Why I left the ACA and what's next...

During The Atheist Experience on Sunday, October 2nd, I announced that it would be my final show and that I would be leaving the Atheist Community of Austin.

This live stream, scheduled for 4pm Central on October 9th will address the story behind this decision as well as what comes next.

Some reminders:
1. I'm not asking anyone else to leave the ACA or stop supporting the ACA, you do what you feel is best. Support me, them, both, neither...but I'm giving my reasons for why I'm no longer supporting them.

2. No one should harrass or bother the ACA about this, no matter how you feel about the information. There are still great people there, doing good, even if it's an organization I no longer wish to work with.

3. My former cohosts are AMAZING people - do not call in to ACA shows and ask the presenters to weigh in on this issue. The presenters on AxP were informed that I was leaving and, in part, why...but presenters on other shows were not informed and do not know all of the isseus (part of the problem).

4. I'm not sure if I'l be taking questions or not - the delay makes it difficult. But I do not have plans to address this issue after today. Getting back to work is the primary goal.

[unholyiiamas]

Let's be honest, Matt is the only reason the ACA is anywhere near as successful as it is.

Good luck on your future endeavors, Matt. You will do great.

[John__Dough]

To me Matt was the ACA. He was the only reason I watched the AxP show (especially after Jen, Tracie, and Don left) and was by far the most talented.

[RoozleDoozle-]

Don’t you love how after all this time, the old reruns that the ACA posts that include clips of Matt are the videos and streams that get the most views and whatnot

[phantomofkrankor]

There is nothing fine in this world that cannot be f*cked up by management. The ACA has lost its bulldog. I hope your content will remain available on YouTube. It is timeless. Good luck!

[Baekstrom]

Sorry to hear that it ended that way. It is messed up that your long volunteer work ends in tears rather than a celebration. I”ve enjoyed watching you on the Atheist Experience, and I’m convinced that you are one of the most impactful voices in the atheist community. You must have changed many thousands of minds by now, and I hope you will continue to have a platform that allows you to reach and change thousands more. May the Youtube Algorithm be with you.

[gustercc]

“Go watch Forrest and Dave”. Damn, that hit me right in the heart. ❤ thanks Matt. Respect.

[DRACULA_FLOW]

Thanks for leaving this up Matt. Was trying to figure out why you weren't in the newer episodes of the atheist experience until I just found this explanation. Love you man and owe you a lot for helping me deal with the confusion of admitting to myself that I was atheist having been raised christian. Can't wait to start tuning in and check out all your solo work. Hope you're doing well! So glad I found your new channel.

[Engineer_Heathen]

I fell out of the online atheist community awhile back, mostly out of boredom of hearing the same bad arguments. Still an atheist though. Matt played a huge part in my journey to becoming an atheist. So just want to thank you for all the years of hard work. Been a fan since way back in the early days.

[TheSecondSports]

I can hear the hurt in your voice and I am truly sorry to hear this happened to you after giving so much. You and AronRa are the two people who brought me out of a dark place. I have nothing but confidence that you will be more successful without the ACA. Get it brother. Much love

[ultimomelao]

Despite having never spoken to you before, I'm a guy who benefits from your honest generosity on a daily basis. I feel deeply for your struggle to be heard and, simultaneously, I need you to know that I've tremendously expanded my perceptions as well as grown a solid sense of respect. I'll keep on supporting your work as it's of enormous value for people like me all around the globe, having the honour of learning every night before going to bed and wishing you all the best, my friend. Stay strong.

[sloporion]

I find it fairly fitting and somewhat ironic that Matt is known for the phrase "answer the fucking question" and one of the reasons he's leaving is because they wouldn't answer his questions.

I'm glad you're on the Line, hopefully you get more respect there (I'm not sure the structure of it, outside of Jimmy is the boss (even though you're the End Boss).

[Anonymoose]

We love you Matt! Don't ever stop until you feel the mission is complete! You have so much wisdom to offer the world.

[christopheranderson]

“Every great cause begins as a movement, becomes a business, and eventually degenerates into a racket.” --Eric Hoffer

[joseotoya]

Words alone cannot express how grateful I'm for all your hard work over the years, I call my self an atheist because you open my eyes and was able to question and learn more about the religion that I was part of.
Thank you so much, for everything you have done for me.

[AKjane]

You have no idea how much the Atheist Experience has meant to me. I’ve learned so much from all of you over the years. I was very superstitious and even though my husband tried to get me out of it it was the volunteer hosts, cohosts and especially you. We’ve watched every show on YouTube at least once. I no longer worry about those things. My husband and I watched every Sunday. We were married 50 years. He died on January 4, this year. I’ve had trouble watching and doing the things we did together, too many memories. I have watched clips of you and Jim recently, which I enjoyed. Especially since Jim lives on a boat, too. I’ll be watching your show on Wednesdays now. You deserve so much more. Keep strong.❤

[GDFear]

You, Tracie, Jen, Don, Russell, Jeff and many of the other old hosts were the reason I watched the show. Now that you are gone, I feel as though I have no reason to support the ACA anymore

[DavidCRod]

Matt, it's their loss. I'm happy that your mission continues. We'll be here to support you. You don't know how important you have been and still are for so many of us. Love you, man.

[yourroyalhighness]

Matt, you are THE reason why I have watched TAE for years and years. When I walk around the house doing things I carry my IPAD and listen to you.
I seldom say this to anyone other than my wide but here goes…I love you.
Matt, you are amazing. Please stay out there and stay connected. Your words are priceless. You MATTER. You are LOVED
Stay safe and healthy. We NEED you. Much love and respect.

[frozentspark]

I found your channel right as I was transitioning out of religion. You gave me my life back or a lest gave my control back. I can't say thank you enough and I'm truly sorry you've been treated like that. You deserve all the best wherever life takes you. Thanks again Sir Matt

[jameskolar]

You can’t step away from the the ACA and expect me to not have a spleen to vent? You have been the star of the show for me, because you’ve been the presenter who makes most sense to me. You’ve been the teacher I most understood and most enjoyed watching. You’ve had more influence on my life during the last 10 years than anyone else has during the previous 60 years of my life. I won’t do all those things you ask me ‘not’ to do, because you ask it of me, but I will say Thank you Matt, from across the pond. ACA shows with you in have been thoroughly enjoyable. I love you pal, take good care of yourself. I will always follow you, I hope showing you a loyalty you deserve, where others have failed you. Thank you Matt, Peace and love !