I have been an anti theist for many years now, I mean no harm guys but you exchanged theism for just lame “progressive “ cliff notes. One of the most interesting,brilliant,honest and compelling anti theist Christopher Hicthens would laugh in both mike and david’s faces. I am curious if these two given some quiet hours if not days to untangle their minds. Good luck

Michael Regilio masterfully blends comedy with deep discussions on faith, politics, and dogma. The show’s ability to bring on diverse guests with differing viewpoints makes for engaging, thought-provoking conversations that challenge your thinking—while keeping you entertained. A must-listen for anyone interested in a fresh perspective on these often tough topics!

I love the show. David always does an exceptional job with guests that he disagrees with. He's always respect, but never a pushover. I learned so much more about the Bible from listening to him than I did in the 18 yrs or growing up with literal preachers in every house in my family. He armed me with the knowledge and confidence to tell my father ( preacher), step mom, uncle (preacher), and aunt (preacher), about my lack of belief in God this past weekend and it went better than I ever could've expected. I didn't have to rely on my own upbringing and understanding of the Bible because David has asked so many of the same questions I had growing up, only in better words. It was amazing and if I believed in God, I would say David is doing the Lord's work. So the show has taken a hard turn recently and I can't support it anymore. Politics has made the show unlistenable for me because of the far far far left leaning views of the hosts. I don't think the conversations are had in good faith anymore and the bias is so blatant that we might as well just get all information from a specific news source. I'd love for the show to return to challenging beliefs with reason and logic, not just quoting news sources

I love this show, but the constant abrupt Interruptions of commercials, often with loud volume, is enough to make me want to stop.

The interviewer conducted an intellectually honest interview based on the things he was told and had no way to verify. We've known Donald for many decades. This comment isn't intended to discuss his "coming out", and the virtues/wrongs of his decision, but rather to discuss the absolute deception he initiated toward many people. Hubs and I planned a trip to VN to visit him and Penny but he made up an elaborate lie about how their lives were in danger and how his right-hand man there had been beaten by the law to a pulp. Therefore we must cancel our plans to go visit his "work" in VN because it wouldn't be safe for us. Hey Donald-- why didn't you just come out right then? Why did you concoct a huge lie to cover up that you were sucking off of the udders of churches and being a lazy oaf in your own country? I don't "buy" what you were trying to sell. To the interviewer-- I appreciate your conclusions based on the info you were fed. Donald blames EVERYONE but himself for every choice he himself made. Nobody forced him into a fake salvation. Nobody packed his bags and forced him on a plane to VN. Nobody coerced him to tell outright lies so the cash cow would keep getting milked. And for crying out loud, Donald didn't even take responsibility for graduating second to last in his class. Mr. Interviewer, are you sure you weren't talking to a puppet(?), because Donald has no will of his own and everyone else is pulling his strings. He is a fraudster, plain and simple who found a way to get lots of money without lifting a finger for 16 years. Penny helped him in his fraud. You, Donald are a lazy coward. Atheists have morals also and fraud I'm pretty sure is not a moral they approve of.

Just started listening to your podcast, after hearing you on The Jordan Harbinger Show. Been a Christian all my life (I’m 41), but last several years the cracks started forming in my mind about the Bible, how churches are run, why we believe certain things and never having satisfying answers even after talking to Pastors and doing Bible studies, and seeing the ugliness of how other Christians treat people. Basically starting thinking for myself. Sad to say it took me this long. Your show has been the catalyst to truly changing how I view God and Christianity. Thank you for what you do!

You are so biased to the Democratic Party it’s nerve wracking. Yes you are right the GOP is a menace to our future as human beings, but the democrats are no saints. My goodness please take some time to point out the flaws of the democrats that are in office. Yes we get it Trump was the worst president in our life times, but he was voted out of office. Move on and critique the powers that be in todays political zeitgeist.

Smaller is a superb debater!

These disingenuous, pretentiously arrogant Christians are all the same broken record of claiming they have proof for Christianity but are being so obstinately obtuse in believing their bad faith word play trickery and strawman arguments are evidence and “proof” for their position because they are too insecure and cowardly to accept their own credulity and the utter lack of evidence for their beliefs. Their beliefs require faith and credulity and to claim they have evidence and proof is actually a denial of their faith and blasphemous. All I hear when I listen to these podcasts is Christian liars who need answers even if the answers are lies and hide their insecurities and cowardice behind their willful, self-imposed ignorance and arrogance.

