The Thinking Atheist podcast host, author, activist 

Seth Andrews is a former evangelical and Christian broadcaster who now hosts The Thinking Atheist…one of the most popular podcasts and online atheist communities in the world. The Thinking Atheist is not a person. It is an icon encouraging all to reject faith and pursue reason and evidence. Seth has authored six books, including "Confessions of a Former Fox News Christian".  He also hosts a second podcast, "True Stories with Seth Andrews." With a mix of humor and heart, Seth Andrews has spoken to audiences in the U.S, Canada, Europe, and Australia about his former faith, the promotion of science and skepticism, the importance of Humanism in this often crazy world, and why we should all pursue a personal relationship with reality.  https://linktr.ee/SethAndrews 

Topic:  How Do We Explain This to the Aliens? 

In what may be his most exasperated (and relatable) rant ever, Seth Andrews envisions a conversation between himself and cosmic visitors seeking to understand our species in these bizarre and often terrible times. You'll both laugh and lament, yet you might also walk away with a sliver of hope that Earth isn't defined by its most ridiculous residents... and that perhaps we remain a species worth saving. 

Freedom From Religion Foundation co-president, former preacher & evangelist, author, songwriter

A former Christian minister who preached for 19 years, Dan Barker is now an atheist and co-president of the Freedom From Religion Foundation, one of the largest secular groups in the world, with many legal victories on behalf of church / state separation, and producing excellent Super Bowl ads promoting secular visibility. He is a co-founder of The Clergy Project and is co-host of Freethought Radio and Freethought Matters (TV) with his wife, Annie Laurie Gaylor.  His first public appearance as an atheist was on Oprah Winfrey's "AM Chicago" show. He has traveled extensively, lecturing and performing on college campuses, and has participated in more than 130 public debates. He is a member of the Lenape (Delaware) tribe of American Indians. Worth noting, this year Dan (and FFRF) are co-hosting a weekend marking the Scopes "Monkey" Trial's 100 year anniversary in Chattanooga, TN, this July.  Dan is also a prolific secular author, having written more than 12 books, including Life-Driven Purpose, and several children's books.  Last but not least, Dan is an accomplished piano player, songwriter, and a creator of the Godless Gospel secular choir, which will be performing at NaNoCon on Friday evening! 

Topic: The Battle of Church and State

"Dying Out Loud" tour, former pastor

Dave is a former evangelical pastor who is now atheist. In 2019 he was diagnosed with ALS, a terminal illness. He is spending the time he has left traveling and speaking about living fully and approaching death as an atheist. He has written the book Childish Things: A Memoir.  Carpe The F*ckin' Diem!       

“Stand Up and Speak Up” 

If we care about our country and basic human rights, we must do everything we can to stand up, speak up, and make our presence known. We no longer have the luxury of hiding in the closets. Dave will encourage us to raise our voice, and give us practical tips on how best to do that with minimal residual damage to family and friends.

American Atheists, Director of Strategic Communications & Policy Engagement, editor-in-chief of "American Atheist" magazine.

Writer, Activist, School Privatization Policy Wonk.  Proud to hail from the rural Midwest, Melina spent six years fighting harmful school privatization legislation in Nebraska, where she grew increasingly troubled by the outsized influence of the religious lobby on government. She joined American Atheists in 2023. As Director of Strategic Communications & Policy Engagement and Editor-in-Chief of American Atheist magazine, Melina crafts compelling, evidence-based, and mission-driven messaging that’s both responsive to the moment and reflective of American Atheists’ history as one of the nation’s leading religious equality watchdogs and nonreligious civil rights organizations. Her writing has been featured in Newsweek. 

Topic:  Communicating for the Common Good: How to Defeat Doublespeak, Dispel Disinformation, and Defend Democracy 

Forget the culture war; we’re in the midst of a communication war — between facts and “alt-facts,” the free press and “fake news,” evidence-based public policy and faith-based propaganda. You’ve heard it called spiritual warfare and a battle for the soul of America. Religious rhetoric aside, let’s talk about how to talk about post-truth politics and the most epic (and exhausting) game of tug-of-war in a generation: Privatizers vs. The Public Good. Learn more about its origins, its potential outcomes, and how each of us can use the power of the pen to promote reason, advocate for secular schools, protect our environment, and settle this debate for good, the public good.