Sat, 14 November 2009  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 "medicine" in the Senate health care reform proposal. |
Mon, 9 November 2009 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. |
Sat, 31 October 2009 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.
|
Sat, 24 October 2009 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." |
Mon, 19 October 2009 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.Comments[0] |
Mon, 12 October 2009 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 "uncensored prayer."Comments[0] |
Mon, 5 October 2009 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 Detroit.Comments[0] |
Sat, 26 September 2009 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 controversy over religion in the Capitol in Olympia, Wash., following a public hearing about it this week. (Note: announced guest Donald C Johanson, discoverer of Lucy, had to be rescheduled.) |
Sat, 19 September 2009 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 worldwide. The guest, Gregory S. Paul, a researcher, will talk about the correlation between lack of social safety nets (such as the timely topic of America's lack of health care for all) and religiosity. He will advance the notion that no "culture wars" were necessary in Europe in order for belief in religion to fade; "pie in the sky" is not necessary when needs are taken care of here on earth. |
Sat, 12 September 2009 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 wearing slacks. |
Sat, 5 September 2009 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 just how much you know about the constitutional principle. |
Sat, 29 August 2009 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. |
Sat, 22 August 2009 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 the Amazon free of religion. |
Sat, 15 August 2009 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 with born-again politicians in the news for adultery, including Gov. Mark Sanford, U.S. Sen. John Ensign, and former U.S. Rep. Charles "Chip" Pickering. |
Sat, 8 August 2009 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! |
Sat, 1 August 2009 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 humorous quotations. |
Sat, 25 July 2009 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. |
Sat, 18 July 2009 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 delivered on behalf of the United States at the D-Day commemoration last month in France, and complaints made to Secretary of Defense Gates and President Obama. |
Sat, 11 July 2009 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. |
Sat, 4 July 2009 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. |
Sat, 27 June 2009 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. |
Sat, 20 June 2009 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." |
Sat, 13 June 2009 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. |
Sat, 6 June 2009 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. |
Sat, 30 May 2009 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 Sotomayor, and the landmark conviction of a Wisconsin mom for reckless homicide for praying over her diabetic daughter, instead of seeking health care. |
Sat, 30 May 2009 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 Sotomayor, and the landmark conviction of a Wisconsin mom for reckless homicide for praying over her diabetic daughter, instead of seeking health care. |
Sat, 23 May 2009 "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 intrusion of evangelical Christianity into the U.S. military. |
Sat, 16 May 2009 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. Also featured: a short tribute to Pete Seeger, who turned 90 this month. |
Sat, 9 May 2009 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 National Day of Prayer, which resulted in a lot of attention to this annual abuse, and a moderation of the relationship between government and the National Day of Prayer Taskforce, associated with the Christian-right Focus on the Family. |
Sat, 2 May 2009 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. |
Sat, 25 April 2009 Bart D. Ehrman, the agnostic bestselling author of several books, most recently Jesus, Interrupted: Revealing the Hidden Contradictions in the Bible (and Why We Don't Know About them), will be a guest. The program will also showcase nonbelieving classical composers, and take a look at state/church conflicts in Afghanistan. |
Sat, 18 April 2009 Topics include: Why Is Pat Boone Unhappy with FFRF?The hosts talk about FFRF's Good Friday state/church complaints, why Pat Boone doesn't like FFRF, and interview Matthew Rothschild, an atheist and editor of The Progressive Magazine, celebrating its 100th anniversary in May. Also a guest is student activist Andrew Cederdahl, the president of the Pastafarians at the University of South Carolina, in Columbia, S.C. Andrew was recently interviewed for an upcoming article in The New York Times. The show also includes an April Freethought Almanac, about famous freethinkers born this month. |
Sat, 11 April 2009 The show will include lively commentary on news developments, a "Pagan Pulpit" on Easter, and interviews with author Barbara W. Walker on the real origins of Easter, and with 94-year-old Carnegie Hall conductor David Randolph. David Randolph will provide a sneak preview of the April 18 concert by the (secular) St. Cecelia Chorus on Sat., April 18, featuring the powerful works of two freethinkers: Brahms and Vaughan Williams. He will also be the Guest of Honor at FFRF's upcoming New York City lunch on Sunday, April 19, which will be briefly discussed. Find out more here:http://ffrf.org/events/ |
Sat, 4 April 2009 Stanford Prof. Paul Ehrlich, best-known for his Population Bomb bestseller, will talk about current overpopulation concerns and his latest book, The Dominant Animal: Human Evolution and the Environment. The hosts will also discuss FFRF's federal challenge of the National Day of Prayer, and commemorate the birthdate of irreverent lyricist E.Y. "Yip" Harburg. |
Sat, 28 March 2009 The show will include an "Ask an Atheist" segment, comment on the controversy over the Pope and condoms, play a little Monty Python, and feature an interview with the head of Australia's atheist organization. Nicholls will talk about freethought Down Under, as well as the censorship of his group's proposed "Sleep in on Sundays" bus sign campaign.Comments[0] |
Sat, 21 March 2009 Other Topics: Why Beware of Dogma? & How to Chime in Over New Bus Signs!Scientist and author Victor Stenger will be Saturday's guest. Stenger is the author of many books on science and reason, including God: The Failed Hypothesis (2007). The cohosts will relay reaction to the Foundation's "Beware of Dogma" billboard just posted in Boise, Idaho, and analyze some troubling news developments showing the harm of placing religious dogma over people. Comments[1] |
