Freethought Radio
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Guest: Patrick Elliott
Today we celebrate Bertrand Russell's birthday by listening to his own voice commenting on Christianity and the afterlife. Hear Annie Laurie read Russell's "Ten Thoughts" alternative to the Ten Commandments, and Dan's song "Reincarnation" about the after-life. Then we talk with FFRF attorney Patrick Elliott about the successful removal of Ten Commandments posters in Oklahoma and Kentucky schools, and (it's that time of year) the ongoing problem with the distribution of Gideo bibles in public...
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Guest: HS senior activist Daniel Koster
It's Irving Berlin's 125th Birthday, and we celebrate the life of the nonbelieving songwriter by playing some of his famous music. Listen to George Carlin rail about religion, hear about FFRF's graduation prayer victory in Georgia, and learn about FFRF's May 2 full-page Washington Post ad challenging the National Day of Prayer. Then we talk with high-school senior Daniel Koster, who distributed freethought literature at Wekiva High School, Florida, protesting Bible distribution in 11 Orange...
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Guests: Robert M. Price and Jerry DeWitt
There is hope after faith! We listen to former pentecostal minister Jerry DeWitt "preach" his story of conversion to atheism before 900 nonbelievers at FFRF's 2012 Convention. Then we talk with another former preacher, Robert Price—scholar, author, Jesus Seminar fellow, and professor of theology—who tells us why many scholars doubt not only the resurrection, but also the very existence of Jesus.
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If It's Not One Thing, It's Your Mother! Guest: Julia...
Actress, comedian, author and atheist Julia Sweeney discusses her new book,If It's Not One Thing, It's Your Mother.Her hilarious yet poignant writings -- from one intriguing month of her life -- cover marriage, motherhood, adoption, Santa Claus, abortion, and the death of her brother, all in her uniquely humanistic and comedic way. We also hear the Malvina Reynolds song "The Judge Said," about the successful recall of a sexist Wisconsin judge (and hear about Annie Laurie dressed as a nun in...
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Shelley Segal, Australian singer/songwriter: new poster...
Breaking (and taking down) the Ten Commandments! Hear about FFRF's victory in Kentucky schools that are now removing the Ten Commandments after complaints from students and FFRF attorneys. Then we talk with Australian singer/songwriter Shelley Segal -- the new poster girl for the international atheism movement -- and play some of the songs from her CD, An Atheist Album.
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Christopher Hitchens remembered, Guest: Dawn Brittain
This week we celebrate the April 13 birthdays of two great freethinkers: Christopher Hitchens and Thomas Jefferson. Listen to a hilarious excerpt of Hitchens' 2007 talk to the Freedom From Religion Foundation. Then hear Dawn Brittain talk about her efforts to defend Jefferson's wall of separation between church and state, by trying to remove a cross from a war memorial in Coos Bay, Oregon. Bonus music: "Thank You, God," by Tim Minchin.
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Guest: Ernie Harburg
This week we celebrate FFRF's victory in Jackson, Ohio. The Jesus painting in the high school was taken down! We also celebrate the April 8 birthday of Yip Harburg, the famous nonbelieving lyricist ("Over the Rainbow," "April in Paris," "Paper Moon"), by catching up with his son Ernie, who tells us that his Dad's socially minded legacy continues through the activities of the Yip Harburg Foundation.
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"Easter Challenge"
“Leave No Stone Unturned.” This Easter weekend, we deconstruct the biblical resurrection stories, uncovering many contradictions, asking listeners to take FFRF’s “Easter Challenge.” We also discuss gay marriage, religious abortion laws, an FFRF complaint over a Christian cross on a war memorial in Coos Bay, Oregon, and hear FFRF dissed on the O'Reilley Show.
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Guest: Katherine Stewart
It's bad news for the Good News Club. Listen to excerpts of the speech given before FFRF's October 2012 convention in Portland, Oregon, by Katherine Stewart, journalist and author ofThe Good News Club: The Christian Right's Stealth Assault on America's Children. Also hear "One Sweet Morning," a peace anthem heralding the spring, lyrics by nontheistic songwriter Yip Harburg.
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Guest: Jim McCollum
In honor of the 65th anniversary of the historicMcCollum v. Board of Educationvictory before the Supreme Court (March 8, 1948), we interview Jim McCollum, who was the young boy in that case challenging religious instruction in the public schools. We also listen to Dan Barker's rousing freethought song, "The Battle of Church and State."
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Guest: Author of Beyond Belief, Jenna Miscavige Hill
Bible verses on middle-school baseball caps, now removed; action alert to protest federal money for churches to rebuild after Hurricane Sandy. Our guest on this week's show is Jenna Miscavige Hill, author ofBeyond Belief:My Secret Life Inside Scientology and My Harrowing Escape.Ms. Hill, thenieceof Scientology's leader David Miscavige, tells herheartbreakingstory of child labor, split families, mind control, and how she found the courage to run away from it all.
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Guest: Gretta Vosper
Hasa Diga Eebowai! An atheist songwriter tells us why we should "Not Be Mad At God." FFRF attorney Patrick updates us on government prayer controversies, as well as a victory stopping church discounts at Milwaukee's Mexican Fiesta. Then we speak with Gretta Vosper, a pastor in the United Church of Canada who is now a nonbeliever and author of the bestselling book,With Or Without God:Why the way we live is more important than what we believe.
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Guest: Neil Shubin, discoverer of Tiktaalik and author
"We are all star stuff." After discussing FFRF legal complaints in South Dakota and Arkansas, we take up on Carl Sagan's famous words by talking with paleontologist Neil Shubin, discoverer of Tiktaalik and author of the bestsellingYour Inner Fish, whose newest book isThe Universe Within: Discovering the Common History of Rocks, Planets, and People.
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Guests: FFRF Staff Attorneys Rebecca Markert, Patrick...
We've got to fight the battle of church and state. This week we have FFRF attorneys Rebecca Markert and Patrick Elliott in studio to discuss current legal complaints--city prayers in Rapid City, South Dakota, and Onalaska, Wisconsin (a victory), pastors roaming the schools in Conway, Arkansas, proselytizing football coaches in North Carolina--and our newest lawsuit over a Jesus painting on the walls of an Ohio Middle School.
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Guest: FFRF Florida Activist David Williamson
Happy Birthday Darwin! We celebrate Charles Darwin's 204th birthday on February 12, then we ask "Why, BSA" are you discriminating against atheists and gays? We announce FFRF's newest lawsuit in Ohio, then talk with David Williamson, organizer of Central Florida Freethought Community (an FFRF chapter) about how they are countering bible distribution in public schools with atheist literature in the same schools.
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Guest: biologist Jerry Coyne
The Boy Scouts may be considering allowing gays, but they still deserve a Badge of Dishonor for excluding atheists. Annie Laurie and Dan discuss FFRF's Action Alert about the Boy Scouts, complaints about religion in schools, vouchers for religious schools and patriarchal religious attitudes toward women. Then, to celebrate Darwin's upcoming birthday, they interview biology professor Jerry Coyne, author ofWhy Evolution Is True.
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Guest: Zach Kopplin, evolution activist
There was a whole lot of "godding" going on at Obama's 2nd inaugural. Dan and Annie Laurie analyze the plusses and minuses of the event. Then we interview Zach Kopplin, a 19-year-old activist college student from Louisiana who is trying to repeal that state's creationism law.
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Guest: Freethinking feminist author and activist Robin...
A NY high-school science teacher pushing Christianity in the classroom, and a large portrait of Jesus in an Ohio middle school--these are some of FFRF's state-church complaints we discuss this week. Then we talk with freethinking feminist author and activist Robin Morgan, who is host of the new CBS radio show Women's Media Center Live.
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Atheist Activism! Jessica Ahlquist, Max Nielson
Atheist activism among the youth. This week listen to high-school students Max Nielson and Jessica Ahlquist talk about the challenges of coming out as a young nonbelieving activist in predominantly Christian communities.
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Guests: Justin Vacula, Ed and Michael Buckner
The past holiday season was not a time of "goodwill for all." This week we talk with Justin Vacula about the vandalizing of FFRF's Winter Solstice sign that was put up in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, one of 5 FFRF signs (out of 12) around the country that were stolen or defaced. And then, on a more hopeful note, we interview Ed and Michael Buckner, co-authors of the new book,In Freedom We Trust: An Atheist Guide To Religious Liberty.
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Merry Winter Solstice
Hear of recent nativity scene violation victories, FFRF solstice signs in numerous cities. Listen to Dan's version of "Merry Frickin' Christmas," seasonal songs by Tom Lehrer and Roy Zimmerman, as well as the debut of Dan's new song "Unfaithful," from FFRF's new CD, Adrift On A Star.
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Guest: Marie Schaub, Penn. plaintiff
Heathens' Greetings. It's the most unconstitutional time of year. Atheist bus signs go up in Alaska. We talk with Marie Schaub, an atheist and a mother in a small Pennsylvania community. She's also a brave plaintiff in a hot-button lawsuit involving a Ten Commandments monument at a public high school.
