Best Freethought Podcasts (2025)

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Whitewashing History Highlights the Importance of Church-State Separation 49:43

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6d ago49:43

49:43

We celebrate a court victory in Arkansas where a federal court issued a second preliminary injunction blocking a state law requiring the posting of the Ten Commandments in public school classrooms. We criticize a “faith-based disaster recovery event” at the National Mall in which Housing and Urban Development Secretary Scott Turner proclaimed that …

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Show 655: Naturalistic Support

7d ago

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The Loneliness Epidemic II In 2023, the U.S. Surgeon General called loneliness and isolation a “public health crisis” as deadly as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. And, according to the Cigna U.S. Loneliness Index, nearly half of U.S. adults report experience loneliness on a regular basis. So, in our high-tech age of hyper-connectivity, where virtually…

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50. Andrew Copson on Why Humanism Remains Essential in an Age of Extremism, 20 Years of Human Rights Campaigning 51:10

4d ago51:10

51:10

“No one ever said it was going to be easy. Humanists don’t think a better world is inevitable—we think a better world is possible, but we have to work for it.” Andrew Copson OBE, Chief Executive of Humanists UK and former President of Humanists International, joins us for our 50th episode to reflect on two decades of humanist leadership. From growi…

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49. Morgan DeNicola on the Philanthropy of Everyday Action & Dialogue Across Divides 39:31

9d ago39:31

39:31

“You don’t change the world. You change the way one person views the world—and then you’ve changed the world for that person.” What if true strength lies not in certainty, but in listening with respect? In this episode, Morgan DeNicola, Executive Director of the DeNicola Family Foundation, shares how dialogue across divides, cultural diplomacy and …

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"Western Christian values" 49:24

13d ago49:24

49:24

Christian nationalists in government are ramping up the rhetoric. We report how FFRF is protesting the White House "America Prays" initiative and a bill to put "In God We Trust" on federal buildings. Then, we speak with journalist Haley Cohen Gilliland, author of A Flower Traveled in My Blood: The Incredible True Story of the Grandmothers Who Fough…

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Show 654: Naturalistic Support

14d ago

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The Loneliness Epidemic In 2023, the U.S. Surgeon General called loneliness and isolation a “public health crisis” as deadly as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. And, according to the Cigna U.S. Loneliness Index, nearly half of U.S. adults report experience loneliness on a regular basis. So, in our high-tech age of hyper-connectivity, where virtually ev…

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James Ogude on Ubuntu's Ethical Framework - Personhood, Co-Agency & Justice (Global Origins of Humanism Series) 46:12

15d ago46:12

46:12

Ubuntu: I am because we are. 🌍✨ In this bonus episode of Humanism Now, we’re sharing the live recording of Professor James Ogude’s talk from the online event Understanding Ubuntu Traditions part of the Global Origins of Humanism series (co-hosted by Central London Humanists and the Association of Black Humanists). Prof. Ogude is a Senior Research F…

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48. David Livingstone Smith on the Psychology of Dehumanization - Roots, Rhetoric, Myths and How to Resist It 51:44

18d ago51:44

51:44

“The arc of history bends towards justice only if you keep pushing it in that direction.” David Livingstone-Smith, Ph.D., award-winning author, Professor of Philosophy at the University of New England and a leading authority on dehumanization joins us to unpack how ordinary people come to see others as “less than human,” why that shift makes atroci…

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The "Trial of the Century" 49:43

20d ago49:43

49:43

We report on state/church victories and challenges in Arkansas, South Carolina, Texas, Morocco, Minnesota and Florida. Then, we hear Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Ed Larson (Summer for the Gods) tell us the story of the 1925 Scopes Trial, the “Trial of the Century,” pitting science against religion in Dayton, Tenn., 100 years ago.…

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Show 653: Naturalistic Support

22d ago

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Surviving Tribalism II In-group and out-group dynamics, and the larger phenomenon of tribalism, have been with humankind for millennia, yet never before have they posed the existential threat that they do today. How can humankind resolve its differences before it’s too late, and how can Naturalistic Humanism help? Listen to show #49 below!…

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47. Victoria Mattingly on The Human Side of DEI: Transforming Workplaces Through Data-Driven Inclusion 37:52

25d ago37:52

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“Inclusion is the behaviors that result in others feeling valued, respected, seen and heard.” Dr. Victoria Mattingly (Dr. V)—industrial-organizational psychologist, CEO & founder of Mattingly Solutions, and co-author of Inclusalytics—joins us to show how rigorous data and deeply human connection can coexist. We unpack practical, measurable ways to …

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Welcome to Secular Sankofa - Reclaiming African Identity Through Secular Humanism 31:03

25d ago31:03

31:03

"We believe in people, not prophets, we believe in freedom, not fear, and we believe in integrity, not doctrine" - Audrey Simmons, Podcast Host The Secular Sankofa podcast launches as the first-ever platform for Black humanists to reconnect with African identity and heritage through a secular lens. The hosts introduce the Association of Black Human…