Sat, 14 March 2009 Topics: U.S.'s Growing Secularism, & What's Wrong with Pres. Obama's Faith-Based Plans?Barry A. Kosmin, a principal researcher of the definitive American Religious Identification Survey, will talk about the newest ARIS results released this week showing that up to 1 in 5 adult Americans is nonreligious, and the continuing decline of religiosity in America. Author, journalist and freethinker Susan Jacoby will talk about her op-ed piece in The New York Times, "Keeping the Faith, Ignoring the History," detailing what's wrong with faith-based funding and offices in the federal government. |
Sat, 7 March 2009 The show will feature 2 interviews: a short conversation with Tennessee freethinker Sharron King about being an unbeliever in the South, and with Henry Steinberger, of SMART Recovery, offering a secular alternative to 12-step and AA-based programs for alcohol and drug use recovery. Also featured: a teaser for Philip Appleman's newest book of freethinking poetry, "Karma, Dharma, Pudding & Pie," and the song, "Fleas," Phil Appleman's classic parody of the poem/song "Trees." |
Sun, 1 March 2009 Also: The Current State of State/Church SeparationReporting on religion for the Los Angeles Times is eventually how journalist William Lobdell lost his religion. His new book, "Losing My Religion," just came out this week so tune in for this interview! The hosts will also comment on current freethought and state/church developments, and debut Brazilian vocalist Sharon Bele's version of the song, "Beware of Dogma." |
Sat, 21 February 2009 Also: What's Wrong with Pres. Obama's Faith-based Council?President Obama's executive order creating a White House Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships will be analyzed and critiqued. The show will include audio clips of Obama's speech before the National Prayer Breakfast with host reactions. Author Eric Maisel will be interviewed about his new book: The Atheist's Way: Living Well Without Gods. |
Sat, 14 February 2009 Guest: Matthew Chapman, Author, Filmmaker & Darwin's Great-great Grandson& Updates on FFRF's "Praise Darwin" Billboard In honor of Charles Darwin's bicentennial birthday this past week, the hosts will interview Darwin's great-great grandson Matthew Chapman, author of Forty Days and Forty Nights, and Trials of the Monkey. Also featured: Susan Hofer singing the jazz love song and ode to science, "It's Only Natural." The hosts will update the Foundation's campaign to take pro-Darwin billboards to sites where the Dogma Versus Darwin debate still rages! Listen for an entertaining clip of local coverage of the "Praise Darwin: Evolve Beyond Belief" billboard in Dover, Penn. (site of the intelligent design controversy). |
Mon, 9 February 2009 Announcing FFRF's New Darwin Billboard CampaignIn honor of Charles Darwin's bicentennial birthday on Feb. 12, the hosts will interview reporter Lauri Lebo, author of The Devil in Dover: An Insider's Story of Dogma v. Darwin in Small-town America. Lauri covered the Dover "intelligent design" trial for the York Dispatch. The hosts will also talk about the Foundation's new Darwin billboard campaign, and pay a little homage to "the birthday boy." The song, "Intelligent Design," by poet/Darwin scholar Philip Appleman, to the tune of Battle Hymn of the Republic, will also be featured. |
Sat, 31 January 2009 Topic: Religion Rules in Manitowoc County, Wis., & Why He Is Standing Up to ItAlso: FFRF's New Bus Sign Campaign Unveiled! The hosts unveil FFRF's new bus sign campaign, debuting in February in Madison, Wis.,(and going around the nation as funds permit), including memorable quotations by freethinkers, including Richard Dawkins. Interviewed will be Foundation member Paul T. Rappel, who will talk about why he decided to stand up and become a plaintiff in FFRF's new federal lawsuit challenging a 62-year nativity scene violation by Manitowoc County, Wis, an ultra-conservative spot. |
Sat, 24 January 2009 Topics include Inaugural ReligionLively commentary and clips from the Presidential Inauguration, from the freethought point of view, and an update on the Newdow inaugural prayer lawsuit, will precede an interview with Jason Torpy, president of the Military Association of Atheists and Freethinkers. |
Sat, 17 January 2009 Topic: State/Church Separation ActivismThe broadcast will include guest Ed Hensley, one of 10 plaintiffs in a federal lawsuit filed to challenge a Kentucky law requiring the state Department of Homeland Security to stress "dependence on Almighty God as being vital to the security of the Commonwealth." Also interviewed will be the Foundation's new staff attorney, Rebecca Kratz, who will report on ending several major state/church violations this month, including Christian proselytization of service men and women in Iraq, as well as religious violations in public schools in California and Florida. |
Sat, 10 January 2009 Topics: Stem-Cell Research: The Future, and Update on Inaugural Prayer ChallengeThe featured guest will be filmmaker Jessica Gerstle, whose movie, "The Accidental Advocate," chronicles the moving quest of her surgeon father, Claude Gerstle, who was recently paralyzed, to seek answers on stem-cell research and what is holding it up. Jessica will address the complex barriers to full stem-cell research, thanks to religious-right incursions into the federal bureaucracy. The hosts will also update the new inaugural prayer challenge and discuss the dangers of politicians, such as Roland W. Burris, believing they are "anointed by God." |
Sat, 3 January 2009 A lively wrap-up of 2008, with audio clips of funny or infuriating moments by would-be theocrats of 2008, will be followed by an interview of state/church watchdog Mike Newdow about the new federal challenge of inaugural prayers. A brief remembrance of freethinkers who died in 2008, and the song "Dear God," by XTC, will also be featured. |
Sat, 27 December 2008 The hosts will discuss what's wrong with prayer at the Inauguration, and with Rev. Rick Warren in particular to lead that invocation. For a relaxing end of the year show, they will play some irreverent theatrical clips on religion, including one comedic jibe at homophobic religion, and end the show with a nod to infidel Robert Burns and his famous Aulde Lang Syne. |
Sat, 20 December 2008 Topic: What's an atheist doing conducting The Messiah?Distinguished chorale and orchestral conductor David Randolph, an atheist and the oldest person, at nearly 94, to conduct at Carnegie Hall, will be the guest, talking about how music has no religion, among other topics. The co-hosts will play an excerpt from The Stephen Colbert Show's coverage of FFRF's Washington Capitol Winter Solstice display, and discuss FFRF's just-filed lawsuit over an unlawful creche on courthouse grounds in Manitowoc, Wis., including lively media coverage clips. |
Sat, 13 December 2008 Comedian and actress Julia Sweeney talks about the long-awaited recent release of her brilliant one-woman show, "Letting Go of God," as a movie, and the hosts play clips from lots of national TV coverage of FFRF's solstice display at the Washington State Capitol in covering that ongoing saga! |