Thanks for sharing your logic. I was raised in a cult, too put it simply. I always thought I was atheist but your voice has helped organize/solidify my thinking.

I’m a long-time listener who has found this show to be a rare place in our crazy world where you can hear nuanced, civilized and productive conversation between people who disagree. For 12 years, David has been a patient and diplomatic interviewer, who’s knowledge and cool-headed skepticism has created an environment that folks with completely opposite views can be human and vulnerable and we can all learn from each other. I know this show is beginning to shift a little in focus, and for understandable reasons (if you know you know), but there is something for everyone to enjoy—whether you are here for comedy, intellectual conversation, or deep religious debate (see older episodes) that stays respectful. On a personal note, David may be a total stranger to me, but I am one of the countless people who’s life he has changed for the better. He has helped me let go of a lot of toxic stuff that didn’t serve me as a person who was raised Catholic, validating my confusion and disappointment with the issues I encountered with the Bible. Thanks to David, I’ve found so much relief and freedom in turning toward Atheism, and humanism. He has challenged me to think about things differently, and I honestly don’t know how he has had the patience to keep this going the way he has. Thank you David for the amazing and selfless work you’ve done! I had trouble trying to put my gratitude into words, but I hope you know that the ripple effects of your humanism and skepticism have changed the world for the better. Hope to catch one of your comedy shows if you ever come to Boston!

I am so happy to have discovered David Smalley!! He can be funny and is a pleasure to listen to as he discusses today’s issues and explores them in-depth. Every episode is filled with making you really think about the issues. Great questions for his guests!! I can’t wait to listen to every episode!! The people here with bad reviews must not be living in reality.

I like the idea of the content but it’s very hard to listen to. There is a lot of talking in circles. The Pastor wouldn’t get to the point quick enough. He said words to fill up time. So many disclosures in every statement he made. Just get to the point!

I especially loved the episodes with his mom. DCS educates you on how to think critically and discuss and debate deep issues with a lot of passion but minus getting destructive.

#607 is so good.

I think Javier is an honest interlocutor however I find most of his arguments and rebuttals are very surface level, not critically thought, and feel like talking points more than honest responses rooted in understanding of the conversation being had. Just me.

The definition of a stupid person. It knows no depth.

David excels at keeping difficult conversations respectful, funny and entertaining. He is very knowledgeable about many religious topics. He uses critical thinking and tries to teach it to his guests and audience.

I’ve been listening to this podcast for a few years. I’m not a big fan of drawn out debates but there’s something about David’s approach that really helps the non-intellectual break down ideas. Helps that he’s funny too.

Intelligent, thoughtful and deep. Love it!

I’m a new listener (found a comment David left on tiktok a few weeks back referencing the show and decided to check it out) and I have had so much fun going through and listening to the shows that are posted here on Apple podcasts. I’m not one to normally have the attention span for podcasts and even the hours long episodes leave me wishing they were longer!

I’ve been a long time listener for several years now and this podcast has been and still remains my favorite among the atheist podcasts. The episodes are interesting and insightful. I even became a patreon supporter of the show. Thanks David, love your work!

He has more thoughtful responses, challenges his own thoughts and bias. Not just having topics and interviews that agree with him. Glad I came across DCS.

I was a paid subscriber for years. I complained about the show content once and was blocked (stealing the rest of that month’s subscription fees) David’s cowardly and fragile ego can’t take even the slightest criticism while he constantly preaches standing up in the face of bad ideas. What a hypocrite.

When David sticks with atheism and religion topics, I'm with him. When he ventures off into culture, politics, and especially health issues including vaccines, I find that his research is woefully lacking and his opinions reflect serious bias. He is quite prepared to accept views and data from sources he likes but frequently fails to dig deep enough into opposing information long enough to discover that they may have merit. What he is left with is blind acceptance of official sources (like the CDC) just because they are official sources.

I engaged with David about politics. He asked me for specifics. I gave them ( measured and honest) and he blocked me without responding. Got to say. For someone who claims to follow truth , he seems to be a hypocritical liar that lives his own echo chamber.