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Guest: Susan Jacoby
"Get Off Your Knees And Get To Work," a new song by Dan Barker, is debuted this week, especially in response to Kansas Governor Sam Brownback calling for a "Day of Repentance." Listen to some brave Florida commissioners objecting to prayer, and hear an NPR interview of FFRF member William Cox objecting to the Jesus statue in the Montana federal park. Then we talk with Susan Jacoby who has a new book out about Robert Ingersoll: The Great Agnostic.
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Guest: Friendly Atheist Hemant Mehta
Find out why Fox News "can't stand the Freedom From Religion Foundation" (and the feeling is mutual). This week we cover a sleigh-load of state/church complaints: a federal decision allowing FFRF's Montana shrine case to continue, removal of a cross from a Kansas city seal, coverage of our IRS lawsuit over church politicking, and more. Then we talk with "Friendly Atheist" blogger Hemant Mehta about his new book, The Young Atheists Survival Guide: Helping Secular Students Thrive.
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Reason prevails in Santa Monica and Wis. atheists win...
The winter solstice season is approaching, and with it comes holiday complaints. Listen to Damon Vix (photo) talk about his victory this week when a federal judge ruled that the city of Santa Monica, Calif., is free to discontinue nativity scenes on public property, after 58 years of Christian domination in Palisades Park. We also talk with Ph.D student Chris Calvey, head of the Atheists, Humanists and Agnostics (AHA!) at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, who were just awarded almost...
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Guest: Kentucky Mom Suzanne Lamb Fights the Gideons
FFRF is suing the IRS! Find out more about our most recent lawsuit demanding that the IRS enforce its rules prohibiting churches from political activities. Listen to a Kentucky Mom, Suzanne Lamb, tell how she is fighting the Gideons in the public schools. Then hear an update from FFRF attorney Rebecca Market about stopping prayers at school-board meetings
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Guest: Dr. Peter Boghossian
We present a secular wrap up on election news. Then, we speak with Dr. Peter Boghossian who teaches a class on atheism at Portland State University. He is working on a book called A Manual to Create Atheists.
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Vashti McCollum's Historic Victory
Why are "acts of God" and "gifts of God" always so bad? This week we report on theocratic politicians, more football prayer, and an early "holiday" controversy in Texas. Then hear interviews of Vashti McCollum, whose historic 1948 Supreme Court victory removed religious instruction from public schools, and Roy Torcaso, whose equally historic 1962 Supreme Court decision affirmed there should be no religious test for public office, in FFRF's 1988 film "Champions of the First Amendment."
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Guest: Author Michael Austin
DEBUT! Hear the radio debut of "Poor Little Me," the new song written by Broadway composer Charles Strouse (Annie, Bye Bye Birdie) and Dan Barker. We read editorials in favor of FFRF's high-school cheerleader complaint that ran in the New York Times, Washington Post, and USA Today. Then we talk with Michael Austin, author of the new book, That's Not What They Meant! Reclaiming The Founding Fathers From America's Right Wing.
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First Amendment Fights on Freethought Radio
The religious right is right about one thing: there definitely is a climate of hostility, and they are creating it. Listen to the Governor and Attorney General of Texas accuse FFRF of "menacing intimidation" over our First-Amendment complaint of the Kountze cheerleaders' Christian banners. Listen to Annie Laurie and Dan's response to "Wall Builder" David Barton accusing FFRF of creating a "toxic" climate of hostility. Then find out if there will be casseroles in an atheistic world.
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Guests: Ruth Hermance Green, Anne Gaylor, Annie Laurie...
The "nones" are growing, but the religious battles continue. This week we listen to FFRF's 1980 movie, A Second Look at Religion, showing that little has changed on the state/church front in more than three decades
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Guest: Robert Parham
The battle over Christian banners in Texas high-school football games continues, with much national media attention. FFRF victory in Oregon plus the music of John Lennon and Ralph Vaughan Williams round out the first half of the show. Then we talk with Robert Parham, a Southern Baptist minister who "saw the light" and is now a nonbeliever and board member of The Clergy Project.
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Dan Barker, Annie Laurie Gaylor discuss meeting on Oprah
"Blasphemy is a victimless crime!" This week we report on many "blasphemous" FFRF victories and complaints, and comment on the move to criminalize blasphemy around the world. Then listen to Oprah Winfrey's 1984 "AM Chicago" TV show where Dan and Annie Laurie met for the first time
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Guest: Adam Lee
The vernal equinox is here, and school year violations are piling up like fallen leaves.This weeks we cover numerous FFRF victories over high-school and Tennessee university prayers. Then we talk with popular blogger Adam Lee, the author of Daylight Atheism, who has a new book by the same name.
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Guest: Lorena Rios
Public school football games don't have a prayer! Hear about 30 (!) recent FFRF victories removing prayer and other religious intrusions from government around the country. Then we talk with Lorena Rios of Hispanic American Freethinkers.
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Guest: Rene Chouinard
Religion in politics. Listen to the vote (3 times!) at the DNC, and YOU decide if there was a 2/3 majority wanting to insert "God" into the platform. This week we expose both major political parties mixing religion and government. Then we talk with Rene Chouinard, the Canadian father whose complaint to the Ontario Human Rights Tribunal is challenging the distribution of Gideon Bibles in public schools, and the refusal to allow distribution of Just Pretend,Dan Barker's book for children.
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Guest: Michael Nugent, chair of Atheist Ireland
This week we announce FFRF's decision to sue the City of Memphis over governmental prayers, and denounce the American Family Association's complaint that FFRF is waging "the second war of northern aggression" against southern states. Our guest is Michael Nugent (calling us from Dublin), chair of Atheist Ireland, a group that recently donated to a Milwaukee charity to thank Irish Fest for stopping religious discrimination.
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Guest: Professor Chris Negy
Hear about FFRF's billboard caveat at the RNC in Tampa: "God Fixation Won't Fix This Nation." This week we talk with University of Central Florida professor Charles Negy, whose Cross-Cultural Psychology course warns about bigotry, yet he was unable to avoid religious bigotry in his own class, prompting him to send an eloquent letter to his students which has gone viral on the internet.
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Guests: Alvin Harris and Josh Everett
Irish atheist eyes are smiling! FFRF complaint stops church discount at Irish Fest in Milwaukee. Listen to FFRF's new "Spotlight On Freethought" segment now airing on national public television. Guests this week are Alvin Harris, the Nashville attorney who handled the successful lawsuit challenging the water tower cross, and Josh Everett, a former fundamentalist evangelical minister and missionary who is now an outspoken atheist.
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Guest: Greta Christina
More FFRF victories and activism to report this week. Listen to Russian female punk band Pussy Riot protest the government in an Orthodox church, and hear Robert Ingersoll's "Declaration of the Free" set to music. Then we talk with well-known atheist blogger Greta Christina about her new book,Why Are You Atheists So Angry?
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Guest: Plaintiff Linda Stephens
Government prayer, religious symbols on city seals, freethought billboards in Spokane, atheist Boy Scouts turning in their badges: it is a busy summer for state/church activism. This week we hear the testimony of a brave 12-year-old girl protesting prayer in her Tennessee county; we play a little-known Cole Porter song, "Experiment," about the value of science; and then talk with Linda Stephens, one of the plaintiffs in the victorious 2nd-Circuit Appeals Court decision outlawing governmental...
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Guest: Former minister Annalise Fonza
This week we have a whole lot of victories to report in the battle to keep religion and government separate, mostly in the south. We listen to country singer-songwriter Robbie Fulks' irreverent tune, "God Isn't Real," and then talk with Annalise Fonza, a United Methodist minister who gave up her faith and is now a happy atheist university professor.
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Freethought in the Arts!
Freethought in the Arts! After reporting on victories and positive developments in FFRF legal complaints in Pennsylvania, Georgia, and the U.S. Army, we talk about the many freethought connections in the movies, music, literature and poetry. For the second half of the show we play Bill Moyers' remarkable interview of freethought poet Philip Appleman that ran on PBS in early July.
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Guest: African Atheist Activst Leo Igwe
Hasa Diga Eeebowai! After reporting news on our own continent--including an FFRF victory in Virginia stopping prayers at a county board meeting, a JFK billboard in Lubbock, press coverage of our full-page ad in the New York Times, and a clip of FFRF's "freethought poet laureate" Philip Appleman being interviewed by Bill Moyers--we talk with Leo Igwe, the leader of Humanists in Nigeria, about his heroic attempts to combat superstition, witchcraft, Christianity, and Islam in Africa with reason...
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Guest: Prof. Barbara Forrest
Perhaps it should be called the "Godless Particle," since the newly discovered Higgs boson was named after an atheist. This week we honor nonbelieving lyricist Oscar Hammerstein II, and talk with Barbara Forrest, professor of philosophy, author ofCreationism's Trojan Horse: The Wedge of Intelligent Design, and expert witness in the Dover (PA) "intelligent design" trial.
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Guest: Ron Williams
This week we hear reaction to FFRF's provocative "Quit The Church: Put Women's Rights Over Bishop's Wrongs" billboard. We talk about (yet) more governmental prayer violations, then we interview Ron Williams, the Australian singer/songwriter and father of six who challenged state-paid chaplains in public schools, and this month won a victorious decision from the High Court.
