The Atheist Experience Scrapbook
The Roy Blevens & Joe Zamecki Days
When The Atheist Experience
began its run on Time Warner Cable (back then it was Austin Access), it was hosted
by some of ACA's founding members, Ray Blevins (the Raytheist) and Joe Zamecki.
Joe left after a time and moved up east, where he now works with American Atheists.
Ray continued as host of the show, with Jeff Dee as co-host, leaving in late
1999. Here's a glimpse into ACA's primordial media efforts.
(Left) The early crew. Joe, Ray, and then-stage manager Keith Berka are
kneeling in front. Arlo Pignotti, who's back and still occasionally involved
with the show, is standing to the far right. (Right) Vic Farrow, co-host of
ACA's
The Non-Prophets, is standing on the left. Vic became the
TV show's producer, and even its co-host for a short while under Jeff Dee at
the beginning of 2000, before Martin replaced him. He preferred working in
the control room much more.
Winter 2002 Crew
Winter 2002 Crew
(Left to right) Back: Producers Steven Elliott and Russell Glasser.
Middle: Then-co-host David Clark and host Martin Wagner; guest and occasional
sound guy Arlo Pignotti.
Front: Crew members Charles Tabony and future co-host Ashley Perrien.
Winter 2003 Crew
Winter 2003 Crew
Standing in front of the new banner designed by Jill Ford: Ashley, Martin, Steven, sound guy Charles Tabony.
Seated: Andi Roberts and Ashlea Doty.
Martin's Goodbye as Host
February 29, 2004: Martin's 4th anniversary...and final show.
I go back to the 20th Century with this show! As the last of the "old
guard", let me just say what a joy and privilege it has been
to be ACA's public "ambassador," so to speak, on Austin's
cablewaves. Over the last four years I have made some great friends,
whom I fully expect to have for life, and most importantly, I have
learned more than I can say. We've debated many believers, some
calm and civil, others histrionic and hostile, but in each case,
the experience honing my own skills in critical thinking and argumentation
(a process I'm still enthusiastically learning after all this time)
is something I will reap benefits from all my days. For me, atheism
represents a positive outlook on the present and future; being able
to appreciate life without the fetters of dogma, prejudice and superstition.
The human race will only come together when we all embrace reason
over ancient faiths and fears, and look ahead to our mutual survival.
I want to thank Ashley, Steven, Russell, and the crew for all their
hard work and support (and at times patience), Jeff Dee
for early guidance, the ACA for its unwavering commitment to the
fulfilled secular life, and all our regular viewers all these years!
I look forward to involving myself with other ACA outreach efforts
in the future while Ashley ably takes the TV reins. —Martin,
2/15/04
Spring 2004 Crew
Some 2007 Behind-the-scenes Shots
We haven't updated our scrapbook in a while, but we had these behind-the-scenes shots to give
people an idea of what it's like setting up and running the show.
Thanks to Frank for the pictures.
Matt praying for a good show.
(Just kidding!)
Joe playing Oz in the mini-studio control booth.
John mans the camera with a smile.