Sat, 6 December 2008 Topic: The Winter Solstice - The Reason for the SeasonDan and Annie Laurie will announce various Winter Solstice initiatives of the Freedom From Religion Foundation, air news clips about FFRF Winter Solstice Displays at State Capitols and its new "Reason's Greetings" billboards (including Bill O'Reilly ranting against them), and play a little tongue in cheek seasonal music. They will also interview scholar and author Barbara G. Walker, about the real meaning of the season and everything they didn't teach you about the origins of "Christmas" in Sunday School! Walker is Freethought Today's columnist and author of the monumental Woman's Encyclopedia of Myths and Secrets |
Sat, 29 November 2008 Featured guest is Fred Karger, founder of Californians Against Hate, who allegations of unreported Mormon activity to help pass Prop 8, banning same-sex marriage in California, are being investigated by the Fair Political Practices Commission, which oversees state campaign finance laws. Also interviewed will be Southern California FFRF member Mark Monninger, to discuss the uproar over FFRF's "Imagine No Religion" billboard in Cucamonga. The paid-for, contracted-for message was removed after only a week by the billboard company amid allegations that the City had recommended its removal. FFRF's new lawsuit in federal court suing the City of Rancho Cucamonga will also be discussed! |
Sat, 22 November 2008 Douglas Krueger, author of What is Atheism? Also, Illegal religious displays are discussed with one Ohio member. |
Sat, 15 November 2008 Author of Why I Became an Atheist: A Former Preacher Rejects ChristianityJohn W. Loftus, a seminary-trained minister in the Restoration Movement of Churches, will talk about why, after earning a Master of Divinity degree and other theological degrees, he realized he could no longer believe in biblical claims. The hosts will also discuss the Freedom From Religion Foundation's newest lawsuit, filed this week in state court in Denver, suing Colorado Gov. Jim Ritter over his National Day of Prayer proclamations. |
Sat, 8 November 2008 Topics: Post-Election: State of the Supreme Court & Judiciary & Postmortems on Religious referendaNan Aron, expert head of the judicial watchdog, Alliance for Justice, will be this week's guest, to talk about what Nov. 4 will mean for the judiciary. Dan & Annie Laurie will comment on the Nov. 4 fate of religious-right sponsored referenda. |
Sat, 1 November 2008 Topic: Prop 8 & the Religious War Against Gay RightsThe show will be devoted to an expose of the religious backing of Proposition 8, to deny same-sex marriage to California residents via a Nov. 4 ballot initiative. Listen for clips of religious ads, and of religious leaders inveighing against gay marriage. FFRF Lifetime Member and Gay Atheist founder Dick Hewetson will be interviewed about Proposition 8 and the religious war against gay rights |
Sat, 25 October 2008 Topic: 50 Reasons Not to Believe in a GodGuy P. Harrison, author of the new book, "50 Reasons People Give for Believing in a God," will gently debunk some of those reasons. The latest twists in the epidemic of religion in politics and church politicking will be discussed. As an antidote to all that religion, the hosts will air the 2008 "Moment of Bedlam" from FFRF's annual national NonPrayer Breakfast! |
Sat, 18 October 2008 Topic: Society Without GodProf. Phil Zuckerman talks about his hot-off-the-press book, Society Without God, which refutes the myth that religion is necessary for happy citizens and moral societies. Zuckerman, an FFRF member, cites statistical evidence showing the "happiness index" tends to be much higher in godless societies, and offers Scandinavia as a prime example. The broadcast also looks at the contributions of famous freethinkers born in October. |
Sat, 11 October 2008 Annie Laurie and Dan talk to author Larry Beinhart about his new book Salvation Boulevard. Plus, details of ffrf's new "Day of Prayer" lawsuit. |
Sat, 4 October 2008 This week's show will preview Bill Maher's irreverent film on religion, "Religulous," and play audios of the infamous "witchcraft" prayer by Gov. Sarah Palin's Kenyan minister-friend and her response. For a change of pace, "Women Without Superstition" will be showcased in an interview featuring Annie Laurie Gaylor, as editor of the first anthology of women freethinkers. |
Sat, 27 September 2008 Journalist and Newsweek contributing editor Eleanor Clift will join Freethought Radio to talk about her new book, "Two Weeks of Life." The book is part memoir, tracing the last days of her husband, Tom Brazaitis, who died of cancer in 2005. Mr. Brazaitis, a well-known journalist, was a longtime FFRF member and, as Ms. Clift writes, "an unwavering atheist." She parallels Tom's last two weeks, with the Terri Schiavo debate occurring over the same time period. Also interviewed: state/church activist and Foundation member Carl Silverman, about getting an "Imagine No Religion" billboard posted in Harrisburg, Penn., last week. |
Sat, 20 September 2008 Feminist icon and atheist Robin Morgan will be interviewed about the 40th anniversary of the first Miss America pageant protest, which Robin organized in 1968, among other free-ranging topics. Ms. Morgan is Ms. Magazine's former editor, now consulting editor and author of the classic "Sisterhood is Powerful," as well as "Fighting Words: A Toolkit for Combating the Religious Right." Religion seeping into current politics will come under analysis in "Theocracy Alert." |
Sat, 13 September 2008 Dan Barker will change hats from interviewer to interviewee to talk about his new book, "Godless: How an Evangelical Preacher Became One of America's Leading Atheists" (Sept. 2008, Ulysses Press). And Freethought Radio will be joined by a member of the Freedom From Religion Foundation in Phoenix who helped FFRF place five billboards saying "Imagine No Religion" to talk about both the censorship encountered--and the fun! |
Sat, 6 September 2008 Topic: Abortion and the Religious RightThis week's Freethought Radio will interview the campaign manager of the organization working against Measure 11, a nationally-watched referendum to ban abortion which will be on South Dakota's Nov. 4 ballot. The show will also cover more religion in politics at the Republican and Democratic National Conventions, and analyze the Assembly of God beliefs of McCain's vice-presidential pick. |
Sat, 30 August 2008 Freethought Radio interviews Denver attorney Robert R. Tiernan about
why religion should stay out of politics. Bob, who has taken many
lawsuits on behalf of the Freedom From Religion Foundation and is a
lifelong Democrat, got a lot of media attention for protesting the
interfaith worship service at the Democratic National Convention. FFRF
co-president Dan Barker's new book, Godless, is announced, with the Foreword by Richard Dawkins read by Brian Turany.