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Star-Spangled Jesus 49:24

27d ago49:24

49:24

We are not retreating from our lawsuit challenging the Ten Commandments in Texas public schools, in spite of the Texas attorney general's warning that he won't back down from posting them. After covering state/church news in Texas, Arkansas, Minnesota and Colorado, we hear Rachel Maddow's warning about authoritarianism. Then, we speak with April Aj…

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Show 652: Naturalistic Support

28d ago

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Surviving Tribalism In-group and out-group dynamics, and the larger phenomenon of tribalism, have been with humankind for millennia, yet never before have they posed the existential threat that they do today. How can humankind resolve its differences before it’s too late, and how can Naturalistic Humanism help? Listen to show #48 below!…

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46. Bill Angus on Divorcing Jesus: Finding Authentic Community Beyond the Church 36:45

1M ago36:45

36:45

“If humanism is anything, it’s self-education. It’s progressing, becoming more educated, more enlightened.” - Dr Bill Angus Dr Bill Angus takes us on a provocative journey through his transition from devout evangelical Christian to secular humanist in this candid, thought-provoking conversation. After 30 years of committed faith, Angus found himsel…

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Medicine River 49:43

1M ago49:43

49:43

After we cover state/church news around the country, FFRF Senior Litigation Counsel Sam Grover recounts FFRF's recent victory stopping the Ten Commandments from being posted in Texas public schools. Then, journalist Mary Annette Pember, a citizen of the Red Cliff Band of Wisconsin Ojibwe, describes her new book Medicine River: A Story of Survival a…

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Science v. Creationism with Eugenie Scott 1:06:43

1M ago1:06:43

1:06:43

In the past century, there have been a number of court cases where religious folks have attempted to inject their beliefs into the public schools. But two cases are more noteworthy than most, and bookend the long battle between science and creationism in the classroom. These two trials, The State of Tennessee v. John Thomas Scopes, and Kitzmiller v…

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Show 651: Naturalistic Support

1M ago

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Parenting & Education, Pt 2 From a Naturalistic Humanist perspective, children are naturally curious, creative, and inclined to share. Presently, however, the way our children are parented and taught is strongly influenced by a misanthropic view and the dominator model. We assume that children are naturally uncooperative and in need of continuous e…

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45. Richard Norman on What is Humanism For? 31:08

1M ago31:08

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“It’s on the basis of our shared humanity that we need to try to understand the world and think about how to live in it.” Professor Richard Norman, philosopher and author of What Is Humanism For?, joins us to explore the enduring question at the heart of secular ethics. From his journey out of Christianity to his role shaping humanist thought in th…

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Confronting Christian nationalism 49:43

1M ago49:43

49:43

FFRF Legal Director Patrick Elliott tells us some breaking good news about a Christian nationalist legal attack against FFRF by Oklahoma state Superintendent Ryan Walters. Then, we'll hear a chilling warning about encroaching Christian fascism by author Katherine Stewart.

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Show 650: Naturalistic Support

1M ago

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Parenting & Education From a Naturalistic Humanist perspective children are naturally curious, creative and inclined to share, presently however, the way our children are parented and taught is strongly influenced by a misanthropic view and the dominator model. We assume that children are naturally uncooperative and in need of continuous extrinsic …

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44. Lizzi Collinge MP on Applying Humanist Values in British Politics 38:17

1M ago38:17

38:17

“I believe in autonomy, I believe in choice, I believe in human freedom, and I believe in having less suffering… all of which are fundamentally humanist values.” – Lizzi Collinge MP Lizzi Collinge—Labour MP for Morecambe & Lunesdale and Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Humanist Group—shares how openly declaring “I am a humanist” now shapes her …

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The Trial of the Century 49:42

2M ago49:42

49:42

We announce a great victory from the Arkansas courts blocking the state from displaying the Ten Commandments in every public school classroom. After reporting state/church news in California, West Virginia, Iowa and West Point Military Academy, we hear the Tom Lehrer song "I Got it from Agnes" and the "1919 Influenza Blues" by Essie Ray Jenkins. Th…

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Show 649: Naturalistic Support

2M ago

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NON-BELIEVERS IN A BELIEVING WORLD Pt 3 This week we continue our look at belief and disbelief. Why do we believe as we do? Are some beliefs inherently intolerant? Are nonbelievers intolerant towards believers? How can believers and nonbelievers treat each other with respect and kindness? Are there ideas that both believers and nonbelievers can sha…

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43. Katherine Lacefield on Moving from Confrontation to Connection & Campaigning for Causes that Welcome Everyone 36:22

2M ago36:22

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"Compassion has no borders" - Katherine Lacefield Katherine Lacefield—founder of Just Be Cause Consulting—shares why swapping confrontational animal-rights tactics for compassion-first community building creates deeper, lasting change for animals, people and the planet. Connect with Katherine Website – justbecause.consulting Facebook – @JustBeCause…