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Guest: FFRF Staff Attorney Andrew Seidel
We're storming the bishops' bastille. Attorney Andrew Seidel exposes the bishops' phony claim that the contraception mandate is religious persecution. We unveil FFRF's impressive TV ad campaign with Julia Sweeney.
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Eleanor Smeal, former director of NOW, and current...
Honoring "June-teenth" this week, we talk about FFRF's recent Nativity Scene victory in Santa Monica, California, and we listen to the new TV-Web ad that former Catholic Julia Sweeney made for FFRF fighting the Catholic Bishops' assault on birth control. Our guest for the 2nd half of the show is Eleanor Smeal, former director of NOW, and current director of the Feminist Majority.
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Guest: Sam Brower author of Prophet's Prey
Hear the new radio ad that Julia Sweeney recorded for FFRF. This week we talk about FFRF's retort to the Catholic Bishops' assault on women's healthcare, and about yet more illegal governmental prayer. Then we interview private detective Sam Brower, author of Prophet's Prey: My Seven-Year Investigation into Warren Jeffs and the Fundamentalist Church of Latter Day Saints.
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Guest: Max Nielson, high school prayer complainant
Tis the season . . . for graduation prayer violations. This week we talk with Max Nielson, the South Carolina high-school senior who complained about student-led prayer at his graduation on May 30, which led to FFRF's most recent lawsuit.
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Guest: Teresa MacBain
It's Memorial Day weekend, and the livin' is easy. Relax with us as we listen to some freethought music, new and old. On the second half of the show, we talk with Teresa MacBain, the Methodist minister who recently made national news (with stories on CNN and NPR) when she came out publicly as an atheist. Teresa is now Acting Director of The Clergy Project.
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Guest: Rich Bolton
Victory! This week we celebrate with FFRF's main litigation attorney Rich Bolton, talking about our recent victory from the Colorado appeals court declaring the governor's Colorado Day of Prayer proclamations unconstitutional. We also cover FFRF's complaint about Gideon bibles in a Texas elementary school, as well as discuss Franklin Graham and Mitt Romney's statements about gay marriage.
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Guests: High School Activist Jeff Shott and FFRF Staff...
Jeff Shott, the 17-year-old Tennessee student who dressed up as Jesus on "Fictional Character Day" at his high school, tells us the whole story. FFRF attorney Patrick Elliott brings us up-to-date on the religious legal shenanigans with our lawsuit challenging the Ten Commandments in a Virginia High School, and we celebrate Mother's Day with a tribute to The Women's Medical Fund, founded by FFRF founder Anne Nicol Gaylor.
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Guest: FFRF Senior Staff Attorney Rebecca Markert
Is the Freedom From Religion Foundation "roaming the country" looking for state/church violations? FFRF's lead staff attorney Rebecca Markert assures us it is the other way around, as she discusses the many complaints that come into the legal office. We also hear about Freethought in Australia, Philadelphia and North Carolina, legal complaints in Rhode Island and Tennessee, listen to Annie Laurie on FOX News talking about a cross at a fire station, and give tribute to nonbelieving composers...
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Guest: Saloma Furlong
Dan and Annie Laurie report on their visit to the Global Atheist Conference in Melbourne, Australia, and Dan talks about his visit to the first atheist conference in the Philippines. Lots of U.S. state/church news to report, then an interview with Saloma Furlong about her book,Why I Left The Amish,followed by Australian songwriter Shelley Segal singing "Saved," from her new CD:An Atheist Album.
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Guests: Supreme Court Plaintiff Deborah Weisman Clasie...
This week we talk with Paul Heffron, a former minister who is now part of the Freethought Band, and listen to some of their lively irreverent music. We also talk with Debbie Weisman, whose family were plaintiffs in the 1992 landmarkLee v. Weismanvictory before the U.S. Supreme court that stopped clergy-led prayer at high-school graduations when she was a student at a Rhode Island high school.
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Guest: Susan Loesser
We devote this entire show to the life and work of the freethinking songwriter Frank Loesser, who wrote Guys and Dolls, "Heart and Soul," How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying, "Baby, It's Cold Outside," "What Are You Doing New Years," and many other songs. We talk with his daughter Susan Loesser, who wrote a memoir about her father called A Most Remarkable Fella: Frank Loesser and the Guys and Dolls In His Life.
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Guest: Tara Ayres
During this Easter weekend, we discuss why the resurrection story is false. We play a tribute to the irreverent atheist songwriter Yip Harburg (born April 8, 1896) and then talk with Tara Ayres, artistic director of the Stage Q production of the docu-musical This Beautiful City, about gays, fundamentalists and atheists in Colorado Springs.
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Guest: Tanya Smith, president of Atheist Alliance...
This week we announce FFRF's newest federal lawsuit challenging Pennsylvania's "2012 Year of the Bible." We play FFRF's new national TV ad featuring JFK, which ran on CBS and will also air on NBC and MSNBC. Then we discuss atheism around the world with Tanya Smith, president of Atheist Alliance International.
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Dan Barker's musical freethought special
Since there is no radio show this week, Dan Barker put together a collection of freethought music. Enjoy this discussion of irreverent tunes!
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Guest: Mitch Kahle
Nothing is as divisive as church in government. We talk with Mitch Kahle, who stopped Senate prayers in Hawaii. Mitch has just won a major lawsuit defending his rights.
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International Women's Day Guests: Anne Nicol Gaylor and...
Honoring International Women's Day, we talk with two women who have made a difference: one in high school and one in her 80s. (Note: Barbara Ehrenreich was announced, but was unable to join us due to a scheduling conflict.) Krystal Myers is the Tennessee high-schooler whose article on atheism was censored by her high-school newspaper, and Anne Nicol Gaylor is the founder of the Freedom From Religion Foundation as well as the Women's Medical Fund, the country's longest-lived abortion charity,...
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Guest: Jim McCollum
Is the separation of church and state "absolute," as JFK said, or does it make you want to vomit (as Rick Santorum said)? This week we talk about FFRF's challenge of Alabama school board prayers, and then interview Jim McCollum, whose family's landmark 1948 Supreme Court victory is the bedrock of modern law regarding religion in the schools. We also hear the song "I Don't Believe in Fairies" by atheist Australian singer/songwriter Shelley Segal.
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Guest: Katherine Stewart, author of The Good News Club
Jessica’s victory, Santorum’s intolerance, Green Bay prayers, Annie Laurie’s open letter encouraging liberal Catholics to exit “en mass,” and an interview with Katherine Stewart, author of the eye-opening investigative bookThe Good News Club: The Christian Right’s Stealth Assault on America’s Children.
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God at the Grammys, Atheism at the Golden Globes
Whatdon'twe talk about on this week's show? God at the Grammys, atheism at the Golden Globes, Jon Stewart and the "attack on religion," prayers at county board meetings, Ten Commandments in City Hall. We also talk with Canadian professor Christopher DiCarlo, author ofHow To Become a Really Good Pain In The Ass:A Critical Thinker's Guide to Asking the Right Questions
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Guest: Ellery Schempp, First Amendment Champion
This week we look at religion in politics, applaud Bill Maher and boo Denzel Washington for their comments on atheism, congratulate "The Book of Mormon" musical, and talk with First Amendment champion Ellery Schempp about how his 1963 Supreme Court victory over religion in high school compares with Jessica Ahlquist's current fight in Rhode Island.
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Guest: Connecticut Florist Sean Condon
"Everything's Coming Up Roses." This week we talk with the intrepid freethinking Connecticut florist (of Glimpse of Gaia) who delivered flowers to the victorious teenage Rhode Island atheist litigant Jessica Ahlquist after nobody in Rhode Island would do it. We also celebrate a victory 30+ years in the making, and announce the filing of FFRF's newest lawsuit challenging the Jesus Statue on federal land in Montana.
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Guest: Victorious Rhode Island litigant Jessica Ahlquist
This week we'll celebrate Roe v. Wade with journalist Sunsara Taylor. Then, we'll interview Jessica Ahlquist, the besieged 16 year old litigant in a Rhode Island school prayer lawsuit. Her harassment is an object lesson in why religion does not belong in our public schools.
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Guests: Litigant Jessica Ahlquist and author George...
To celebrate a court victory, you'll hear teenager atheist and champion of the first amendment Jessica Ahlquist, who was defamed by her legislator as an "evil little thing." Then we'll talk with the author George Levine about joy of secularism. Tune in for an uplifting show celebrating secularity.
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Guest: Author John S. Compere
Dan and Annie Laurie are back from one vacation, learn why they have been invited to some place a LOT warmer. This week we'll talk with a fifth generation minister who saw the light is now a nonbeliever. John Compere's book is calledTowards the Light: A fifth generation minister's journey from religion to nonbelief.
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Steven Pinker: Why Rationality Reduces Violence
Wishing all you heathens, skeptics and hell-bound atheists a happy new year! Steven Pinker is quite the thinker. The Harvard professor and evolutionary psychologist has a new book on the decline of violence. We'll hear from Prof. Pinker and the good news of why rationality reduces violence.
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You don't have to go down in the basement
We'll take a cup of kindness and make a toast to freethought in the New Year. Then, we'll hear the "Good News" on "Why you don't have to go down into my basement." We'll cover end of the year violations, looking back and looking forward.
