Equal Time For Freethought

The Loneliness Epidemic II In 2023, the U.S. Surgeon General called loneliness and isolation a “public health crisis” as deadly as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. And, according to the Cigna U.S. Loneliness Index, nearly half of U.S. adults report experience loneliness on a regular basis. So, in our high-tech age of hyper-connectivity, where virtually everyone … Continue reading "Show 655: Naturalistic Support"

The Loneliness Epidemic In 2023, the U.S. Surgeon General called loneliness and isolation a “public health crisis” as deadly as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. And, according to the Cigna U.S. Loneliness Index, nearly half of U.S. adults report experience loneliness on a regular basis. So, in our high-tech age of hyper-connectivity, where virtually everyone has … Continue reading "Show 653: Naturalistic Support"

Surviving Tribalism In-group and out-group dynamics, and the larger phenomenon of tribalism, have been with humankind for millennia, yet never before have they posed the existential threat that they do today. How can humankind resolve its differences before it’s too late, and how can Naturalistic Humanism help? Listen to show #47 below!

Parenting & Education, Pt 2 From a Naturalistic Humanist perspective, children are naturally curious, creative, and inclined to share. Presently, however, the way our children are parented and taught is strongly influenced by a misanthropic view and the dominator model. We assume that children are naturally uncooperative and in need of continuous extrinsic motivation. Listen to … Continue reading "Show 650: Naturalistic Support"

Parenting & Education From a Naturalistic Humanist perspective children are naturally curious, creative and inclined to share, presently however, the way our children are parented and taught is strongly influenced by a misanthropic view and the dominator model. We assume that children are naturally uncooperative and in need of continuous extrinsic motivation. Listen to show … Continue reading "Show 649: Naturalistic Support"

NON-BELIEVERS IN A BELIEVING WORLD Pt 3 This week we continue our look at belief and disbelief. Why do we believe as we do? Are some beliefs inherently intolerant? Are nonbelievers intolerant towards believers? How can believers and nonbelievers treat each other with respect and kindness? Are there ideas that both believers and nonbelievers can share? … Continue reading "Show 648: Naturalistic Support"

NON-BELIEVERS IN A BELIEVING WORLD Pt 2 Over the past 10 years, the number of American atheists and agnostics has doubled. And the percentage of adults without religious affiliation is on the rise. But despite these demographic trends, being a nonbeliever can be challenging. Are you a non-believer navigating through a believing world? Or perhaps you are a … Continue reading "Show 647: Naturalistic Support"

NON-BELIEVERS IN A BELIEVING WORLD Over the past 10 years, the number of American atheists and agnostics has doubled. And the percentage of adults without religious affiliation is on the rise. But despite these demographic trends, being a nonbeliever can be challenging. Are you a non-believer navigating through a believing world? Or perhaps you are a believer with non-believing … Continue reading "Show 646: Naturalistic Support"

PROANTHROPY Pt. 2 Another concept central to Naturalistic Humanism is proanthropy — the idea that when humans get the developmental and life support they require they are naturally inclined towards being cooperative and caring, wanting to participate and contribute. Sadly, despite voluminous supporting evidence, our society is premised on the complete opposite. The consequence of … Continue reading "Show 645: Naturalistic Support"

PROANTHROPY Another concept central to Naturalistic Humanism is proanthropy — the idea that when humans get the developmental and life support they require, they are naturally inclined to cooperate, care, participate, and contribute. Sadly, despite voluminous supporting evidence, our society is premised on the complete opposite. The consequence of this confusion rationalizes extreme inequality and injustice. Please find audio … Continue reading "Show 644: Naturalistic Support"

METAWARENESS When our understanding of the world is based on evidence and reason, it’s obvious that the way each moment unfolds is the inexorable result of all that precedes it — in Naturalistic Humanism, this idea is called metawareness. Applied to humans, the implications of metawareness are revolutionary requiring that we reconsider the way we … Continue reading "Show 643: Naturalistic Support"

Becoming Experimental With erroneous information intended to enrage coming at us from all directions, it’s easy to become cynical. But cynicism can lead to distrust, alienation, and even acts of extremism. An experimental mindset is an effective way to avoid cynicism and feel more connected. Learn about developing an experimental mindset and join the discussion … Continue reading "Show 642: Naturalistic Support"

WHY ARE BOYS AND YOUNG MEN STRUGGLING? The dismantling of patriarchal culture has given young women much of the freedom and empowerment they had long been denied. The shift in the cultural landscape however has left many young men alienated, confused, frustrated, and often angry. “There is no denying that by almost every metric that … Continue reading "Show 640: Naturalistic Support"

Our Future w/AI Pt.2 By the end of this century humans may share the earth with artificially intelligent beings who are truly consciousness. Some believe it will enable humans to realize long sought after goals including – solutions for ending our climate crisis, the elimination of poverty, the end of disease and the achievement of … Continue reading "Show 639: Naturalistic Support"

OUR FUTURE WITH AI The potential emergence of GAI or General Artificial Intelligence – AI systems with human-level or greater cognitive abilities – raises profound technical, ethical, societal, and existential issues actively debated by AI researchers, philosophers, ethicists, and policymakers. Audio for Show #34 can be heard below!

AN INTERVIEW WITH BOB HENNELLY Naturalistic Support spends the hour in conversation with WBAI’s Interim General Manager. Audio for Show #33 can be heard below!

EVERYDAY ACTS OF KINDNESS Showing kindness is fundamental to the human experience. Acts of kindness are psychologically and even physically beneficial to both those who act kindly as well as to the recipients. It’s easy to miss the everyday acts of kindness happening all around us. Audio for Show #32 can be heard below!

ON LOSS & GRIEF Audio for Show #31 can be heard below!

MISANTHROPY 2025 may be remembered as a dark year for America. Our leaders want us to believe that our society is filled with fraudsters, criminals, cheaters, and dangerous people. Our media is filled with stories about crimes and a dystopian future to which we are supposedly headed. At such a time how can we avoid … Continue reading "Show 634: Naturalistic Support"

EASTER IMMORTALITY SPECIAL For the Easter/Eastre holiday, Naturalistic Support celebrates with a special look at immortality with the foremost advocate for radical life extension and chief science officer for the SENS foundation, Aubrey de Grey. We’ll also feature our annual Jesus vs. the Easter Bunny debate; and lots more! Audio for Show #29 can be heard below!