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Death with Dignity 49:42

2M ago49:42

49:42

Incursions of Christian nationalism at the federal and state level are increasing, and we are fighting back. We report a quick legal victory removing a Ten Commandments monument from an Illinois county courthouse. Then, we remember the lives of two precious freethinkers who died this month: long-time FFRF member Dick Hewetson, an Episcopal priest t…

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Show 648: Naturalistic Support

2M ago

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NON-BELIEVERS IN A BELIEVING WORLD Pt 2 Over the past 10 years, the number of American atheists and agnostics has doubled. And the percentage of adults without religious affiliation is on the rise. But despite these demographic trends, being a nonbeliever can be challenging. Are you a non-believer navigating through a believing world? Or perhaps yo…

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42. Peruvian Association of Atheist on How Humanist Weddings, Naming & Funerals are Driving Peru's Secular Revolution 35:35

2M ago35:35

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“Rituals are in the roots of our humankind.” — Iván Antezana Adrián Núñez and Iván Antezana—leading organisers of the Peruvian Association of Atheists (APERAT)—reveal how their victory in the 2025 Humanist Accelerator Program is turning the dream of legally-recognised humanist ceremonies into a nationwide reality, challenging deep-rooted stigma and…

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Can religion cure loneliness? 49:24

2M ago49:24

49:24

This week on Freethought Radio, guest hosts Ryan Jayne and Leo Costello talk about a Christian state representative in Texas who's speaking out against a new law that would place the Ten Commandments in every public school in the state. Plus, we listen to debates featuring FFRF Co-Presidents Annie Laurie Gaylor and Dan Barker as they address the qu…

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Show 647: Naturalistic Support

2M ago

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NON-BELIEVERS IN A BELIEVING WORLD Over the past 10 years, the number of American atheists and agnostics has doubled. And the percentage of adults without religious affiliation is on the rise. But despite these demographic trends, being a nonbeliever can be challenging. Are you a non-believer navigating through a believing world? Or perhaps you are…

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41. Bridget Shirvell on Parenting in a Climate Crisis: Teaching Kids Curiosity, Resilience & Hope 32:22

2M ago32:22

32:22

“Research has found that the amount of questions kids ask dramatically decreases once they start formalized education.” – Bridget Shirvell Journalist and climate-communicator Bridget Shirvell joins Humanism Now to share a four-part roadmap—feel, love, build, act—for raising climate-resilient kids. Drawing on her new book Parenting in a Climate Cris…

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Science Beacon on a Hill With Griffith Observatory Director Dr. Ed krupp 1:05:23

2M ago1:05:23

1:05:23

The Griffith Observatory is the most visited public observatory in the world, and a science icon that overlooks the Los Angeles basin. Since 1935, the facility has hosted astronauts, WWII pilots and celebrities, and continues to promote science and wonder in a world full of misinformation. In this episode, Jim chats with Griffith Observatory Direct…

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America's Best Idea 49:24

2M ago49:24

49:24

We report on state/church violations in the White House, Department of Homeland Security, Department of Defense and Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. Then, FFRF Rapid Response Attorney Chris Line tells us what it means now that the IRS has announced that places of worship can endorse political candidates. Finally, we speak with distingu…

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Show 646: Naturalistic Support

2M ago

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PROANTHROPY Pt. 2 Another concept central to Naturalistic Humanism is proanthropy — the idea that when humans get the developmental and life support they require they are naturally inclined towards being cooperative and caring, wanting to participate and contribute. Sadly, despite voluminous supporting evidence, our society is premised on the compl…

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40. Nick Cooney on Going Beyond Good Intentions & the Ethical Impact of What We Leave Undone 44:20

2M ago44:20

44:20

“Focusing on the positive outcomes gives you agency; you can literally see the progress happening and that keeps you moving forward.” - Nick Cooney Nick Cooney is a social entrepreneur, alternative‑protein investor, and author. He joins Humanism Now to discuss to unpack the hidden moral cost of doing nothing. Drawing on insights from his new book W…

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Religious attack on LGBTQ+ 49:44

3M ago49:44

49:44

We criticize Texas Governor Gregg Abbott for using the flood devastation as an opportunity to preach his personal religious views. We point out that in spite of the IRS decision not to punish two churches for politicking from the pulpit, the Johnson Amendment prohibiting such action is still the law of the land. After honoring the life of our frien…

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39. Dr Bo Bennett on Sharpening Critical Thinking, Logical Fallacies & Persuasive Dialogue 38:31

3M ago38:31

38:31

“We need to care more about believing what is true than being right and being proved right.” - Bo Bennet With outrage-bait, memes and “gotcha” clips swarming every feed, being able to think about our thinking is no longer optional. Social psychologist, entrepreneur and Positive Humanism author Dr Bo Bennett joins host James Hodgson to show why crit…