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Reason's Greetings – Remembering Christopher Hitchens
Life goes on . . . without a Hitch. Tune in to listen to the immortal provocateur, Christopher Hitchens, in his own voice. Freethought Radio will play a quintessential excerpt of Hitchens' Emperor Has No Clothes Award acceptance speech before a national FFRF convention in 2007 in Madison, Wis. The rest of the show will be devoted to "Reason's Greetings," a recap of FFRF's whirlwind actions this past week putting up equal time displays to counter nativity scenes on government property. Bonus...
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Away with the manger!
Away with the manger and in with the solstice. Is there room at the inn for freethought displays? Tune in to hear about FFRF's first-ever 'natural nativity scene.' We wish you a happy solstice and a very merry new year!
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Guest: Prof. Stephen C. Hirtle
We're bringing reason into the season. Its away with the manager on city property! Professor Stephen Hirtle of the University of Pittsburgh will give us an eye-witness account of one city's Holy War against the Constitution.
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Guest: Jamila Bey
Tis the season for fa-la-la-la-lawsuits. We'll report on seasonal violations. Then, we'll interview an atheist who is African-American. Journalist Jamila Bey will talk about black women who use the "A" word.
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Battle of State and Church with Andrew Seidel, FFRF's...
Heathen's greetings! Its the most violated time of the year. They are making a litmus test and checking it twice. We'll check in on the battle of state and church with Andrew Seidel, the newest member of FFRF's legal team.
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Guest: Steven Uhl, author of "Out of God's Closet"
How can the US motto be "In God We Trust" when so many Americans are Out of the Closet atheists? We'll talk with one of those out of the closet atheists: a former Roman Catholic priest, Steven Uhl, author of "Out of God's Closet." His motto is "Atheists work to make this life heavenly."
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Guest: Phil Zuckerman talks about his new book
It's only November, but already the war on atheists and state/church separation has begun! Tune in for news updates, then hear Prof. Phil Zuckerman of Claremount talk about his new book, "Faith No More," the first major sociological study in book form about why believers lose their faith!
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Victories in the battle of state and church!
This week's show is devoted to FFRF state-church victories and complaints in South Carolina, Alabama, Florida, Tennessee, Montana (with "hate mail" readings), and Colorado (a victory 3 years in the making). The show ends with Dan's song "The Stay Away Pope Polka" in commemoration of the planet's 7 billionth human inhabitant.
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Special Halloween Episode!
Its time for trick or treats. this halloween weekend we'll talk about some scary theocratic tricks FFRF is combatting. The treat is novelist and Freethought Heroine Rebecca Newberger Goldstein talking about overcoming her Orthodox Jewish childhood.
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"The rapture," plus student activists Jessica Ahlquist...
Guest: High school state/church activists Jessica Ahlquist and Harrison Hopkins Atheists are not rapturous over the rapture, once again predicted by Harold Camping. Learn about FFRF's 40 billboards criticizing religion and the bible regarding Famly Radio's (once again) failed prediction that the world would end on October 21. We will also hear stories about what its like to be high school state/church activists from FFRF awardees Jessica Ahlquist and Harrison Hopkins.
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Guest: FFRF attorney Alvin Harris
Are those of us who work for state/church separation Satanists? Terrorists? No, we're first amendment fundamentalists. We'll talk about FFRF's demand that a Tennessee town remove a lighted cross from its water tower. We discuss with our attorney, Alvin Harris, of Nashville.
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Guest: Steven Pinker
FFRF's complaint removing a cross from a water tower in Tennessee is getting attention. And so is Steven Pinker's hot off the press new book released this week, The Better Angels of Our Nature: Why Violence is in Decline. We will talk with Steven Pinker about why he thinks humanism is triumphing.
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Guest: Atheist magician Penn Jillette
If you had a choice, would you choose jail or church. We'll talk about FFRF's latest legal complaint. Then we'll talk with Penn Jillete, the well-known Las Vegas entertainer and magician is also a well-known atheist. He'll discuss his new book God No! Signs You May Already Be an Atheist.
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Guest: Staff attorney Stephanie Schmitt
This week's show will make you laugh and will make you groin over the many religious violations in public schools. We'll talk to FFRF staff attorney Stephanie Schmitt about how she is working hard to protect school children from illegal proselytizing.
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Guests: Virginia ACLU attorney Rebecca Glenberg and...
The Virginia ACLU and FFRF are suing to remove the Ten Commandments from Virginia schools. We'll talk about the suit with ACLU attorney Rebecca Glenberg. Then, don't miss our interview with an Orthodox monk who lost his faith. Help us keep state and church separate at a special time, 10 a.m. on the Mic 92.1 FM.
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Guest: Secular Studies expert Phil Zuckerman
Reading, writing, arithmetic and religion in public schools? Not if FFRF has its way. After updating you on legal skirmishes we'll catch up with secular studies expert Phil Zuckerman. He'll announce the very exciting updates in the first ever Secular Studies department. It's about time.
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Guest: Former minister Jerry DeWitt
Are hurricanes and earthquakes really acts of god? Why worship such a diety? We'll talk about more state/church violations in public schools. We talk with a brand new atheist and ex-minister who just left a pentecostal church in Louisana. Jerry DeWitt talks about why life is better without god.
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Guest: State/church activist Kay Staley, author Frank...
We'll talk about FFRF's suit against Texas Gov. Rick Perry with state/church activist Kay Staley. Then we'll talk with the fascinating Frank Schaeffer, the fallen son of the religious right icon Francis Schaeffer, who criticizes the bible and the religious right in his new book, Sex, Mom, and God: How the Bible's Strange Take on Sex Led to Crazy Politics
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Guest: Larry Beinhart
An update on FFRF vs. Gov. Rick Perry will air, along with an interview of Larry Beinhart, author of Salvation Boulevard, a mystery- turned-into-new-movie starring Pierce Brosman and Greg Kinnear, a study of faith vs. atheism wrapped inside a comic thriller.
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Guest: Skeptic author Michael Shermer
Scientific American columnist and author Michael Shermer discusses his new book,The Believing Brain: From Ghosts and Gods to Politics and Conspiracies -- How We Construct Beliefs and Reinforce Them as Truths. The cohosts talk about the successful 2011 July gathering at Lake Hypatia, hosted by FFRF's chapter, the Alabama Freethought Association, and other FFRF news.
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Guests: Author Sara Paretsky and Dylan Galos
Dylan Galos discusses his billboard that shocked a church so much, it had to be taken down. Sara Paretsky talks about her radical roots growing up in a godless household.
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Guest: Former Church of Ireland priest
Evolution wins at the "Miss USA" pageant. Patrick Semple, former Church of Ireland (Anglican) clergyman explains why he is now an atheist, and why he was known as "the rector who wouldn't pray for rain."
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Guests: Joe (Ojo) Taylor, Grammy Award winning Christian...
Guests: Joe (Ojo) Taylor, Grammy Award winning Christian songwriter turned agnostic and Philip Appleman, Poet, Author (New book: Perfidious Proverbs)
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Guest: Prof. Victor Stenger, Physicist, Philosopher,...
The show will also celebrate Tony-nominated "The Book of Mormon" songbook. Victor Stenger says the universe wasnotdesigned for us.
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Guest: "Chris," Southern Pastor/Nonbeliever
Topic: Atheists in the Pulpit Did you know there are atheists and agnostics in the pulpit? Freethought Radio will announce the new Clergy Project, promoted by Dawkins, Dennett, Barker and a contingent of former ministers who are now atheists, to help nonbelieving clergy leave the pulpit. We'll interview "Chris," a nontheist "in the closet" who is a senior pastor at a Southern evangelical church. Also featured: Too much religion in Minnesota politics, and a sneak preview of "Book of Mormon"...
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Guests:Damon Fowler, High school senior secular...
Topic: Secular activism in the bible beltDamon Fowler talks about how things got ugly in his small Louisiana town and school when he courageously protested illegal graduation prayers last week. Oklahoma native and atheist Rhonda Dorle, local coordinator for FFRF's Tulsa "Out of the Closet" billboard campaign, talks about that exciting and positive new campaign.
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Guest: Janet Heimlich, author of Breaking Their Will
Find out why Stephen Hawking and FFRF think the afterlife is a fairy tale. We talk with a brave high school student who wants to stop graduation prayers. Our guest is Janet Heimlich, author of Breaking Their Will, which looks at religious abuse and mistreatment of children.
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Guest: Benjamin Burchall, Founder of Black Non-Believers...
Tune in - LAST SHOW before the rapture! Benjamin Burchall, a former preacher, shares his experiences with freethought in Atlanta.
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Guest: Ayanna Watson, Founder, Black Atheists in America
If congress can make no law respecting the establishment of religion, then why has the US congress set a side the first Thursday in May as the National Day of Prayer. Ayanna Watson discusses bridging the gap between atheism and the black community.
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Guest: Professor of Law Paul Bender "You Can't Winn with...
