Podcast

Freethought Radio

Religion, Religion & Spirituality

A weekly show, broadcast live from Madison, Wis., on 92.1 FM, Saturdays 11 a.m. to 12 noon. Hosted by Dan Barker and Annie Laurie Gaylor, co-presidents, Freedom From Religion Foundation. Slightly irreverent views, news, music and interviews.

Religion chart
#32
Episodes
1,072
Releases
Weekly
Typical length
49 min
On air since
2006
Latest episode
5 days ago

Episodes

1,072 episodes, newest first

  1. I've Had It!

    Show notes

    We hear from two teachers who object to Texas' law requiring the posting of Ten Commandments in public schools, and from two students denouncing Christian nationalism. Then, atheist Jennifer Welch, host of the popular "I've Had It!" show, tells us exactly what motivates theocrats – and how to combat them.

    49 min
  2. Unthinkable

    Show notes

    After we report our challenges and victories regarding Christian nationalism, we hear Ron Reagan – son of the former president – talk about how a once unthinkable theocracy is now threatening democracy, and about what we can do to defend freedom of thought.

    50 min
  3. American Caesar

    Show notes

    We listen to highlights of FFRF's "Great American Freethought Songbook" concert series. Then, Dr. Bradley B. Onishi describes his new book "American Caesar: How Theocrats and Tech Lords are Turning America Into a Monarchy."

    49 min
  4. Why Fascists Fear Teachers

    Show notes

    FFRF Action Fund's legislative team gives us a rundown on the Nov. 3 ballot initiatives around the country, both good and bad. Then, American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten describes her new book, "Why Fascists Fear Teachers."

    50 min
  5. Free Betty

    Show notes

    After announcing the "Secularist of the Week" and the "Theocrat of the Week," we speak with Maryam Namazie, president of the Council of Ex-Muslims of Great Britain, about the campaign to release Ibtissame Betty Lachgar from a Moroccan prison for the "crime" of wearing a T-shirt that insults Islam.

    49 min
  6. Sisterhood Is Global

    Show notes

    After reporting the good and the bad news about Christian nationalist antics, we remember the life and legacy of well-known feminist and atheist activist Robin Morgan, who died earlier this month.

    50 min
  7. Not Today, Fascists!

    Show notes

    On Constitution Day, we celebrate a legislative win for a Washington, D.C., memorial to Forgotten Freethinking Founder Thomas Paine. Then, popular podcaster Jennifer Welch tells us about her new book, "Not Today, Fascists: The Lies That Got Us Here, and the Truths That Will Reunite Us."

    49 min
  8. Southeast Asian Freethinkers

    Show notes

    We salute feminist freethinker Robin Morgan, and castigate Christian nationalist actions by various Cabinet members. Then, A.J. Surin, founder and president of Humanists Malaysia, tells us about the few brave freethinkers advocating for reason and tolerance of diversity in his ultrareligious mostly Muslim nation.

    50 min
  9. Was Spinoza an atheist?

    Show notes

    After remembering the life of the great feminist and humanist Gloria Steinem, we speak with Professor Steven Nadler about his new bombshell book, "Spinoza, Atheist."

    50 min
  10. Common Sense

    Show notes

    Margaret Downey, president of the Thomas Paine Memorial Association, tells us what you can do to help erect a memorial statue to America's forgotten Founder Thomas Paine in Washington, D.C.

    48 min
  11. No Prophets

    Show notes

    After announcing that we have asked the Supreme Court to rule that the Texas law requiring the posting of the Ten Commandments in public schools is unconstitutional, we hear Ron Reagan interview Rep. Jared Huffman about his new book "No Prophets: The Fight to Save Democracy from Christian Nationalism."

    50 min
  12. Hitchens vs. The Church

    Show notes

    We hear the brilliant late journalist/intellectual Christopher Hitchens debate an archbishop on the topic "Is the Catholic Church a force for good in the world?" and FFRF Regional Government Affairs Manager Mickey Dollens explains what's wrong with Texas' new bible-infused public-school curriculum.

    49 min
  13. Congressional Reason!

    Show notes

    After reporting problems created by — as well as victories against — Christian nationalism, we hear the co-chairs of the Congressional Freethought Caucus, Reps. Jared Huffman, D-Calif., and Jamie Raskin, D-Md., speaking at the third annual Congressional Reason Reception in Washington, D.C., co-sponsored by FFRF.

    50 min
  14. Uncommon Sense

    Show notes

    FFRF co-sponsored the Reason Reception in Washington, D.C., in honor of the Congressional Freethought Caucus. We hear remarks by Reps. Steve Cohen, D-Tenn., Sean Casten, D-Ill., and Suzanne Bonamici, D-Ore., capped off by the guest of honor Mary Trump.

    49 min
  15. "Intelligent Design" on Trial

    Show notes

    This week on Freethought Radio, a look at how the Trump administration is whitewashing American history in Philadelphia. Then, federal Judge John E. Jones tells the behind-the-scenes story of the 2005 trial leading to his landmark decision barring so-called "intelligent design" from being taught in public school science classes.

    49 min
  16. Astrology and Science

    Show notes

    After reporting national Christian-nationalist news and local state/church victories in the schools, we talk with journalist Carlos Orsi, author of the new book, "What Science Says About Astrology."

    50 min
  17. State/Church Advocacy

    Show notes

    After reporting a slew of Christian Nationalist nonsense from pastors, government officials and our President, FFRF Action Fund's Senior Policy Counsel Ryan Jayne and State Policy Manager Ryan Dudley describe a slew of good and bad state-church bills in state legislatures so far this year.

    49 min
  18. Student Voices on Christian Nationalism

    Show notes

    We look at a new federal "religious liberty" report that could significantly reshape church-state separation in the United States, along with a Supreme Court ruling allowing states to ban transgender girls from school sports. We feature award-winning essays by three students – Gabrielle Williams, Jaianah Hightower and MeKah'E LeClair. We also hear Dan Barker's opening statement from a recent debate on whether the God of the Bible exists.

    50 min
  19. A Liberating Journey

    Show notes

    We first get the lowdown on the back and forth that Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala., has gotten into with the Freedom From Religion Foundation regarding our objection to the Auburn University men's baseball program being suffused with religion. Then, we listen to writer Chrissy Stroop talk about her journey from evangelical schools to leading counternarratives about the Christian right.

    49 min
  20. Brain Surgery

    Show notes

    Neurosurgeon Dr. Vivekanand Palavali joins us to examine how science unravels near-death and out-of-body experiences. Then, we hear from members of the Congressional Freethought Caucus who are pushing back against Christian nationalism and the false claim that America was founded as a Christian nation.

    49 min

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