of relief since his passing had better watch out---here come the onslaught of his many students how know to wield reason and intellect like a hammer.

[@MrJoeyWheeler]

Bruce Gooding Agreed. It is the mark of a wise, or at least persuasive, individual if their words can carry on beyond their passing and still ring true.

[@Helios601]

Christopher Hitchens was a rare intellect. I miss him alot.

[@MrJoeyWheeler]

Indeed. But, there will always be more like him in the future. It just takes the right mind to be exposed to the right ambitions.

[@Helios601]

Damian Freeman Your correct on that score. As much as I respect and miss him there was areas where he seemed to fall short i.e. saying his writing came ahead of everything, including his kids. As a father I find that disturbing.

[@MrJoeyWheeler]

***** That is a bit disturbing, but that's not what he should be remembered for. I mention in another post on this comment section that we tend to remember great people for the good things, Everyone has flaws somewhere, Hitchens had his. Doesn't invalidate the good work he did though.

[@CSEwens]

Christopher Hitchens. He is sorely missed.

[@Helios601]

C.S. Ewens He really is; I now struggle to read his stuff as it seems to affect me negatively. I really hope his wife Carol Blue is keeping as well as she can be and has her family near her.

[@Multi1628]

~ Eight years later and still missing Hitchens and enjoying TAE videos. Thank you many times over Tracie and Russell! Cheers, DAVEDJ ~

[@celiamoreno7745]

Still missing him to this day. Didn't agree with him on many things, but miss his intelligence, eloquence, memory, ease of words and wicked sense of humor. His absence is still palpable.

[@firefalcoln]

Great tribute to Hitchens. I especially like that they mentioned that Hitch was controversial among atheists. I don’t know if I’ve seen another person who was so off-the-charts in both confidence and competence regarding religion and politics. I didn’t always agree with him, but I luckily usually did. And what I disagreed with was part of what made him so much more exciting to watch, than someone like me. He understood how to reach the mentality and priorities of average people. He didn’t speak down to people, he rarely used other people’s specific arguments and managed to easily hold everyone’s attention with words of elegant drama, irony and humor.

[@deekzilla]

Thanks for sharing that letter from Hitchens.

[@Gratefulapostate]

I can't tell you how much I admire what you guys do every week. There is nothing more important than helping to pull people out of the fog of religion. The irony is that it requires the patience of a saint to deal with these dilluded individuals.

[@eddominates]

Awwwww, Russell gets a bit choked up reading Hitch's essay. Just shows the magnitude of the impact Hitch had on him, and all of us that have chosen to rid ourselves of the shackles of belief. We miss you Hitch. but your words live on, and help to turn people away from that horrid, disgusting bullshit, every single day.

[@marcsoucie4010]

Tracie's socratic approach is very powerful.

[@jasonantigua6825]

Marc Soucie Come again!

[@ZaraMikazuki]

Tracie's way of responding to Mark, the first caller, was amazing. She has a very good way of making them think, without openly attacking their actual person. Mark's call really made me happy today, knowing that someone out there is actually questioning some of their core beliefs.

[@siaxis1]

I actually quite enjoyed that first caller. He was very honest and truthful. This is how a rational argument should be.

[@mickcraven980]

This video is worth revisiting. Thanks for reading Hitch's letter, Russel. Also think Hitch would have nodded at Tracie's remarks on critical thought. I am surprised how so many news outlets failed to accurately represent Hitch. You covered his life and ideas well in the short time allowed. I think it set the tone for a good show.

[@danlotroth9231]

What wonderful words he left, beautiful

[@kayomholt-montague7661]

"Don't keep the faith"! I want a bumper sticker with this slogan on it!

[@MrWeb49]

Hitch was the best A terrible lost

[@archkarr18]

Many years ago (when I still had a minor trace of possible belief)..i would have thought Hitchens was a jerk , but having many years ago..realized the reality of it all...i really enjoyed hearing him speak with such eloquence and razor sharp wit. ....My personal favorites are Hitch, Dawkins, and Degrasse Tyson...