FFRF's cool, new interactive web application, its "Out of the Closet Freethinkers" virtual billboard campaign, will be announced. Prof. Paul Bender, who argued Arizona Christian Tuition Organization v. Winn before the U.S. Supreme Court, will discuss why the Supreme Court erred earlier this month in denying standing to Arizona taxpayers to challenge indirect voucher subsidy benefiting religious schools.
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Guest: Jay Rosenstein, writer/director of The Lord Was...
What is atheist bliss? Religion in public schools is the topic of discussion with Jay Rosenstein, writer and director of the documentary The Lord Was Not On Trial.
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GUEST: HEMANT MEHTA, THE FRIENDLY ATHEIST
We'll talk about the hit musical "The Book of Mormon" by South Park creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone. Dan and Annie Laurie speak with author Hemant Mehta, who left Jainism and sold his soul on e-bay. Mehta founded the Friendly Atheist blog.
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Guest: PZ Myers
Find out which famous people have come out of the closet this week. You can receive a genuine certificate of debaptism. We talk with science and atheism blogger PZ Myers.
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Guest: Triangle Freethought Society President Mark...
FFRF asks the SCOTUS to remove the words "under god" from pledge of allegiance. Dan and Annie Laurie examine how religion promotes child abuse. FFRF chapter Triangle Freehthought Society President Mark Zumbach discusses the Raleigh-area "Out of the Closet" billboard campaign.
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Guest: FFRF Senior Staff Attorney Rebecca Markert on...
Is religion going extinct? Census data from several countries suggest it might. Fundamentalist homophobia is alive and active in the US. Senior Staff Attorney Rebecca Markert discusses a variety of important legal victories.
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Guests: Attorney Richard W. Morris and author Sikivu...
Richard W. Morris, co-counsel in FFRF v. Jan Brewer, will talk about FFRF's newest lawsuit, seeking to enjoin Gov. Brewer from calling an Arizona Day of Prayer. Sikivu Hutichinson, author of Moral Combat: Black Atheists, Gender Politics and the Values War, will talk about what it's like being a black, feminist atheist in a religious nation.
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Guests: Activists Sarah McNair and Justin Griffith
Sarah McNair will talk protesting Ten Commandments in Giles County schools and Justin Griffith, an atheist in a foxhole, will talk about the distasteful favoritism for Christianity by the military at Fort Bragg, N.C.
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Guest: Ellenbeth Wachs
Santa in February? Ten Commandments in schools? Atheists arrested for talking during prayer? Tune in to hear these stories and more, including an interview with Florida activist Ellenbeth Wachs about protesting prayer at the school board in Polk County, Florida, and other Florida state/church violations.
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Guest: Secular Student Activist Evan Clark
Featuring news updates on the Ten Commandments controversy in Giles Co., Va., freethinking labor songs and an interview with an atheist activist welcomed at a Lutheran University.
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Guest: Congressman Pete Stark
Dan and Annie Laurie discuss religious extremism at the CPAC conference. Congressman Pete Stark, the only open nonbeliever in congress, discusses his resolution to honor Charles Darwin.
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Guest: Actor, atheist Madison Arnold
Freethought Radio will memorialize two young women freethinkers, air rocker Frank Turner's new freethought anthem "Glory, Hallelujah," and feature as guest FFRF Lifetime Member Madison Arnold, a busy character actor who has appeared in many TV shows, films and stage plays.
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Now with Extended Interview: Mikey Weinstein and Patrick...
Air Force Academy, Ricky Gervais
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Legislators shouldn't have a prayer! Guest: Mitch Kahle
Guest Mitch Kahle, an FFRF member and state/church activist in Hawaii, will talk about how he persuaded the Hawaii Senate earlier this month to drop government prayer. The hosts will also be joined in studio by lawyer Sarah Braasch to talk about FFRF's new campaign to stop pervasively Christian prayers in the Wisconsin State Assembly. Don't miss the amusing audio clips of out of control government prayers. There will also be coverage of FFRF's headline-creating complaint about the posting of...
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The Great American Songbook
The January 1, 2011 show, "Name that secular songwriter!" will be replayed (due to cohosts both being felled by ailments which are not life-threatening, but kept them from the studio this week). This is a chance to enjoy the enormous contributions of nonreligious composers and songwriters who have built the Great American Songbook if you missed the New Year's Show, or to enjoy a repeat performance.
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Guest: Daniel C. Dennett
Victories and other updates in state/church news. Dan discusses his new book, "The Good Life." Prof. Dennett discusses "Breaking the Spell," his study on clergy leaving the pulpit.
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Guests: Agnostic Dad Craig Scarberry and Atheist in the...
Indiana dad Craig Scarberry discusses the custody battle for his kids hinging on his lack of belief. Steve Trunk reports his legal victory this week when an appeals court ruled the Mount Solidad cross must move off public property.
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Guest: Mike Newdow
Happy Winter Solstice! We'll keep you up to date on all the latest December state/church violations. We speak with Mike Newdow about his ongoing litigation regarding the pledge of allegiance.
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Guest: Sarah Braasch
Reason's Greetings? Heathen's Greetings? FFRF discusses the French burka ban with lawyer Sarah Braasch who just returned from France.
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Guest: Hawaiian State/Church Activist Mitch Kahle and...
Mitch Kahle discusses why he was physically removed in the Hawaii Senate Chambers by the Sargent at Arms. Stephanie Meyers talks about what to get an atheist for Christmas.
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Guest: Jesse Galef, Secular Student Alliance
Did you know the least religious segment of the population is young, teens and twenty-somethings. This week we talk with Jesse Galef, Communications Director of the Secular Student Alliance about the growing number of young nonbelievers. We celebrate Mark Twain's birthday, Nov. 30.
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Guest: Sawyer Frey
A "blasphemous student," Sawyer Frey of Ohio, will talk about why he decided to dress up like Jesus for "Fictional Character" day at his public school, and what the school made him change! Also discussed: why "under god" in the Pledge of Allegiance continues to divide our nation, and the latest in FFRF's litigation efforts to remove it.
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Guests: Gerardo Romera Quijada, Bill van Druten
We talk about freethought up north and freethought down south. We'll talk with the leader of a Minnesota chapter and a Mexican atheist Gerardo Romera Quijada "Ramas". We'll talk about the first national atheist conference in Mexico where FFRF will be participating.
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FIXED! Guest: Opera Singer Melody Moore
We review Wisconsin's Lt. Gov's historic welcome speech to the 33rd annual FFRF national convention in Madison, Wis. Rep. Pete Stark accepts the Emperor Has No Clothes Award as Congresses'only out non-believer. Melody Moore, soprano opera singer, shares why FFRF is special to her.
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GUESTS: FFRF ATTORNEY REBECCA MARKERT & STUDENT AWARDEE...
TOPIC: KEEPING RELIGION OUT OF PUBLIC SCHOOLS FFRF staff attorney Rebecca Markert reports on the prayer in school violation FFRF has contested that is turning Daisy Soddy School District and the rest of Tennessee upside down. This year's Thomas Jefferson Youth Activist Awardee Eric Workman talks about why, as class valedictorian, he sued his public school district over illegal commencement prayers, and how he won.
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GUEST: JOURNALIST BILL LUEDERS
Atheism pops up in pop culture as the co-hosts discuss the hit tv show 'Glee.' Veteran journalist and Isthmus editor Bill Lueders discusses his latest book Watchdog: 25 years of muckraking and rabble-rousing.
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Guest: Madison cartoonist Mike Konopacki
The co-hosts remember John Lennon. Dan and Annie Laurie speak with Madison cartoonist and illustrator of People's History of American Empire (co-authored by Howard Zinn). Mike talks about his exhibit at the FFRF national convention in Madison over Halloween weekend. The exhibit shows the perils of living in "One nation under god."
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Guest: Veteran reporter Linda Greenhouse
Topic: Supreme Challenges In a sneak preview for FFRF's upcoming national convention, convention speaker Linda Greenhouse, the Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist who covered the Supreme Court for The New York Times for 30 years, will talk about her new book on Roe v. Wade, and state/church issues before the high court. The hosts will also play amusing clips about religion and Christine O'Donnell, include coverage of a "war of the billboards" inaugurated by its Tulsa "Atheism is OK in...
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FREETHINKING IN FARGO WITH GUEST JON LINDGREN,...
Freethought Radio will catch up with legal complaints and victories by FFRF's lead staff attorney Rebecca, Markert, who will cohost this week's show while Dan Barker is on the road for freethought. Guest Jon Lindgren, former mayor of Fargo, N.D., professor emeritus of economics and President of Red River Freethinkers, will talk about how he dropped prayers from city commission meetings, and about an 8-year legal battle in Fargo to remove a Ten Commandments monument from city property.
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Guest: Professor Bill Dusenberry
Topics: Atheism in Oklahoma, Billboards in Atlanta Which Senator Gore was an atheist? Find out on Freethought Radio. Also, FFRFs 50 billboards take Atlanta by storm. Hosts speak with Prof. Bill Doosenberry on why atheism OK in Oklahoma – and everywhere. This week only, Freethought Radio airs in Madison on the Mic 92.1 at 10 am (sports preempt).
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GUEST: 82-YEAR-OLD FREETHINKING FARMER/BILLBOARD...
