Freethought Radio
927 episodes - English - Latest episode: 16 days ago - ★★★★★ - 524 ratingsA weekly show, broadcast live from Madison, Wis., on 92.1 FM, Saturdays 11 a.m. to 12 noon. Hosted by Dan Barker and Annie Laurie Gaylor, co-presidents, Freedom From Religion Foundation. Slightly irreverent views, news, music and interviews.
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Episodes
Author Ann Druyan talking about Carl Sagan and her views on religion
October 28, 2006 18:47 - 50 minutes - 23.1 MBFeatures an interview with author and science popularizer Ann Druyan, who was married to Carl Sagan, and co-wrote and co-produced the movie, "Contact," based on Carl Sagan's novel. Ms. Druyan has written the foreward to a new book by Sagan appearing in November, The Varieties of Scientific Experience: A Personal View of the Search for God, based on the newly-discovered transcripts of his Gifford Lecture Series. The show will also include a little news, a little music (Lena Horne singing the i...
State/Church Entanglement Prevented and Secular Reasons Against the Death Penalty
October 21, 2006 21:00 - 50 minutes - 23 MBFeatures two guests: FFRF Life Member Jean Gams, an 87-year-old atheist, who will discuss how she and the Foundation averted a proposed state/church violation in Oshkosh, Wis. this fall; and Arthur Thexton, with the Wisconsin Coalition for the Death Penalty, for a quick look at secular reasons against the death penalty. Also featured: snippets from the Colbert Report's interview with Richard Dawkins and The O'Reilly Factor's interview with George W. Bush, Theocracy Alert, freethought music, a...
Rescinding South Dakota's Abortion Ban
October 14, 2006 21:12 - 52 minutes - 24 MBFeatures an interview with Jan Nikolay, spokeswoman and co-chair of the South Dakota Campaign for Healthy Families. Ms. Nikolay was in the South Dakota Legislature for many years and is a Republican who is part of the nonpartisan group. The Campaign is spearheading the referendum on Nov. 7 to overturn the draconian ban on abortion passed by the South Dakota legislature this spring at the behest of the religious right. The show will also feature secular news, Theocracy Alert, a pop disbelief q...
Vashti McCollum: Champion of the First Amendment
October 07, 2006 20:38 - 53 minutes - 24.5 MBFeatures an interview with attorney Jim McCollum, whose experiences as a 4th grader in his Champaign, Illinois, public classroom with illegal religious instruction caused his mother, Vashti Cromwell McCollum, to challenge the violation in court. The result? The landmark 1948 decision, McCollum v. Board of Education, which is prevailing precedent against religion in public schools. The show includes rare audio clips of Vashti McCollum talking about the case. Vashti died in August at age 93. Th...
Rise of Christian Nationalism
September 30, 2006 15:32 - 51 minutes - 23.6 MBFeatures an interview with Michelle Goldberg, the lively contributing writer of Salon.com, whose new book, Kingdom Coming: The Rise of Christian Nationalism, covers the threat of the ascendancy of the religious right. The show also includes an audio excerpt from Dawkins' British TV documentary on religion, "The Root of All Evil?" (MP3, 52 min, 23.5 MB)
The God Delusion
September 23, 2006 15:26 - 48 minutes - 22.1 MBFeatures an interview with distinguished British atheist and evolutionary biologist Richard Dawkins, author of the just-released book, The God Delusion. Dawkins will talk about his theory of religion as a virus-like cultural "meme," why he wrote "The God Delusion" and current events. The show includes a brief audio excerpt from Dawkins' British TV documentary on religion, "The Root of All Evil?" (MP3, 48 min, 22 MB)
Sam Harris and the End of Faith
September 16, 2006 16:28 - 47 minutes - 21.9 MBFeatures an interview with Sam Harris, author of the New York Times bestseller, The End of Faith, whose new book is Letter to a Christian Nation. Music: Reincarnation, words by Wallace Macrae, music by Dan Barker. Freethinkers Almanac looks at H.L. Mencken and Lance Armstrong. (MP3, 48 min, 21.8 MB)
Religion's Harm to Women
September 14, 2006 13:18 - 52 minutes - 24.1 MBReports on legal developments in the Freedom From Religion Foundation's major lawsuit against the Department of Veteran Affairs for intermingling faith with medical care. Annie Laurie Gaylor, author of Woe to the Women: The Bible Tells Me So and editor of the anthology Women Without Superstition, will discuss the bible's treatment of women, and its far-reaching effects today with the rise of the religious right. Margaret Sanger is featured in Freethinkers Alamanc, and Dan Barker's tribute to ...
