Atheistville with Mike Smithgall
Hosted by Mike Smithgall, Atheistville explores atheism, deconversion, and secular life through open, respectful conversation. The channel features two signature shows:
Mike Drop – weekly commentary on religion, politics, and culture from a reasoned, secular perspective.
Breakfast with a Heathen – a relaxed Sunday Q&A that tackles listener and Reddit questions about belief, honesty, and living without faith.
Together, they create a space for candid dialogue about leaving belief behind, thinking for yourself, and building a meaningful life grounded in evidence, empathy, and ethics rather than dogma.
Podcast Creator Bio: Mike Smithgall
Mike Smithgall is the creator and host of Atheistville, a podcast and YouTube series exploring atheism, deconversion, and secular life through real conversation instead of confrontation. Drawing on his background as a financial professional and lifelong skeptic, Mike focuses on how people think, what leads them to question faith, and how they rebuild meaning without religion.
He interviews former believers, secular thinkers, and progressive voices to highlight shared values of empathy, critical thinking, and human connection. His mission is simple: belief should be personal, not political, and every story deserves to be heard.
Follow his work on YouTube (@Atheistville) or at Atheistville.com.
Atheistville with Mike Smithgall
From Pulpit to Prison: An Atheist’s Journey Through Faith, Identity, and Redemption with Mike Gonzalez
In this candid conversation, Mike shares his path from a devout Lutheran youth leader and Boy Scout to an openly bisexual atheist who rebuilt his life after addiction, prison, and deep personal conflict. We discuss the pressures of growing up in a conservative religious environment, wrestling with questions about faith and morality, and the cost of living a double life.
Mike opens up about the role military service, the loss of community, and hidden identity played in his struggles, and how moving to a more accepting environment, getting mental health support, and embracing authenticity changed his life. This is a raw, honest look at belief, deconversion, and finding purpose beyond religion.
📑 Relevant Topics / Chapter Headings
- Growing up Lutheran and feeling “in the in-group”
- Transitioning from religious school to public school
- Leadership roles in church and Boy Scouts
- Early doubts about God and reading the Bible critically
- Navigating bisexuality in a conservative faith community
- Military service and living a double life
- Alcoholism, PTSD, and the path to recovery
- Prison, stigma, and second chances
- Finding acceptance and purpose after deconversion
- Lessons for others questioning their faith
Visit us at www.Atheistville.com for more content from Mike Smithgall and the Atheistville team
📺 Subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@atheistville
💬 Want to be a guest or submit a question? Drop us a note at CONTACT
Check us out at: https://atheistville.buzzsprout.com
🔥 New episodes weekly from Atheistville — Mike Drop with Mike Smithgall, Ask an Atheist, and The Unholy Roundtable
© 2025 Atheistville Media