This week Freethought Radio hosts Annie Laurie Gaylor and Dan Barker will parse the godly tenor of Glenn Beck's D.C. rally, discuss other news developments and interview an 82-year-old Wisconsin farmer about why he dreamed up and paid for FFRF's billboard, recently defaced in Watertown, Wis., saying "Enjoy Life Now: There Is No Afterlife." The show will also air comedian Steve Martin's "atheist hymn."
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GUEST: WYNNE LEGROW, M.D., ATHEIST CONGRESSIONAL...
This week Freethought Radio hosts Annie Laurie Gaylor and Dan Barker interview Wynne LeGrow, M.D., the Democratic challenger of U.S. Rep. Randy Forbes, who came out last week as an atheist, about his decision to announce his lack of faith as a political candidate. The hosts also catch up with Steve Benson, the Pulitzer Prize-winning editorial cartoonist of the Arizona Republic, who will reprise Tunes N Toons with Dan at the 33rd annual FFRF convention in Madison, Wis., Oct. 29-30. Also...
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GUEST: DISTINGUISHED GENETICIST JAMES F. CROW
This week Freethought Radio hosts Annie Laurie Gaylor and Dan Barker interview the internationally lauded Prof. James F. Crow, for whom the new evolution institute at the University of Wisconsin-Madison has been named. The nonagenarian will talk about inspiring generations of students, why he is a freethinker and what the new center for evolution will mean for science education. The hosts will also talk about the mosque controversy, FFRF's New Orleans billboard campaign and celebrate the...
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GUEST: JAZZ SINGER TOKELI
TOPICS: BILLBOARDS, CITY PRAYER, AND ATHEIST JAZZThis week Freethought Radio hosts Annie Laurie Gaylor and Dan Barker interview the award-winning California jazz vocalist Tokeli and talk about her career and life as an atheist Mom. Listen to clips from Tokeli's CD "Where Do You Start?," including "The Nearness of You," "I've Got the World On a String," and "As Time Goes By." Also hear two TV news stories about FFRF's blitz of 20 new billboards in Tampa, Florida, and an update on the city...
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GUESTS: ANNE HELMS, DAUGHTER OF ANSEL ADAMS, WITH KEN...
TOPICS: ANSEL ADAMS & FREETHOUGHT; REMEMBERING ROBERT G. INGERSOLLFreethought Radio will interview the daughter of photographer Ansel Adams, who is a freethinker and Lifetime Member of FFRF, about her life, her famous father, what it was like growing up in Yosemite, current exhibits, and will also interview Ken Helms, a former Unitarian minister and FFRF Lifetime Member. In honor of 19th century "infidel" Robert G. Ingersoll's Aug. 11 birthdate anniversary, the show will play a clip from a...
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GUEST: KIRK MEFFORD
Meet high-school science teacher Kirk Mefford, faculty advisor for the West High School chapter of the Freedom From Religion Foundation, and learn how hard it is to be an open atheist on campus. This weeks show also announces many state/church victories and complaints made by FFRFs legal staff, and features a very funny excerpt of the Door to Door Atheist video made by Australian filmmaker John Safran.
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GUEST: SAM GROVER, FFRF LEGAL INTERN
The highly intelligent and hardworking Sam Grove, FFRF's summer intern from the law school at Boston University, will talk about his varied legal experiences working for FFRF, and promises to give the "inside story" on what it's like to work for FFRF. The hosts also report on the Vatican's decision to go after pedophile priests. Not!
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Guest: Barbara James
This week we celebrate the historic 162nd anniversary of the Seneca Falls Women's Rights Convention by speaking with the daughter of the authors of Bloomer Girls, an atheist hit. Dan and Annie Laurie also examine some "unfriendly" friend-of-the-court briefs filed in appeal to the National Day of Prayer ruling
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Guest: Jason Hagen, author, Atheist Pocket Debater, an...
News clips include excerpts of Sen. Diane Feinstein's quizzing of Supreme Court nominee (now justice) Elena Kagin over the Hein v. FFRF Supreme Court decision, a clip on the National Day of Prayer issue from the Keith Olbermann Show, and news excerpts about the outcry over Iran's plan to stone an "adulteress" to death (now in abeyance). The cohosts also debunk U.S. Rep. Louie Gohmert's portrayal of July 4 as a religious event!
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Guests: Prof. Mark Silk, Roger Nygard
The show includes clips of Australia's new atheist prime minister. Guests include: Prof. Mark Silk, an expert on the topic of religion in America, who questions a new Gallup poll on church attendence, and lighthearted filmmaker Roger Nygard, whose new documentary takes on the "Nature of Existence."
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GUEST: NATE PHELPS
The estranged son of notorious anti-homosexual pastor Fred Phelps explains why he left his dad's church and religion. Dan and Annie Laurie discuss reasons to "Sleep in on Sundays," the add campaign that hit Chicago.
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GUEST: PROFESSOR ERWIN CHEMERINSKY
Legal scholar Prof. Erwin Chemerinsky, dean of the University of California-Irvine School of Law, will be the special guest. Prof. Chemerinsky will discuss his role in exposing the unconstitutionality of the IRS parish exemption benefiting clergy, which FFRF is now challenging in federal court.
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GUEST: DANNEL MCCOLLUM "THE LORD WAS NOT ON TRIAL"
Guest: Dannel McCollum, author of The Lord Was Not on Trial: The Inside Story of the Supreme Court's Precedent-Setting McCollum ruling, will talk about his new book: about his mother Vashti McCollum's landmark lawsuit. The hosts will also talk briefly about nontheistic musicians born in June and Ayaan Hirsi Ali's new book, Nomad.
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Guest: Barbara G. Walker
Dan and Annie Laurie discuss the harm religion has done to women, historically and in the present, with author Barbara G. Walker
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Guest: Prof. Hector Avalos
Co-hosts Dan and Annie Laurie discuss developments in Parson's exemption lawsuit filed against Timothy Geithner. Prof. Hector Avalos shares why he thinks Yahweh is a moral monster.
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Guest: Betty Brogaard, author of The Homemade Atheist
First, a recap of the week's news regarding religious hypocrisy and state/church separation. Then an interview with author (and FFRF member) Betty Brogaard, whose new book, The Homemade Atheist, has just been released by Ulysses Press.
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Guest: Patrick Elliot, FFRF Legal Assistant
First, a recap on FFRF's National Day of Prayer court victory and how it panned out during the National Day of Prayer -- including lots of media clips and an ode to Lena Horne. Then FFRF's newest staff attorney, Patrick Elliott, a new law school grad and an atheist, will discuss what it's been like working at FFRF and the many state/church violations he has been untangling.
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Guest: Matt Rothschild
Progressive editor Matt Rothschild discusses FFRF's National Day of Prayer victory with the cohosts, including his research into the disturbing hate mail Judge Barbara Crabb has received since issuing her decision declaring the federal prayer date unconstitutional.
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GUEST: GORE VIDAL
The legendary writer, Gore Vidal, discusses his godlessness with co-hosts Dan and Annie Laurie. The victory over the National Day of Prayer is celebrated.
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Guest: Richard Bolton, FFRF Litigation Attorney
FFRF Litigation Attorney Richard Bolton and co-hosts celebrate FFRF's court victory declaring the National Day of Prayer unconstitutional.
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GUEST: WILLIAM LOBDELL "LOSING MY RELIGION"
Should the pope be arrested for covering up crimes against humanity? Hitchens and Dawkins think so. Investigative reporter William Lobdell speaks about his experiences interviewing hundreds of abuse victims while covering the religion beat.
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Guest: Prof Daniel C Dennett, Preachers Who Don't Believe
Philosophy great Daniel C. Dennett will be the guest, to discuss his new study, "Preachers Who Are Not Believers," just published and posted by In Faith at the Washington Post Web site. The hosts will also discuss the religious composition of the Supreme Court, a timely topic with the announced resignation of John Paul Stevens. Famous freethinkers born in April will be highlighted, with the bonus of a rendition of Tom Lehrer singing his "Vatican Rag."
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Guest: John Loftus, The Christian Delusion
Guest John Loftus discusses his new book, the Christian Delusion. Dan and Annie Laurie discuss the Catholic Church's long history of sexual abuse and cover up, including the Pope's involvement. Easter's origins and resurrection evidence are explored
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Guest: Ryan Valentine, Texas Freedom Network: Dumbing...
Highlights from Dan Barker's historic debate on religion with Cardinal George Pell, archbishop of Sydney, Australia, will be featured. Dan, along with cohost Annie Laurie Gaylor, will talk a bit about freethought "Down Under" and then interview Ryan Valentine, deputy director of the Texas Freedom Network, about the latest fundamentalist incursions on textbooks in the State of Texas.
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Guest: Michael Newdow
FFRF Staff Attorney will serve as Freethought Radio's special substitute host, joining Annie Laurie Gaylor while cohost Dan Barker is in Australia. Rebecca Markert will talk about her recent FFRF state/church victories, then First Amendment hero Michael Newdow will join the hosts to dissect the recent decision by the Ninth Circuit of his challenge of "under God in the Pledge of Allegiance, and the wonderful dissent in Mike's favor by Circuit Judge Stephen Reinhardt.