Veteran Declares War Against Military Proselytizing
September 07, 2006 15:46 - 44 minutes - 20.4 MBFeatures an interview with Mikey Weinstein, who is suing the U.S. Air Forces for out-of-control Christian proselytizing and who blew the whistle on abuses at the Colorado Springs Air Force Academy. Music includes the song, "We, the People." A brief Theocracy Alert sounds the alarm on U.S. Rep. Katherine Harris' recent remarks. Freethinkers Almanac looks at a freethought heroine, Frances Wright. (MP3, 45 min, 20.4 MB)
The Evolving Religious Assault on Evolution
August 26, 2006 14:49 - 48 minutes - 22 MBFeatures an interview with Prof. Lawrence Lerner, co-author of the Fordham Institute's report grading science and evolution standards in the United States state-by-state. (Hint: Wisconsin was one of many states to flunk.) Timely developments on evolution will also reported. Homage will be paid to the 86th anniversary of Women's Equality Day (Aug. 26, 1920) and the freethinking women who sparked the suffrage movement. For comic relief, enjoy Joe Hill's classic song, "The Preacher and the Slave...
An Atheist in a Foxhole
August 19, 2006 15:03 - 48 minutes - 22.1 MBFeatures an in-depth interview with Philip Paulson, who courageously has been litigating a 29-foot cross on public property atop Mt. Soldedad in San Diego for 17 years. Last week, Pres. Bush signed into law a bill to seize federal control of the city land, in order to circumvent years of court rulings declaring city hosting of the crossto be unconstitutional. Phil talks about the many ins and outs of the case, and why he intends to prevail. Phil, who served in the military, also talks candidl...
Religious War Against Gay Rights
August 12, 2006 15:03 - 46 minutes - 21.4 MBFeatures a special look at the growing religion-based assault against gay rights around the country. Interviewed: former FFRF staff member Ellen Masters, a lesbian mom in a committed relationship who talks about what it's like to be denied equal rights under the law. Her interview is a sneak preview of Ellen's article, "The Churches Have Legalized Discrimination in America," appearing in the upcoming September issue of Freethought Today. Dan Barker's Pagan Pulpit looks at the biblical roots o...
Agnostic Recalled from Office over Pledge Issue
August 05, 2006 15:01 - 46 minutes - 21.4 MBAn interview with a public official recalled from office last year in Estes Park, Colo., simply for failure to recite the religious pledge of allegiance. David Habecker, who received an award at last year's FFRF convention, updates his case, in which FFRF is co-plaintiff, in a memorable interview. Tomorrow's program also features "Theocracy Alert" -- tune in for news and commentary on some disturbing developments in Congress last week. Music includes the timely "With God on Our Side." Providi...
Scopes II
July 29, 2006 15:01 - 45 minutes - 21 MBIncludes a timely Theocracy Alert, and features a lively interview with attorney Alvin Harris of Tennessee. Mr. Harris capably represented the Freedom From Religion Foundation in its "Scopes II" lawsuit in Dayton, Tenn., successfully challenging a serious state/church violation that was a long-lasting legacy of the original Scopes trial. Tune in to learn more. Tomorrow's program features as music Dan Barker's version of Holly Near's "I Ain't Afraid." (MP3, 46 min, 20.9 MB)
"Gideons and Guantanamo"
July 22, 2006 14:48 - 46 minutes - 21.3 MBTimely commentary on the (bad) news of the week, a "Pagan Pulpit" on the biblical claims to Israel, and features as guest distinguished civil rights attorney George Daly, of North Carolina. Mr. Daly discusses state/church separation in the South and his work with the Foundation to halt a proposed violation in North Carolina schools. In the second half of the program, he talks about his recent humanitarian work as volunteer counsel to detainees at Guantanamo Bay, disclosing little-known inform...
Losing Faith in Faith
July 15, 2006 14:35 - 47 minutes - 21.6 MBDan Barker, author of Losing Faith in Faith: From Preacher to Atheist, talks about his journey from fundamentalist believer and minister to atheist. The former Christian songwriter's first two songs as an atheist, "You Can't Win with Original Sin" and "Blood Brothers," are also aired. The show includes Theocracy Alert and Freethinkers Almanac. (MP3, 47 min, 21.5 MB)
Fighting Creationism
July 08, 2006 14:28 - 46 minutes - 21.4 MBHighlights ways in which creationism is being combated, including an innovative piece of legislation recently introduced in Wisconsin by State Rep. Terese Berceau. Also interviewed is a well-known national spokesperson for science education, Eugenie Scott. The hosts critique a new office of faith-based initiatives recently set up in Wisconsin. (MP3, 47 min, 21.3 MB)
"Let There Be Light"
July 01, 2006 14:24 - 49 minutes - 22.8 MBPhilip Appleman, known as the "Poet Laureate" of the freethought and humanist movement, and a noted Darwin scholar, is the special guest. Phil talks about his freethought views, Darwin (as editor of the Norton Critical Edition of Darwin), the threat of overpopulation (as editor of the Norton Critical Edition of Malthus), and reads several of his poems. Music featured: Phil's collaborations with musician Dan Barker, including the incomparable "Fleas!" Their latest song, "In a Dark Time," a hau...