Was lessoning to your Oct talk with your mom . Hope she is better . Have you been on OpenVears.com ? that is a side affect.

David does a wonderful job, he has an excellent show and I would recommend it to anyone.

I love David’s podcast. Sometimes he interviews some self-righteous zealots like Chille De Castro and Todd Connor, which proves his willingness to see all sides of the spectrum.

Hands down favorite podcast.

Smart, funny, respectful… Love it!

First time listening. David was very patient, prepared and thoughtful. Loved it! Thank you David.

I really like your podcast David!

David is exactly like the people that he mocks. He is 100% set in his ideas and only seeks to belittle his opposing “guests”. If you’re a liberal who is looking for a good hard pat on the back for doing nothing and actually doing harm this is your show. #Athiestsforreality

I’ve been listening to this podcast since almost it’s beginning. I feel like David is a friend, even though we’ve never met lol. I agree with almost everything he says. He is so intelligent and well spoken. He’s also very respectful and easy for anybody to listen to, no matter what your views are.

David does a great job of having guests on and having respectful dialogue with them. It can occasionally get heated and speakers will talk over each other, but those interactions are far and few between. Wherever you are on the belief spectrum, there will be points made that get you thinking, plus it’s done in a respectful manner. If you listen long enough, you will hear arguments made over and over, but as David says; 1. He doesn’t know if this is someone’s first time listening, and 2. He welcomes anyone to come on to refute his claims. Keep up the great work!

Thank you David! This show is always such a good time. As a listener I’m always learning and growing.

David Smalley was pivotal in myself and my husband feeling supported in leaving our faiths. This podcast features both respectful, nuanced debates with believers and conversations with experts in political, scientific, and other fields with a focus on discussing dogma, and it’s so professional.

I love your approach and the respect you show your interlocutors.

The David C. Smalley podcast is the best podcast out there if you are interested in respectful conversations. From religion to politics , comedy , and culture this has it all . David is well informed and treats his guests with kindness and respect and he tries to meet them where they are . If you listen you won’t be disappointed!

This has been my favorite podcast for years! I love David’s reasoned arguments, relatable anecdotes, friendly discussion, humanist spirit and beautiful eyes! 🥰

I discovered this podcast back when it was still called Dogma Debate in 2016. I have found a lot of value in this podcast over the years. This podcast is an exceptional example of how to conduct respectful dialogue and debate on some of the most controversial topics out there such as religion, politics and everything in-between. David is a very gracious host, and he is always willing to give his guest plenty of time to get their ideas out. I believe that long form conversation is the best way to get to the root of someone’s ideas and this podcast does a great job of getting those ideas out there. If you enjoy thoughtful conversation and debate on the important topics of the day, then this is the podcast for you.

Unlike other podcasts that have on people with horrible ideas and ideologies and just pander to them for ratings(Joe Rohan), David ask tough questions. He doesn’t just platform people and let them speak with their horrible ideas uncontested. Thank you David!

This show makes me wish I were a Christian.

David found one argument that works and rehashes it over and over while selling himself as a thinking person. Every interview is literally the same conversation because of this.

His conversations have potential, but he treats his guests like they are on trial and it’s more of a constant attack instead of a back and forth listening experience. He is just looking for a reason to use fault logic against the things he disagrees with and twists what people are saying. It’s just not an honest conversation. I’m disappointed cause I really thought this would be interesting. It’s just disappointing he’s so childish in his approach.

I’ve been a regular listener since 2013 and David has proven to be an earnest conversationalist. Over the years he has proven a consistency of message, content, and character that is hard to find. If you’re looking for an engaging podcast that probes deeply into nuance, you’ve found the right one with David Smalley.

I stumbled on David’s show via Justin Brierly. The first couple I heard were hard to listen to. I am a Christian and wondered if I would continue. Although David has different formats around social media ...I like his conversational version the best. Although his I Can’t Breathe and Response To Sam Harris are my favorite podcasts so far. I am also a ‘conservative’ but have enjoyed hearing his level headedness when talking about religion and politics (except Twitter-haha). He poses some decent questions all around and appreciate this podcast. Peace💀💀🌈🌈WJAMES

What a great and honest host

What’s the point?