|
Sat, 23 August 2008 This week Freethought Radio will talk with Nebraska's most famous state
senator, Ernie Chambers, a nonreligious legislator and peoples'
advocate, about what's happening with his lawsuit suing "God" over
"acts of God." Also interviewed will be The Nation's columnist, Katha Pollitt, about her recent religion in politics piece, "Flocking to Faith." The Saddleback church "debate" will be briefly parsed. Comments[0] |
Sat, 16 August 2008 This week Freethought Radio will talk with Julia Cicci, a University
ROTC cadet and unbeliever, who recently delivered a nonreligious
invocation at her ROTC commissioning ceremony. Also interviewed will be
FFRF's articulate legal intern, Sarah Braasch, who will talk about
growing up in the Jehovah Witnesses church and why she left it. |
Sat, 9 August 2008 This week Freethought Radio will talk with state/church litigant Steve
Trunk about a recent development in the Mt. Soledad cross challenge,
including the bogus attempt to disguise the 43-foot-tall cross in San
Diego as a war memorial. The cohosts discuss the grave implications of
a hostile ruling by an appeals court in the Freedom From Religion
Foundation's important challenge of pervasive religiosity in healthcare
by the Veterans Administration. The contributions of august
freethinkers born in early August will also be featured. |
Sat, 2 August 2008 This week Freethought Radio talks with Jon O'Brien, president of Catholics For Choice (not all Catholics are alike), about his broad investigative indictment of William Donohue's obnoxious Catholic League, and with Ryan Valentine of the Texas Freedom Network about the troublesome plan to teach bible classes in Texas schools. |
Sat, 26 July 2008 Since it's summertime and the living is easy, Freethought Radio will play an excerpt from Julia Sweeney's hilarious CD, "Letting Go of God." After a quick Theocracy Alert, Mike Christensen of Seattle will be interviewed. Mike, 28, is an FFRF Lifetime Member who will talk about why he is a freethinker and is sponsoring the current "Imagine No Religion" billboard in Seattle. |
Sat, 19 July 2008 Tune in to hear the inside story about the young Orlando student whom Catholics have accused of committing a "hate crime" for not eating a communion wafer! And listen to Sarah Braasch talk about how some public-funded senior centers are imposing prayer on senior citizens and why that is illegal. |
Mon, 14 July 2008 Guest: David MillsAuthor: Atheist Universe: The Thinking Person's Answer to Christian Fundamentalism Freethought Radio will discuss "atheist in a foxhole" Jeremy Hall's federal lawsuit against the military, charging that it is promoting Christianity and has discriminated against his rights as a nonbeliever, as covered by CNN this week with Anderson Cooper. Journalist and science writer David Mills, the author of the popular book, "Atheist Universe," will be interviewed about what's wrong with fundamentalism. The show will also highlight contributions by the many famous freethinkers born in July. Hosts: Dan Barker & Annie Laurie Gaylor, co-presidents of the Freedom From Religion Foundation Produced by the Freedom From Religon Foundation |
Sat, 5 July 2008 Freethought Radio will analyze Barack Obama's controversial decision to
rename and expand Bush's "faith-based initiative," using clips from his
announcement this week. It will also interview southern activist Pat
Cleveland, who is in the midst of the annual 4th of July bash in the
heart of the bible belt sponsored every year by the activist Alabama
Freethought Association. Author Nica Lalli will be interviewed about
her memoir about growing up as and embracing being a "nothing" when it
comes to religion. |
Sat, 28 June 2008 Jim McCollum, who at age 10 became the center of a huge legal battle against religious instruction in the public schools, will talk about the 60th anniversary of the Supreme Court decision, McCollum v. Board of Education, keeping schools free of indoctrination. The show will also pay homage to several other anniversaries of significant Supreme court decisions affirming separation between church and state. Listen for cameos of famed litigants Roy Torcaso, Ed Schempp and Vashti McCollum. |
Sat, 21 June 2008 Elissa Wall, author of "Stolen Innocence," will talk about being married against her will at age 14 to an adult in her polygamous Fundamentalist Latter Day Saints community in Utah. Wall was the key witness in the criminal trial which convicted FLDS patriarch Warren Jeffs of being an accomplice to rape. The show will also feature Sarah Braasch, FFRF's legal intern, who will talk about her research into unlawful Christian prayers opening the Wisconsin State Assembly. Her interview will include sound bites of a legislator casting the "Evil One" out of the chambers! |
Sat, 14 June 2008 Michael Shermer, one of America's leading skeptics, will be
interviewed, along with Denver FFRF activist Mike Smith, about the
"Imagine No Religion" billboard he helped get posted for two months
this summer in Denver. |
Fri, 6 June 2008 Author: "The Family: The Secret Fundamentalism at the Heart of American
Power," Jeff Sharlet, contributor to Harper's and Rolling Stones, will
be interviewed about his new book exposing a religious-right cult with
tentacles reaching into Congress. Freethinkers Almanac will celebrate
several musical composers and the hosts will discuss the biblical roots
of the polygamy scandal involving the Fundamentalist Latter-day Saints. |
Sat, 31 May 2008 Author of the bestselling "Breaking the Spell: Religion as a Natural Phenomenon," Prof. Daniel C. Dennett of Tufts University, will be interviewed. State/church activist Prof. Eric Barnes will also be interviewed about why he complained about ownership of a lighted cross by the Village of Holmen, Wis., and what has since transpired. Freethought Radio will update the continuing saga of pastors embarrassing the presidential candidates they have endorsed, in this case John McCain. |
Sat, 24 May 2008 Freethought Radio interviewed leading geneticist and the lively science educator, Prof. Sean Carroll, author of The Making of the Fittest, about the evidence for evolution being found at the DNA level, and the ongoing controversy over creationism. China's devastating earthquake and Myanmar's cataclysmic cyclone were addressed in Dan's Pagan Pulpit, which discussed the age-old theological "problem of evil." |
Sat, 17 May 2008 Freethought Radio will discuss the Freedom From Religion Foundation's
newest legal challenge over school subsidy of the Child Evangelism
Fellowship in a Wisconsin school, and will talk with the dad who
originally lodged the complaint. (He is not being identified to protect
his children.) Sound clips from John McCain and his pastor supporter
relating to their views against state/church separation will be
featured. And the show will conclude with an interview of
internationally-known magician and exposer of hoax, the atheist and
author, James Randi! |