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Guest: Prof. Jay Wexler
State/church separation and controversies will be discussed with Law School Prof. Jay Wexler, author of the entertaining new book, "Holy Hullabaloos — A Road Trip to the Battlegrounds of the Church/State Wars." Bonus: Excerpts of an ode to Wexler's book, written and performed by Mike Newdow.
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Guest Ayaan Hirsi Ali, author of "Infidel"
Guest Ayaan Hirsi Ali, author of "Infidel," will talk about her escape from an arranged marriage in Somali, about becoming an atheist, and how religious terrorism has changed her life. The entire show will be devoted to the harm of religion to women, in honor of International Women's Day.
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Guest: Prof. James Coors
This weekend's guest, Prof. James Coors, will talk about evolution in tribute to Charles Darwin, born in February. Jim is the Foundation's newest officer and a retired professor of agronomy. Also featured: A clip of Dan Barker's opening remarks in a recent debate, "Can you be good without God?"
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Guest: Norm Allen
A lively show dedicated to the contributions of African-American freethinkers during Black History Month will include an interview with Norm Allen, editor of "African-American Humanism: An Anthology," and will feature music and movie clips.
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GUEST: CHRISTOPHER HITCHENS
TOPIC: WHAT'S WRONG WITH THE TEN COMMANDMENTS AND A STAMP HONORING MOTHER TERESAJournalist Christopher Hitchens, author of "God Is Not Great" and an expose on Mother Teresa, "The Missionary Position," gives a sneak preview of his April Vanity Fair article about the Ten Commandments, and talks about the controversy over the Mother Teresa stamp, among other topical issues. The hosts also parse Pres. Obama's speech before the National Prayer Breakfast.
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Guest: Prof. Richard Dawkins
Professor Richard Dawkins discusses his latest book The Greatest Show on Earth.
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GUEST: JERRY COYNE, AUTHOR, WHY EVOLUTION IS TRUE
Nonbelief relief for Haiti and the biblical roots of Islamist brutality toward rape victims will be discussed. Guest Jerry Coyne is professor in the Department of Ecology and Evolution at the University of Chicago, where he speciallizes in evolutionary genetics. His new book, Why Evolution is True, has been much praised by Richard Dawkins, next week's guest!
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Guests: Mikey Weinstein, Military Religious Freedom...
Saturday's program features interviews with Mikey Weinstein of the Military Religious Freedom Foundation over "Jesus rifles" and with freethinking novelist and MacArthur Fellow Rebecca Newberger Goldstein, whose new book, Thirty-Six Arguments for the Existence of God: A Work of Fiction, was just released (and was reviewed yesterday in The New York Times). Goldstein is married to evolutionary psychologist Steven Pinker, who serves on the Foundation's new honorary board.
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GUEST: DANIEL C. DENNETT TOPIC: RELIGON SHOULDN'T BE...
This weekend's show will comment on the Rev. Pat Robertson's remarks on Haiti and look other imprecatory prayer. The special guest: Philosophy's best and "Brightest": Daniel C. Dennett of Tuft University, author of the bestseller about religion, "Breaking the Spell."
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Guest: Dann Glenn
Tune in for "the ABCs of atheism," a look at the threat posed by the bible and bible-toting evangelists to Uganda gays, and an interview with Dann Glenn, internationally known jazz musician and nonbeliever.
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Guests: Ruth Hurmence Green, Born Again Skeptic Michael...
Tune in for a special broadcast of the pith and wisdom of Ruth Hurmence Green (born in January), author of The Born Again Skeptic's Guide to the Biblean interview taken 30 years ago about what's wrong with the bible, and an interview of Michael Gordon, a retired IRS attorney, who will tell us how the parish exemption works, and how the IRS law preferentially permits "ministers of the gospel" to exclude housing costs from taxable income.
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Guest: Cecil Bothwell. An atheist In Office in State...
After discussing lots of timely news and FFRF activism attracting media around the nation, the Foundation interviewed Asheville, N.C.'s first atheist city council member, Cecil Bothwell, who attracted international attention when he won office there, despite a prohibition against atheists running for public office in that state. An investigative reporter, Bothwell is author of the only critical biography of Billy Graham, The Prince of War.
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Guest: Robert M. Price: Bible-believing Bible Scholar to...
Author and Jesus Seminar member Robert M. Price, a professor of theology at a seminary, talks about what moved him out of his fundamentalist fold into freethought, and tackles some of the biblical myths about Jesus and Christmas. The hosts talk about timely topics, including Dan's London debates last week and seasonal state/church violations.
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GUEST: OPERA SINGER MARKELLA
Freethought Radio will talk with world-renowned opera singer Markella, who has gone from Greek Orthodox to unorthodox. Markella has recorded a new pop song, "The God Delusion." Timely news updates include local coverage of FFRF's splashy 10-billboard campaign in Albuquerque. A bonus: a clip of Jay Leno's joke about FFRF's 32nd annual national convention in Seattle.
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Guest: Greg M. Epstein: Good Without God
Freethought Radio will talk with Harvard's Humanist Chaplain, Greg M. Epstein, author of the new book, Good Without God: What a Billion Non-Religious People Do Believe.
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Guest: Shawn Francis Peters, author, When Prayer Fails
Freethought Radio will play some coverage of FFRF's jolly new bus sign campaign in Seattle, play some coverage of its 32nd annual convention there and discuss how religious lobbies sabotaged the House health care reform bill over abortion. Shawn Francis Peters will talk about the Christian Science lobby's promotion of a "sham" repeal of faith exemption in the Wisconsin Legislature. The show will also tackle the federal lobbying by the Christian Science lobby to mandate coverage of prayer as...
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Freethought Art & Music: Steve Benson, Ernie Harburg
Editorial cartoonist Steve Benson unveils his brand-new Seattle bus sign that he designed for the foundation (HO! HO! HO!). Ernie Harburg, retired scientist and son of famous songwriter Yip Harburg will discuss the smash Broadway success of the revival of Finian's Rainbow and tell us about his new book.
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Guest: Scary Guest! IRS Auditor Talks about Parish...
Scary theocratic developments in the news, will be followed by an interview with one of America's scariest figures: an IRS tax auditor! Retired IRS auditor Robert Baty will expose the many tax privileges and benefits accruing "ministers of the gospel" in the IRS tax code, which are being challenged in a new federal lawsuit by the Freedom From Religion Foundation. An "ode" to John Keats, born on Halloween, and October's other famous freethinkers, will be featured.
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Guests: Donald C. Johanson, "Lucy" Discoverer & John...
Scientist and "Lucy" discoverer Donald C. Johanson will talk about his atheism, evolution and how he feels about "Ardi" displacing "Lucy." FFRF'er John Whiteside will talk about why he underwrote a billboard blitz in Las Vegas for the Foundation, featuring 10 billboards variously reading: "Imagine No Religion," "Beware of Dogma" and "Praise Darwin: Evolve Beyond Belief."
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Guests: Ursula K. Le Guin, author, poet & unbeliever &...
This weekend's show features a conversation with the legendary author Ursula K. Le Guin, winner of many literary awards and best-known for her classic science fiction and fantasy writing. Also: an interview with Grand Junction, Colo. activist and FFRF member Anne Landman about local attempts to protest public piety by politicians on government time, and timely updates.
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Guests: Ron Reagan and Lodi activist Karen Buchanan
Topics: "Unabashed atheist" Ron Reagan, host of Air America's Ron Reagan Show, is back for a new interview as a preview to his appearance at FFRF's 32nd annual FFRF convention in Seattle in November. Also featured: an interview with Foundation member Karen Buchanan, the original complainant in FFRF's request to the city council of Lodi, Calif., to drop prayers. That request has set off months of controversy and Karen talks about her dismay at the Council's 5-0 vote in October to continue...
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Guests: Rita Swan, CHILD; Sue Robinson, local activist...
An important interview with Rita Swan, director of Children's Healthcare is a Legal Duty, will focus on insidious amendments to healthcare reform bills that would force medical insurers to cover prayer as medicine. Local California atheist and Lifetime FFRF'er Sue Robinson will talk about why she testified against government prayer in Turlock, Calif., where there has been heated debate over an FFRF state/church complaint Bonus: news coverage of FFRF's mini-blitz of freethought billboards in...
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Guest: Darrell Barker Topic: Capitol Case in Olympia
Freethought Radio will include timely updates on various state/church and freethought activism, including a segment about a state/church prayer controversy heating up in the Dallas, Texas area. In honor of the Sept. 26 anniversary of the birth of nontheist George Gershwin, the Foundation will air his irreverent classic, "It Ain't Necessarily So," and talk about other famous freethinkers born in the month of September. Washington State FFRF activist Darrell Barker will update listeners on the...
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Guest: Gregory Paul, Universal Healthcare Promotes...
Freethought Radio will discuss new billboards in Indianapolis, bus signs in San Francisco, and the furor Foundation complaints over government prayer is creating in Tehachapi, Calif. (a TV news clip will play on the controversy there). A teaser trailer for the new film, Creation, concentrating on Darwin's loss of faith and starring major actors, will play, with discussion about how the film so far has been rejected by film distributions in the United States, while it is being praised...
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Guests: Edwin Hensley: Kentucky's Godly Homeland...