[@daddyleon]

Wow... the 1st caller I'm in love with the integrity!! You rarely see that!!!!!!!!!

[@colinhughes5390]

i am a huge Hitch fan and did okay with your approach to his death, well done. Two sides to every argument.

[@locutusdborg126]

My two favorite hosts. Calm, intelligent, rational. Tracey and Russel never lose their tempers or hang up on callers. Great role models for atheists.

[@martinbondesson]

Man, I really choked up when Russell spoke of Christopher :( I will miss him. Safe winds, wherever you are, good sir...

[@trippydrew8492]

We miss you Hitch!

[@Eseress]

I loved Mark. He's my favorite caller so far. You guys had such a thought provoking discussion, and he never once refused for the sake of refusing. His honest attitude, like you guys mentioned, is what I hope for in many theists.

[@louman235]

I'm really liking Tracie a lot!

[@damienleigh9943]

Aaaaaand shes gone

[@MyloDude22]

Damn Tracie was on FIRE during this video asking clear, concise questions and being respectful in the process. She was even able to clarify her questions even better if the caller didn't originally understand. Brilliant.

[@jeremybr2020]

Here's something I find a little frustrating. I became a full atheist about 3 years ago. I've spent the last 2 years learning every thing I can about atheism, science secular reasoning and also religions. I know more about christianity than most christians. But I also learned about Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism Judaism and others. Ive watched tons of TAE and all of Hitchens, Dawkins, and Harris and others. All this to help prepare myself for the attacks on my stance of religion I was certain would come. Problem is, now all of a sudden no one is bringing it up. It used to come up all the time! I dont want to really broach the subject because I dont want to be "that guy". But damn Im getting annoyed. lol

[@kayomholt-montague7661]

I feel your pain!

[@Zachd500]

Not to hard to find an argument on the internet

[@TheDrakelicious]

You are't alone...I am "that girl". You are ok :)

[@1955JAFO]

There never will be another like him. He was head an shoulders above the rest and I will miss his wonderful wit and delicious voice.

[@Goodnight388]

If there isn't a god, why are all the planets shaped like meatballs... Checkmate Atheist

[@amandaegeskovhald8222]

Because of gravity. Why would god make planets in the shape of meatballs? God could have made the planets any shape he wanted, but no he wanted spherical planets, just like how gravity "makes" planets.

[@Goodnight388]

It's called sarcasm..

[@Boognish969]

r'amen

[@whynottalklikeapirat]

If italian mamas weren't creator-godesses why are all the meat-balls shaped like planets?

[@dan7564]

If Christianity isn't real then why are vampires scared of crosses? Check mate Atheists!

[@saxmanchiro]

"I am absolutely convinced that the main source of hatred in the world is religion and I think it should be ridiculed."- C. Hitchens We have lost one of our Horsemen but because of him, we have millions of ex-herd members who will credit this intellectual for their ultimate escape. That alone is one incredible accomplishment. I can only dream of doing such an honorable thing during my tenure here.

[@fsmrules8590]

I hope you guys had whiskey in those cups or you're not really celebrating Hitch in the proper way :D

[@tucsonorganist]

Johnny Walker Black was Christoper's drink of choice.

[@watchingwhatyourdoin]

hitchens was brilliant, in your face, and in his grace a man to be reckoned with and admired. i will truly miss you hitch. your light has dimmed but will never go out.

[@borjeborjeson1482]

wow a video you can comment on amazing

[@MikeBarbarossa]

The first caller said his life really changed for the better. He mentioned 3 things that changed in his life. He quit using drugs, turned away from other criminal activity, and found/came closer to God. Now, 2 of those things are proven to have a positive change on your life. It can be shown exactly how they improve your life. The 3rd is just a feeling and really has no bearing on quality of life.

[@andreashallden190]

Both quitting drugs and quitting criminal activity can be done completely without any belief in a higher power, though.