Sat, 10 May 2008 This weekend's show will feature an interview with Richard Sloanabout timely issues involving the dangers of religion and prayer being prescribed as "medicine." Freethinkers Almanac will look at the nonreligious views of Irving Berlin and Katharine Hepburn, and the hosts will talk about a freethinking visit to New York City and Los Angeles. |
Sat, 3 May 2008
Freethought Radio talks with Eugenie Scott about the rightwing antievolution film "Exposed." Hosts Dan Barker and Annie Laurie Gaylor also speak with Jeremy Hall, who will be receiving FFRF's "Atheist in Foxhole" award. |
Sat, 26 April 2008
Freethought Radio talks with Temple University professor John Allen Paulos,
author of the bestseller "Innumeracy," about his new and amusing book
debunking belief in a god, "Irreligion: A Mathematician Explains Why
the Arguments for God Just Don't Add Up." The show also dissects what's
wrong with a National Day of Prayer. |
Sat, 19 April 2008
18-year-old high school senior Matthew LaClair, who received
the Thomas Jefferson Student Activist Award last year from the Freedom
From Religion Foundation, talks about his latest headline-grabbing
complaint about religion in public schools, this one involving a biased
text used nationwide. The hosts go after CNN-TV for the media
imposition of a religious test for public office, imposed on Democratic
candidates in a April 13 "faith forum," and object to public financing
of the pope's visit to America. |
Sat, 12 April 2008 In addition to speaking with the intrepid editor in chief of the
irreverent Onion weekly newspaper, this weekend's show will thoroughly
dissect what's wrong with the Ten Commandments (listen for cameos from
The Ten Commandments), in response to a Senate resolution pending to
declare the first weekend in May "Ten Commandments" weekend. |
Sat, 5 April 2008 The unnecessary, tragic deaths of two children last month whose
respective parents let them die of preventable diseases in the name of
faith will be discussed with Shawn Francis Peters,
author of When Prayer Fails: Faith Healing, Children and the Law. Dan
Barker's "Pagan Pulpit" exposes the biblical admonitions to rely on
faith to heal. Also featured: clips from "Fitna," the controversial
Internet movie about Islam by Dutch parliament member Geert Wilders, an
update on a Congressional probe of prosperity preachers, and a
recording of Tom Lehrer, born April 8, singing his classic "Vatican
Rag." |
Sat, 29 March 2008
Journalist and freethinker Susan Jacoby, author of the new
book, The Age of American Unreason, who also wrote Freethinkers: A
History of American Secularism, is interviewed on this weekend's show. |
Sat, 22 March 2008
Evolutionary psychologist Steven Pinker, the Johnstone Family
Professor of Psychology at Harvard, is the featured guest, discussing
both his nontheistic views, and his concerns about the current
administration's attacks against science in order to placate the
religious right. "Theocracy Alert" discusses the Rev. Wright-Rev. Hagee
fallout on the presidential campaigns. The hosts discuss the problem
with Easter, and also pay tribute to nonbeliever Arthur C. Clarke, who
died this week. |
Sat, 15 March 2008 Freethought Radio's Theocracy Alert discusses the unseemly mix of
religion and politics in presidential actions and the presidential
race. The former reverend Dan Barker's Pagan Pulpit examines the
biblical role in sanctifying torture here on earth, and Dan, with
co-host Annie Laurie Gaylor, in a segment on "being good without god,"
addresses the tired old myth that nonbelievers are immoral. The
rejection of dogma by Albert Einstein is featured in Freethinkers
Almanac. |
Sat, 8 March 2008
Freethought Radio devotes its entire program to an interview with evolutionary biologist Richard Dawkins, author of the bestselling blockbuster, The God Delusion.
|
Sat, 1 March 2008 Freethought Radio discusses exciting new statistics from a major study
released this week showing that the nonreligious are the 4th largest
sector by religious (or nonreligious) identification in the United
States today. Guest is Greg Smith,
Pew Forum on Religion. The show also examines the role that women
freethinkers have played in making women's history, in honor of women's
history month. |
Sat, 23 February 2008
|
Sat, 16 February 2008 A "war of the billboards" brewing in rural Pennsylvania over the
Foundation's "Imagine No Religion" billboard will be discussed, and a
religious billboard defaming atheists as "hating America" will be
debunked. The special guest is a local atheist from the area who hosted
the billboard to counter the ubiquitous religion on the roadside in
Chambersburg, Penn. Host Dan Barker will talk about the "anti-Carnival"
in Brazil he took part in, as an invited guest representing American
freethought. Tune in for some other surprises. |
Sat, 9 February 2008 In honor of Darwin's birthday (Feb. 12), Freethought Radio interviews
film director, screenwriter and author Matthew Chapman, the great-great
grandson of Charles Darwin. Chapman's book, "Forty Days and Forty
Nights," is a personal report on the Dover "intellligent design" trial,
and "Trial of a Monkey: An Accidental Memoir" recounts his pilgrimage
to Dayton, Tenn., home of the Scopes trial.
|
Sat, 2 February 2008 After dissecting Pres. Bush's call upon Congress this week to make the
"faith-based initiative" permanent, Freethought Radio speaks with Ellery Schempp,
whose protest as a 16-year-old high school student yielded an enduring
Supreme Court decision in 1963 barring bible devotionals from public
schools. Ellery, a distinguished retired scientist, remains a
passionate advocate of the separation between church and state.
Freethought Radio's Freethinker's Almanac also takes a quick look at
illustrious freethinkers born the first week in February. Note longtime
listeners: This is a fresh interview with Ellery Schempp. |
Sat, 26 January 2008 A relaxing Freethought Radio looks at the irreverency and artistry of
one of America's most revered songwriters, the atheist Yip Harburg
("Somewhere Over the Rainbow"). Retired scientist and engaging
unbeliever Ernie Harburg
talks about his own rejection of religion, the progressive Yip Harburg
Foundation, and his father's "Rhymes for the Irreverent." Tantalizing
clips of many of Yip's famous songs airs during this new interview, and
Ernie reads some of his father's freethought poems. The show also
features a "Theocracy Alert" update. |
Sat, 19 January 2008
The Nation's "Subject to Debate" columnist, author, poet, feminist and atheist Katha Pollitt,
returns to Freethought Radio to talk about her latest book, "Learning
to Drive," the cultural politics of abortion on this pre-Roe v. Wade
anniversary show, and her views on the state of freethought and
religion in politics. The show also features a new Freethinkers Almanac
and Theocracy Alert. |
Sat, 12 January 2008 Psychology Today's feature, "An Atheist in the Pulpit" (Jan/Feb 08),
about ministers who lose their faith, inspired this week's show. Radio
cohost Dan Barker, a former fundamentalist minister, as well as Freedom From Religion Foundation member Tom Reed,
a former Roman Catholic priest, talk about their loss of faith stories.