Secular Nation
June 17, 2006 21:47 - 46 minutes - 21.1 MBSusan Jacoby, a journalist and author of six books, is interviewed about her popular book, Freethinkers: A History of American Secularism. The show is co-hosted by Dan Barker and Annie Laurie Gaylor, co-presidents of the Freedom From Religion Foundation, which produces the show. Featured music: "Declaration of the Free," words by Robert Ingersoll, music and vocals by Dan Barker, from the CD Friendly Neighborhood Atheist.(MP3, 46 min, 21 MB)
Onward, Christian Soldier
June 10, 2006 21:36 - 49 minutes - 22.6 MBFeatured guest is investigative reporter Bill Sizemore of the Virginian-Pilot daily (Norfolk), discussing his exposes and articles on the scandal-ridden Christian empire of the Rev. Pat Robertson. Includes sound bites of some of Robertson's weirdest recent "700 Club" pronouncements and brief commentary on the gay marriage vote and the theocratic plank of the Texas Republican Party. Music: The Freethinker Blues by Dan Barker. (MP3, 50 min, 22.6 MB)
Days of the Theocracy
June 03, 2006 21:28 - 48 minutes - 22.3 MBIncludes an interview with Lori Lipman Brown, the first fulltime secular lobbyist in D.C., working with the Secular Coalition for America, which the Freedom From Religion Foundation belongs to. Also a little commentary on religion in the news (Ken Lay conviction, Iraq war developments & the anniversary of the founding of the Gideon Society). Songs include Kristin Lems' "Days of the Theocracy," and Dan Barker's musical version of The War Prayer by Mark Twain, as well as "God-Less America." Fre...
"No Hurry to Die" - Y BSA
May 27, 2006 21:21 - 47 minutes - 21.5 MBThe May 27, 2006 broadcast of Freethought Radio features two timely interviews. The death penalty (a hot topic in Wisconsin) is discussed with humanist and attorney Arthur K. Thexton, of Madison, Wis. Also featured is an interview with Foundation member John Scalise, who has fought to stop public school support of the discriminatory Boy Scouts of America in his Michigan school district. "Pagan Pulpit" dissects biblical contradictions and dictates regarding the death penalty. The unique show i...
Nothing Fails Like Prayer
May 20, 2006 21:05 - 46 minutes - 21.3 MBFeaturing guest Richard Sloan, Ph.D., author of the forthcoming book, "Blind Faith," critiquing prayer and religion health studies. Music includes Dan Barker's "Beware of Dogma," Ask-an-Atheist tackles the myth that there are no atheists in foxholes, and freethought almanac looks at several famous freethinkers born in late May. (MP3, 47 min, 21.3 MB)
Nothing Fails Like Prayer
May 20, 2006 21:05 - 46 minutes - 21.3 MBFeaturing guest Richard Sloan, Ph.D., author of the forthcoming book, "Blind Faith," critiquing prayer and religion health studies. Music includes Dan Barker's "Beware of Dogma," Ask-an-Atheist tackles the myth that there are no atheists in foxholes, and freethought almanac looks at several famous freethinkers born in late May. (MP3, 47 min, 21.3 MB)
One Nation, Indivisible
May 13, 2006 20:54 - 52 minutes - 24 MBGuest: Mike Newdow, litigant of "under God" in the Pledge of Allegiance. Music: Newdow's "Those Pledge of Allegiance Need Some Old Religion Blues." Freethinkers' Almanac: featuring Irving Berlin, the godless composer of "God Bless America." Music: Irving Berlin's 1923 "Pack Up Your Sins & Go to the Devil in Hades," Dan Barker, vocal & keyboard. Mother's Day segment, featuring Anne Gaylor, FFRF founder, and director of the Charitable Women's Medical Fund. Music in honor of Mother's Day: "Bread...
Fighting Words . . . Robin Morgan
May 06, 2006 20:47 - 44 minutes - 20.6 MBRobin Morgan (Sisterhood Is Powerful) is an atheist whose new book Fighting Words is a counter to the religious right. Her novel The Burning Times is based on the true case of the first woman put to death as a witch by the Roman Catholic Church in Ireland. Also hear "Theocracy Alert," "Freethinkers' Almanac," and the debut of "Pagan Pulpit." (MP3, 45 min, 20.5MB)
Somewhere Over the Rainbow . . . Rhymes for the Irreverent
April 29, 2006 20:38 - 48 minutes - 22.3 MBFeaturing interview with Ernie Harburg, president of the Yip Harburg Foundation, on the great American lyricist Yip Harburg ("Somewhere Over the Rainbow," "Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?," "April in Paris"), a self-described "ardent agnostic," and author of Rhymes for the Irreverent, recently republished by the Freedom From Religion Foundation. Also featuring a segment with Prof. Penny Edgell, University of Minnesota, on her study, "Atheists as 'Other'." (MP3, 49 min, 22.3MB)