[@SignOfTheTimes008]

*Ahem* Excuse me Tracy, but I called in today thinking logic and reason wouldn't be brought into the conversation against me!

[@pchtermino1]

Hitchens had a death bed conversion when he asked for a priest. He proceeded to convert the priest to atheism.

[@greendragonreprised6885]

Mark, That feeling in your heart isn't god, it's the onset of angina, you should see a doctor.

[@cptmuska]

very good show as always, thanks for remembering Mr Hitchens :)

[@vistachris9999]

55:40 YE CNNIT CHANGE THE LAWS OF PHYSICS, CAPN'

[@thegenghiskhunt619]

I LOVE TRACIE. she has such a good approach to these religious people who call in with stupid questions and proclamations. she really gets them to reflect and think about the things they are saying and thinking.

[@pikupikuseru]

First 48 seconds that staring is so awkward

[@pikupikuseru]

o.o o_o ...........................................

[@Jao6390]

I like the first caller's attitude and understanding. He actually is open-minded to what they're saying

[@icantlogoff]

the more i hear of Tracie Harris the more i realise how her approach is so good, I really like they way she reasons stuff out. she has a perfect lesson how to speak to a theist without being aggressive but stil making the correct points

[@BastEternal]

I have had multiple sclerosis for over 10 yrs & am now experiencing effects from it. My best friend is a christian & she pleaded for me to believe in god & that god exists & start praying for "god" to help me. Even though she cried and I knew that she was sincere in her supplication, I told her I STILL need evidence to believe in gods. Sickness hasn't made me wonder if deities exist. Being proactive about treatments is a much better course of action to take.

[@pedrohadek]

Mark's call was the best one in ages.

[@DDNEV]

I like the first caller, he didn't get angry and turn to name calling. he had a conversation like an adult. I'm proud of him xD

[@TruthSurge]

First question I'd ask is "So how do you explain Muslims and Hindus attributing their changed lives to their gods or religions?" Millions feel the same way as Mark but they are not Christian. But it is basically what Tracie said. You can be wrong.

[@SqeakyKTopp]

What a refreshing dialogue that they had with the Christian at the beginning of the show, no logical fallacies on either side, just solid analysis on what is believed and why it is believe.

[@TheLordHodne]

Nice dedication to Hitchens. Glad they did that, as he deserves praise.

[@Kayyyleb]

Couldn't put it any better. Bravo, sir.

[@JUSTHELLBENT]

The best two presenters IMO. Great show.

[@KJC63]

I LOVE how Tracey answers these callers....she lets THEM do all the work for themselves by asking them questions, and making them think.

[@leeramundo1988]

With people who attribute their change in lifestyle for the better to god, I attribute it to them. If they MUST have faith in something, have faith in themselves, have faith in the potential for good in humanity.

[@wordscontrolminds]

As an agnostic atheist i do have an observation regarding Hitchens comment about 'changing the laws of nature by wailings and incantations' We do have ONE thing that uses wailings and incantations that has the power to change the nature of man, and that is MUSIC. Music has the power to move people both physically and mentally (vibrations DO move objects too), so we do at least have one form of magic. All comments on this observation appreciated.

[@alphacause]

I am glad that Russell brought up where Hitchens was at odds with much of the atheist community, because nothing could be of greater value to a man, who held the act of being contrarian as the highest virtue, than to be characterized as a contrarian himself. Great job Russell. Hitchens would have appreciated that. We can all learn from Hitchens. The best way to push human understanding further is to question everything, especially the principles of those who are ideological closest to you.

[@iviewthetube]

Awesome responses Tracy and Russel.

[@johnparrot9]

One of the best of us.

[@FreethinkingSecularist]

Tracie, I loved how you deduced if there was a weight change that there would be a physical entity to study. That is also commonly made to contest this claim in science literature.

[@pretzelogic2689]

To "collapse the wave function" you compose an equation which expresses the conditions of the phenomena you are interested in and which is also expressed in terms of Schrodinger's equation and then you solve it. That's it. You don't "look" at anything and see something happening. You solve your equation. Period.