Both men are featured in the Psychology Today article. Tune in to hear
Dan Barker's first-ever media interview as a "baby atheist," on the
Oprah Winfrey Show! "Theocracy Alert" looks at mischief-making
Congressional resolutions. |
Sat, 5 January 2008
Freethought Radio looks at end-of-the-year threats to women by Islamists, talks with Taku Ronsman,
a plaintiff in the Freedom From Religion Foundation's newest lawsuit
against a city-displayed creche in Green Bay, Wis., and consults Anne Wiseman,
chief legal director of Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in
Washington, over CREW's recent federal court victory forcing the White
House to release visitor logs on leaders of the religious right. Tune
in for that, and much more! |
Sat, 29 December 2007 This week's show offers a respite from seasonal state/church conflicts
and religious intrusions in politics. Relax as the hosts feature
secular songwriters and freethought music! |
Sat, 22 December 2007 Tis the season . . . for state/church violations and this week's
program briefly updates seasonal violations, including an interview
with a brave county board supervisor, Robert SinKlair
of Sauk County, Wis., who is opposing the nativity scene at his county
courthouse. An NBC camera crew filmed the segments dealing with the
"real reason of the season" and seasonal state/church violations for a
(brief) segment on the Dec. 20 NBC Evening Nightly News. A few cuts
from the recording ran. Spurred by the Golden Compass controversy,
Freethought Radio devotes the second half of its program to an
entertaining guide to freethought in the flicks, playing clips from
movies with nontheist themes or characters. Don't miss a fun show! |
Sat, 15 December 2007 This week's radio show parses Mitt Romney's "faith in America" speech,
reports on seasonal state/church entanglements, and features interviews
with two recent victors in the legal battle to keep church and state
separate. Guest Ray Ideus talks about his victory this week over religion at the Spokane police department. Kay Staley
talks about her major victory at the Supreme Court level, removing a
monument to the bible from government steps in Houston. Listen in, get
acquainted with freethinkers and enjoy some good news! |
Sat, 8 December 2007 Just in time for the exciting debut this weekend of The Golden Compass
film, the children's movie spectacular of the season, is Freethought
Radio's interview with the fascinating Philip Pullman,
the British children's novelist and nonbeliever who wrote the book the
headline-making movie is based on. The program also reviews some timely
developments, good and bad, for freethought and the separation of
church and state. |
Sat, 1 December 2007
This week's show features an interview with the irrepressible litigant Michael Newdow,
whose latest challenges of "under God" in the Pledge of Allegiance, and
of the motto "In God We Trust," will be argued before the Ninth U.S.
Circuit Court of Appeals. The show also debuts teasers of Mike's funny
"solstice" rewrites of traditional Christmas carols, from his new
"Solstice Classic" CD. Also appearing is the equally irrepressible Ernie Chambers, state senator from Nebraska, talking about his slightly tongue-in-cheek lawsuit against "God." Photo by Brent Nicastro. |
Sat, 24 November 2007
This week's show features a deferred interview with SPC Jeremy Hall,
who was threatened with "fragging" (a "friendly fire" murder) after
suing the Pentagon for religious discrimination. Hall sued after he was
threatened with military retaliation for organizing a freethought
meeting at his base in Iraqi. "Theocracy Alert" looks at timely
violations, and the birthdate of nontheist composer Scott Joplin is
commemorated. |
Sat, 17 November 2007
This week's show is a freethought potpouri! Nation columnist Katha Pollitt reads her recent column, "Onward, Secular Soldiers!" Columnist Stephanie Salter
talks about a humorous new website set up to record hypocrisy by
drivers with "In God We Trust" license plates in Indiana. Dan and Annie
Laurie discuss the upcoming "Golden Compass" movie, starring Nicole
Kidman, based on the first book in atheist children's author Philip
Pullman's trilogy. And as a bonus, they play "loving messages" left by
Christians on the Freethought Radio answering machine. |
Sat, 10 November 2007 Comedian and Saturday Night Live alum Julia Sweeney returns
to Freethought Radio for a new interview about her "beautiful loss of
faith story," and her monolog, "Letting Go of God," soon to be released
as a film!
|
Sat, 3 November 2007 Dan and Annie Laurie play sound bites from GOP candidates genuflecting
before the Religious Right. They also discuss the monopolization of
words like "morality" and "values" by the Christian right with
nonbeliever Eric Zorn, columnist for the Chicago Tribune. |
Sat, 27 October 2007 Irreverent Pulitzer Prize-winning editorial cartoonist Steve Benson
of the Arizona Republic, who is the grandson of Ezra Taft Benson, the
late president of the Mormon church, talks about why he left that
church in a highly-publicized break and is now an atheist. Also,
attorney Robert R. Teirnan talks about FFRF's newest federal
lawsuit, challenging the promotion of churchgoing by a school district
in Colorado. Photo by Brent Nicastro. |
Sat, 20 October 2007
In honor of "Nobel Week," Freethought Radio talks with Paul D. Boyer,
Nobel Laureate in Chemistry, 1997, about why he is an atheist, as well
as discussing statistics revealing that the overwhelming number of
elite scientists are nonbelievers. Prof. Boyer also talks about his
support of death with dignity in the face of church opposition to
physician-assisted suicide. Photo by Brent Nicastro. (MP3, 38 min, 34.7
MB) |
Sat, 13 October 2007 An interview with Ron Reagan about his atheism. Reagan, a radio host
and TV commentator, is the son of Ronald and Nancy Reagan. Also
featuring 17 year old Emma Martens, a high school senior who is leading
a walkout of students in Boulder, Colo., to protest "under God" in the
Pledge of Allegiance. And a discussion about the Freethought
Renaissance--how unbelief and atheism are increasing in the United
States and its popular culture. (MP3, 37 min, 33.8 MB) |
Sat, 6 October 2007
Freethought Radio's featured guest is Christopher Hitchens,
author of the bestselling "God Is Not Great: How Religion Poisons
Everything." Freethought Radio is the first nationally-broadcast radio
show from the secular point of view! Freethought Radio broadcasts
weekly. The show offers programming for nonreligious listeners, as well
as countering the religious-right domination of our public airwaves.