Freethought Radio will interview 2 timely guests: Foundation member Ed Hensley, who will talk about why he is 1 of 9 plaintiffs challenging an egregious Kentucky law requiring "dependence on God" by the state Department of Homeland Security, and bestselling atheist author and scientist Victor Stenger. Stenger will talk about his hot-off-the-press book, The New Atheists: Standing Up for Science & Reason. The show will include brief commentary on the prosecution of a Sudanese feminist for...
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Topic: Keep State & Church Separate! Guest: FFRF Staff...
Energetic state/church actions by the Foundation will be featured. Staff attorney Rebecca Kratz will also talk about the Foundation's unique amicus brief in the upcoming Mohave "veteran monument" cross case before the U.S. Supreme Court, written in part on behalf of FFRF's "atheist in foxhole" veteran members. Tune in also for some commentary on Rev Steve Anderson's sermon bragging about how he prays for the death of President Barack Obama, and a short state/church quiz! Test yourself on...
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Guests: Ben Sidran, Attorney Robert R Tiernan
Topics: Jazz as "Religion", FFRF Legal Victory in Denver SchoolsA unique legal victory for the Freedom From Religion Foundation, ending a religious endorsement by Cherry Creek Public Schools in Denver, Colo., will be discussed by the always-interesting guest, Robert R. Tiernan, the attorney who brought the case. And jazz legend/great Ben Sidran will join the cohosts in studio for a conversation about music, irreverence and lots of jazz music.
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Guest: Daniel Everett, How Life in the Amazon Made Him...
Co-host Dan Barker will talk about recently experiencing the bizarre creationism museum in Kentucky. Brad Pitt's nonreligion and new Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayer's request for "divine guidance" will get some play. Interviewed will be linguist and Daniel Everett, author of Don't Sleep, There are Snakes: Life and Language in the Amazonian Jungle (2008). In an amazing adventure, Everett--a missionary to the Pirahas dedicated to learning their language in order to proselytize them--left...
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Guests: Lodi State/Church Activist David Diskin "The...
David Diskin will talk about the hullabaloo over the Freedom From Religion Foundation's request to the City Council in Lodi, Calif., that it drop prayers to open the meetings. David was one of the organizers of a rally on Aug. 5 to counter religious zealots who descended on the town. And Jeff Sharlet will be a returning guest. The author of the timely book exposing the nefarious fundamentalist group at the heart of power in Washington, D.C., The Family, will discuss The Family's relationship...
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Guests: Irreverent Folksingers Lou and Peter Berryman!
After news--the huge coverage of FFRF's complaint about city prayers in Lodi, Calif., and the conviction of a parent for letting his daughter die of untreated diabetes for religious reasons--Wisconsin folksingers Lou and Peter Berryman perform in the studio. They will perform their favorite songs touching on religion, including the song that inspired FFRF to name its crime blotter, 'Black Collar Crime.' Tune in for a fun show!
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Guest: Joan Konner, ed., The Atheist Bible
Irreverent thoughts and thinkers will be featured this week. The August Freethinkers Almanac will highlight the contributions of famous unbelievers born in the month of August, many of whom are quoted in award-winning journalist Joan Konner's charming book, "The Atheist Bible: An Illustrious Collection of Irreverent Thoughts." Konner is dean emerita of the Columbia Gradutate school of Journalism and will also explain why she felt "inspired" to compile this collection of provocative, sage and...
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Guest: Chris Mooney, author, Unscientific America
Chris Mooney, author of the new book, Unscientific America as well as The Republican War on Science, will be the guest. The hosts will also talk about all the attention the Foundation's newest federal lawsuit--challenging a move to engrave religious mottos prominently at the U.S. Capitol Visitors Center--is receiving, and provide a brief "Freethinkers Almanac" about famous freethinkers born in July.
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Guest: Sci Fi Author Ben Bova
The interview will feature distinguished and very charming science fiction and nonfiction author, the much-honored Ben Bova, an unbeliever. The hosts talk about FFRF's exciting new lawsuit filed this week, challenging Congressional mandates to engrave "In God We Trust" and the religious Pledge of Allegiance at the new Capitol Visitor's Center (through which everyone visiting the Capitol or their members of Congress must pass). They also talk about the Christian fundamentalist prayer...
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Guest: Ellie Strote
Subject: Escape from PolygamyFreethought Radio will talk about some theocratic incursions, including a recent "morality" proclamation by an Oklahoma representative, and will play CNN TV coverage of FFRF's complaint over a prayer station in Warren, Mich. Interviewed will be Foundation member Ellie Strote, who will talk about growing up in a polygamous FLDS community, getting married an 15 and making her escape at age 18.
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Guest: Prof. Ron Aronson, author, Living Without God
Tune in for timely commentary on secularism and patriotism, Gov. Mark Sanford's religious pronouncements, mews coverage of FFRF's first billboard in Alabama, and of FFRF's complaint about unlawful prayer by the city council in Lodi, Calif. The guest, a distinguished professor of history at Wayne State, will talk about the secular movement, Obama's faith-based partnership and living well without God.
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Guests: Civil Rights Attorney George Daly on FFRF's...
The distinguished civil rights attorney George Daly, of Charlotte, N.C., will talk about the lawsuit he has filed on behalf of FFRF and two South Carolina parents, challenging the granting of academic credit for religious release-time instruction. Also interviewed will be the new director of Secular Coalition of America, who is an attorney and a former Maine legislator.
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Guests: Broadway composer Charles Strouse Pat Cleveland,...
Pat Cleveland will talk about freethought activism in the Deep South, and the hosts will interview Emmy-, Grammy- and Tony-award winning composer Charles Strouse, now 80, and author of the memoir, Put on a Happy Face, about his unbelief, his civil rights experiences and his music. Strouse wrote the music for such Broadway musicals as "Annie," "Applause" and "Bye, Bye, Birdie."
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Guest: Joann Bell, executive director, ACLU of Oklahoma...
After parsing Pres. Obama's historic speech to Muslims in Cairo on June 4 for its religious content, the hosts will interview the director of the ACLU of Okahoma Foundation, Joann Bell. Joann will recount her harrowing experience challenging religious indoctrination at an Oklahoma public school in the 1980s, which prompted her activism with the ACLU. A new state/church victory in Oklahoma will be discussed.
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Guest: Eleanor Smeal, Feminist Majority Foundation on...
This week's broadcast will look at the assassination of Kansas physician George Tiller by a religious fanatic and domestic terrorist. The hosts will speak with Dr. Tiller's colleague, Eleanor Smeal, executive director of the Feminist Majority Foundation, which has played a vital role in organizing defense of abortion clinics.
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Guest: "Heathen" Steve Benson, "blasphemous" cartoonist...
This week's guest will be Steve Benson, the Pulitzer Prize-winning editorial cartoonist for the Arizona Republic, and atheist grandson of Ezra Taft Benson, the late president of the Mormon Church. Steve will talk about leaving the Mormon fold, the endangered status of editorial cartoonists today, and other timely topics. For news, the hosts will talk about the Irish Commission's new report of Catholic abuse in the Irish Republic, the fate of Proposition 8, Supreme Court nominee Sonia...
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Memorial Weekend 2009 Topics: Parsing Pres. Obama's...
"Atheist Sunday School"What's Wrong with HymnsThe remarks of Pres. Barack Obama in his May 17 speech to Notre Dame, including many deferential religious references and messages, will be parsed. And for something completely different, the hosts will do an eye-opening analysis of standard Christian hymns, such as "There Is a Foundation Filled with Blood," which reveal why the more one goes to church, the more likely one is to support torture. They will also look at hawkish hymns which feed the...
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Guest: Journalist Jeff Sharlet
Topic: "Jesus Killed Mohammed" (Harper's Magazine expose)After a look at timely topics in the news (including the "biblically correct" Miss California USA, the Pope's visit to the Mideast, a study correlating church-going with endorsement of torture, and the heartening secularization of American youths), the hosts will interview journalist and author Jeff Sharlet about his startling expose in this month's Harper's of fundamentalist Christian promotion by the military in Iraq and Afghanistan....
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Guests: Jennifer Hecht, author of Doubt & FFRF Staff...
Jennifer Hecht, author of Doubt: A History: The Great Doubters and Their Legacy of Innovation from Socrates and Jesus to Thomas Jefferson and Emily Dickinson, will talk about her book tracing the impressive history of doubt. Rebecca Kratz, FFRF staff attorney, will join Dan and Annie Laurie for updates over FFRF legal complaints about transportation of bibles to Iraq and Afghanistan by the military, and local abuses over the National Day of Prayer. FFRF is suing the President over the...
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Guest: Brent Michael Davids Mohican Atheist/Film Score...
Freethought Radio's guest will be Brent Michael Davids, an atheist, an enrolled citizen of the Mohican Nation, an American Indian music expert and a professional concert and film composer. Excerpts of some of his compositions, touching on Christianity's role in the genocide of American Indians, will be played. The hosts will discuss FFRF's lawsuit against the upcoming National Day of Prayer and the White House "dial-a-prayer" situation.
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- Progressive Talk
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Freedom From Religion Foundation
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Madison WI 53701608-256-8900 -
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