[@jerahmia]

Thanks AE! Great episode!

[@ScarsFTW]

@papermermaid lol those moments are always great, I also love the pauses and delays in news stations when they are switching from one location to another. Or people that record crappy commercials with a lot of time on them just staring at the camera.. Friggen great.

[@clintonlopez]

tracie's socratic method with that first caller was brilliant! well done

[@thinkppl]

I love the first 20 minutes. This is what a discussion with a theist should be like. And this is the way theists should react, they should start to think.

[@220love07]

i love how they take on callers who call like they have this spectacular ephiney that "there is a god! who/how do you think everything got here?"... i would probably hang up just because i answer that question on EVERY show. they are great at handeling that same damn question. & i never get tired of hearing them answer it either. love this show!

[@PiskieBenWa]

I just think it is so cool that they invite people to join them for lunch etc, ... sure wish I lived close enough to do so..

[@Ebvardh]

I love that Tracie has such a sophisticated, ego-free approach towards religious people. I'm seeing this approach more often nowadays. A humanistic approach that basically defragments the religious argument and pinpoints where are they mis-attributing something to a supernatural occurrence, instead of mindlessly discussing the logic of the world, which theists tend to ignore. Then they point it out to the religious person and hope they don't go into ego-cruise control and block out everything.

[@eleventythymes8360]

George's accent rocks. "I don't always have three-ways, but when I do, I prefer Dos Atheists."

[@HeimirJosefsson]

I expected his death, but I shed a tear for him. Not because he was a special hero to me. I have no heroes. Not because he was an atheist, either. But because of his ideal and his short life. He contributed. He did his part for those who listened. I am not a fan of his politics and I don't do his aggressive approach, although I like it in his debates. Ideals make a man, and he died like he lived. He died young. That is the tragedy. He enjoyed life. Rest in peace, Hitchens! I will miss you.

[@AmosTheTalented]

Beautiful words about Hitchens, and hope for a fantastic show, and at 11:15 minutes in they're back to the same old drek.

[@KonijNx2]

I'm not going to say Hitch can't be replaced, but thinkers like him only really come along a couple of times in a generation. The second I heard the news I was stricken with the sadness befitting not just a loss for loved ones, but a real loss for the World.

[@inquiry10]

That first caller was very civil.

[@nubzz]

The first caller and almost every religious caller are the reasons why I don't like to debate it much anymore. It so plainly comes down to "I want to believe it" and you can;t argue with that until you come up with a reason for them to "want to" reconsider. But that religious afterlife "want" and "desire" is hard to top.

[@Deeraise]

**In regards to the last caller, referencing the double-slit experiment, the REASON an observer collapses the wave function - the reason the particle definitely chooses one slit or the other when we "observe" - is because to "observe" we have to blast the slits with a second stream of particles! We don't have cameras that can resolve such short distances. By observing in this way, the researchers are providing each electron fired something else other than itself with which to interact.

[@Bill_Garthright]

Very good, both hosts. But I must say that Tracie Harris continues to be particularly impressive. She's just been doing a really exceptional job. I think she has a way of putting callers at ease, and of clearly being very fair to them, while still asking questions they can't answer. I suspect that's very effective (it's hard for me to tell for sure, because I'm already an atheist).

[@ChristianIce]

@SuperNiatross An atheist doesn't BELIEVE there is a god. Agnosticism is about Knowledge, not belief. You look like thinking that an Atheist CLAIMS TO KNOW that there is no god. This is not the case, and you are applying your wrong definition to other people and then criticize your own nonsense.

[@yourallbrainwashed]

Tracie's the best! she tries a softer approach to convert or inform. a lot of atheists are so fed up with how much religilion causes problems, that it appears to many religious people that they are angry or arrogant. if we want to educate and or convert people to atheism, unfortunetly we have to go easy on them, because most religious people care what others think of them. remember people, most of us where like them at one time. thats why we are so determined to abolish religion.