Freethought Radio features a regular "Theocracy Alert," Dan's "Pagan
Pulpit," "Freethinkers Almanac," music and interviews with authors and
activists. (MP3, 38 min, 34.7 MB) |
Sat, 29 September 2007 Debra Sweet, whose statement to Pres. Nixon as a 19-year-old
made international headlines, talks about her continuing activism with
the groups Refuse & Resist, and World Can't Wait, both of which are
concerned with attacks on the separation between church and state. The
show also marks the birthdate of celebrated composer George Gershwin,
and airs a current "Theocracy Alert." (MP3, 50 min, 45.7 MB) |
Sat, 22 September 2007
Two timely guests: Nebraska State Senator Ernie Chambers talks about his slightly tongue-in-cheek lawsuit, Chambers v. God, commanding headlines this week! And schoolteacher Alan Ginsberg,
who teaches third grade in Madison, Wis., talks about the complaint he
and the Freedom From Religion Foundation have launched over the
distribution of "Jesus Flyers" in Madison public schools. (MP3, 44 min,
40.8 MB) |
Sat, 15 September 2007 Jim Haught, author of Holy Hatred, Holy Horror, Honest Doubt:
Essays on Atheist and editor in chief of the Charleston Gazette, W.Va.,
is the guest. There is an important announcement about Freethought
Radio going national, and a clip of comedian Kathy Griffin, whose
irreverent remarks were censored at some of the Emmy awards. The show
also features Irving Berlin's revue song from the 1920s, "Pack Up Your
Bags and Go to the Devil in Hades." (MP3, 55 min, 50.3 MB) |
Sat, 8 September 2007
Freethought Radio interviews Mikey Weinstein, the retired Air
Force attorney who has formed the Military Religious Freedom Foundation
to fight high-ranking evangelism in the military. The show covers
recent exposes his group has uncovered, including the filming of a
video for the Christian Embassy at the Pentagon, "soul saving" by a
ministry group in a Pentagon commons, and halting a Pentagon plan to
help distribute the "Left Behind" videogame to all soldiers in Iraq.
The show also marsk the birthdate of H.L. Mencken, and broadcast
"Reincarnation," words by cowboy poet Wallace D. MacRae, music by Dan
Barker. (MP3, 47 min, 42.9 MB) |
Sat, 1 September 2007
Freethought Radio features veteran investigative reporter Michael Reynolds,
author of "Abstinence Gluttons," The Nation Magazine, June 2007. The
show also features some timely news updates and commentary. (MP3, 49
min, 22.4 MB) |
Sat, 25 August 2007
Freethought Radio features southern secular activist Ed Buckner, Ph.D.,
talking about how to combat the myth that America is a Christian
nation. Ed has a chapter in the new book, "Everything You Knew About
God Is Wrong." The show also features some timely news updates and
commentary. (MP3, 51 min, 23.5 MB) |
Sat, 18 August 2007
Dan and Annie Laurie Gaylor interview Bill Lobdell, whose
page-one article for the Los Angeles Times in July announced he is
retiring from the Los Angeles Times religion page because his beat
turned him into an atheist. The show also covers developments exposing
the Christianization of the U.S. military, and advance word on a major
legal victory for the Freedom From Religion Foundation. (MP3, 53 min,
24.1 MB) |
Sat, 11 August 2007
Freethought Radio features an interview with Prof. Brad J. Bushman,
of the Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, about his
studies linking religious belief and scriptural reading with violence.
The show reports on the related attack this week upon atheist author
Taslima Nasrin by Muslim lawmakers in Hyperabad, India. The show,
airing on the birthdate of Robert G. Ingersoll, takes a look at this
19th century freethinker's illustrious life. A new song, "Adrift on a
Star," words by the lyricist Yip Harburg ("Somewhere Over the
Rainbow"), music by Dan Barker, debuts. The weekly show is hosted by
Dan Barker and Annie Laurie Gaylor, co-presidents of the Freedom From
Religion Foundation. (MP3, 50 min, 22,8 MB) |
Sat, 4 August 2007
Guest is August Brunsman, whose Secular Student Alliance works
with 80 campus affiliates and provides support and ideas to
freethinking students around the country. The show debuts a new song by
lyricist and atheist Yip Harburg ("Somewhere Over the Rainbow," "It's
Only a Paper Moon"), music by Dan Barker, who set to music a number of
Yip's clever rhymes from "Rhymes for the Irreverent" (FFRF, 2006).
Ongoing censorship and discrimination against freethinkers are
discussed. Dan's Pagan Pulpit challenges churches with say tithing is
biblically-ordained. The show is co-hosted by Dan Barker and Annie
Laurie Gaylor. (MP3, 50 min, 22.9 MB) |
Sat, 28 July 2007 Emily Lyons, the Birmingham, Ala., nurse who was nearly murdered
by "Army of God" antiabortion terrorist/bomber Eric Rudolph, talks
about her experience, religious terrorism and ongoing assaults against
abortion rights in Alabama and around the nation in a memorable
interview. The program also analyzes candidate responses on
state/church issues popping up on Monday's CNN-YouTube debate. A cameo
appearance by Madison's "Raging Grannies" addresses the topical
question of "The Rapture." Don't miss this program! The weekly show is
hosted by Dan Barker and Annie Laurie Gaylor, co-presidents of the
Freedom From Religion Foundation. (MP3, 52 min, 23.8 MB) |
Sat, 21 July 2007 Brian Flemming, director of "The God Who Wasn't There"
documentary (2005) is interviewed. The broadcast also airs clips of
Christian fanatics disrupting the first-ever Hindu prayer to open the
U.S. Senate last week, discusses the unconstitutional chaplaincies in
Congress, and covers the largest-ever settlement to victims of priestly
sexual abuse, by the Los Angeles Archdiocese, among other news updates.