[@NicosMind]

I like the first caller. He sounds open and willing to debate. He also wasnt dismissive or overly persumptious. Good caller all in all. Anyway thatll do it for me. Off to study :)

[@lordtracon]

Respect given where respect is due. Christopher Hitchens has my respect. His very mention grants this video my like.

[@treehuggerkyle]

Anybody else see Russell's eye-roll at 26:03? That was pretty funny :)

[@notfauxnooz]

I think it would be really useful if the Atheist Experience would consider having an episode or more that would be devoted to providing advice. So many times callers call in like the first one that you can tell are really searching - they are truly looking for advice not just debate. I think people would be helped by this to get people thinking.

[@ThatTurboOwl]

I just love Russell's face while that first caller is talking xD

[@PainefulMass]

I can't believe how reasonable that first person was. He kept saying "Wow. That's a good point. That's true." I swore he was going to deconvert right on the line.

[@TheLuckySaGe]

This was a very good episode. Thanks guys and merry christmas/happy holidays or whatever. =)

[@frankfurteranimus]

The callers on this show were notably pleasant to listen to.

[@someonetoogoodforyou]

I'm going to Austin from Australia on exchange! Wooh! I could see these guys live!

[@superustipak]

Thanks for the video!

[@coastal455]

Russell and Tracie are great together!

[@SqeakyKTopp]

When you tell them about the prayer they tend to get benefits equivalent to the Placebo effect... Whether or not the prayer happened.

[@ChristianIce]

@SuperNiatross "I am the one that SHOULD have to prove GOD'S existence" If you claim he does exist, YES. Same goes for the Bigfoot and the Fairies. "If you want proof go to the source, get down on your knees and ask GOD to reveal himself" Very reliable, but I would say that if somebody hear voices in his head it could be a good idea to see a doctor :)

[@Prelude610]

Best show ever. You actually listened to the callers and drew them out more to where even they could start asking themselves better questions. Much better than trying to beat them in a debate. I think you missed an opportunity with the first caller, and that is we, well, I, look at things I see so much more than plain or stuff, but wonder of nature stuff, and I don't need to fill the gaps with a god. I'm OK not knowing it all. He too, looks at the world and sees more. Help him see more than god.

[@triplejudy]

Tracy did a brilliant job of handling this caller; he claimed all these idiotic things based on delusion and she simply listened, took her time and slowly replied with a question. { this is at the 11:47 mark } Well done Tracy ! For me I would immediately stated how deluded he was and request that he prove to me his claims.

[@TeresielMF]

"If observing subatomic particles changes their qualities, doesn't that prove there is a god?" I just woke up the house laughing at that.

[@saerain]

Which is also why we 'agree where the chair is'. Most, if not all of the particles of a macroscopic object are 'measured' by interaction with other particles by the time we observe them.

[@AGNOSSI]

Damn Russ, I started to get emotional watching you hold back your emotions while reading his letter. So sad...so sad. I am, however, glad I occupied this planet at the same time as he.

[@cdickenson64]

I know who Traci is referring to, and my heart goes out to the family. Tragic loss.

[@BortolanAlexandre]

I somehow doubt that he’ll be reading this, but I want to say to the first guy that called, the one that “went in and out of jail”, I’m glad that you have decided to change your life, and that it’s working out. Maybe to do it effectively you need to believe that a greater will is guiding you. That’s fine. But you could also give some more credit to yourself. Maybe you changed your life because you decided to change your life. That’s great too.

[@kizzaht]

You know the call is going to start of great when someone says they're a "devote christian"

[@bary1234]

Russel should have had whiskey on that toast to mr. Hitchens. RIP Christopher, we will miss you. Thanks for posting, please keep up the good work. Religion is poison, we must keep on fighting it untill it is gone.

[@emuoftoledo]

The first caller was cool - I think it's a greater indicator of his character that he turned his back on crime because he's a nice person and knows it was wrong.

[@inflamedwithrage92]

The hitch effect shall go on forever !