The weekly show is hosted by Dan Barker and Annie Laurie Gaylor,
co-presidents of the Freedom From Religion Foundation. (MP3, 50 min, 23
MB) |
Sat, 14 July 2007
Freethought Radio features an interview all the way from Iceland, with Hope Knutsson,
president of the Icelandic Ethical Humanist Association, about the
remarkable lack of fundamentalists in Iceland! News includes an update
on the cover-up of priestly crimes against children by the Roman
Catholic Church, including a brief excerpt of a moving documentary on
church culpability by the BBC. Phonecalls from "loving" Christians to
the Foundation are also broadcast. The weekly show is hosted by Dan
Barker and Annie Laurie Gaylor, co-presidents of the Freedom From
Religion Foundation. (MP3, 50 min, 23.2 MB) |
Sat, 7 July 2007
Everybody's favorite Eagle Scout, Darrell Lambert, talks about
what it was like to be kicked out of Boy Scouts of America for being an
atheist. The show includes more coverage of the fallout from the Hein
v. Freedom From Religion Foundation Supreme Court ruling, a quick
response to Bush's stem-cell veto and a look at how Mitt Romney prays
and why on earth that is part of his campaign PR! The secular
underpinnings of the Declaration of Independence, which just had a
birthday, is also discussed. The weekly show is hosted by Dan Barker
and Annie Laurie Gaylor, co-presidents of the Freedom From Religion
Foundation. (MP3, 52 min, 23.7 MB) |
Sat, 30 June 2007
Midwest topical folksinger, feminist and freethinker Kristin Lems ("Days of the Theocracy") is the featured guest. The show includes a post-mortem of the Supreme Court's ruling in Hein v. the Freedom From Religion Foundation.
Tune in to hear what other media, including the Jon Stewart Show, are
saying. In homage to July 4, the secular underpinnings of the
Declaratin of Independence is briefly discussed. The weekly show is
hosted by Dan Barker and Annie Laurie Gaylor, co-presidents of the
Freedom From Religion Foundation. (MP3, 51 min, 23.4 MB) |
Sat, 23 June 2007 Barbara G. Walker, author of "The Skeptical Feminist" and the
landmark "Woman's Encyclopedia of Myths and Secrets", talks about what
turned her into a skeptic and nonbeliever. The show includes updates on
the Foundation's newest faith-based challenges, including a federal
lawsuit filed this week, and a "Pagan Pulpit" freethought sermon on the
trinity by Dan Barker, a former minister. The show is hosted by Dan
Barker and Annie Laurie Gaylor, co-presidents of the Freeom From
Religion Foundation, which produces the weekly broadcast. (MP3, 48 min,
22 MB) |
Sat, 16 June 2007
Veteran freethought activist Catherine Fahringer, a pithy
interview, talks about being an atheist activist in Texas, her
rejection of the "Big Spook in the Sky," and some recent Texas
state/church violations. Tune in to hear how Charles Colson is defaming
atheists these days with an except of his speech before the Southern
Baptist Convention, as well as a segment from the Jon Stewart Show
about Bush's meeting with the Pope that will make you smile. The show
will be the broadcast debut of Dan Barker's "Lucifer's Lament," a song
from the point of view of the devil, in the Locrian musical mode known
as "the devil's mode." The show is hosted by Foundation co-presidents
Dan Barker and Annie Laurie Gaylor and is produced by the Freedom From
Religion Foundation. (MP3, 52 min, 23.7 MB) |
Sat, 9 June 2007
Guest Michelle Goldberg, lively Salon.com journalist and author
of Kingdom Coming: The Rise of Christian Nationalism, returns for an
encoure interview to talk about the new creation museum and the status
of the religious right assault against secularism in America today. The
show includes a clip of Bill O'Reilly attacking "secular progressives,"
and an indepth analysis of the CNN-TV presidential "forum on faith and
values" (June 4), and the broader implications of a de facto religious
test for public office being imposed by media. (MP3, 46 min, 21.3 MB) |
Sat, 2 June 2007
Guest Hector Avalos, who went from Mexican child evangelist to
an atheist and leading bible scholar, talks about his book, Fighting
Words: The Origins of Religious Violence, as well as his academic
activism at Iowa State University to counter creationism and a sports
chaplaincy. For fun, a clip of Bill Maher as "meteroevangelist" plays.
A dividend: an excerpt of Kingdom Coming author Michelle Goldberg's
excellent speech to the 2007 FFRF convention, "The Rise of Christian
Nationalism." The timely song: Philip Appleman's poignant "In a Dark
Time," set to music by Dan Barker. The weekly show is hosted by Dan
Barker and Annie Laurie Gaylor, co-presidents of the Freedom From
Religion Foundation. (MP3, 53 min, 24.5 MB) |
Sat, 26 May 2007
Special guest: atheist Janeane Garofalo, actress, comedian and
former host of Majority Report in Air America. Also covered are some
current state/church issues, Bill Maher's obit for Jerry Falwell, and
an "Ask an Atheist" segment, as well as a little irreverent music.
Hosts of the lively weekly program are Dan Barker and Annie Laurie
Gaylor, co-presidents of the Freedom From Religion Foundation. (MP3, 50
min, 23.1 MB) |
Sat, 19 May 2007
Guest Dale McGowan speaks on secular parenting. The show also
includes lively clips of Christopher Hitchens interviews and debates, a
retrospective on the fundamentalist career of the late Jerry Falwell,
the broadcast debut of Dan Barker's jazz ballad, "It's Only Natural"
(dedicated to Richard Dawkins and sung by jazz singer Susan Hofer), and
a celebration of the life of Lorraine Hansberry, including a dramatic
clip from the movie version of her freethinking play, "A Raisin in the
Sun." The weekly show is hosted by Dan Barker and Annie Laurie Gaylor,
co-presidents of the Freedom From Religion Foundation. (MP3, 50 min,
22,8 MB) |
Sat, 12 May 2007
Guest Sonia Johnson talks about how her activism for the Equal
Rights Amendment got her excommunicated from the Mormon Church and
turned her into a nonbeliever and a feminist activist. The lively show
also features news clips by Marie Tillman and Bill Maher, as well as
Katharine Hepburn (born on May 12) speaking in her own words about her
disbelief. The weekly show is hosted by Dan Barker and Annie Laurie
Gaylor, co-presidents of the Freedom From Religion Foundation. (MP3, 53
min, 24.7 MB) |
Sat, 5 May 2007
Guest Ellory Schempp discusses how his complaints as a
16-year-old about devotional bible reading and prayer in his
Pennsylvania public school turned into the landmark 1963 Supreme Court
decision, Schempp v. Abington, ending such practices in the
United States. The interview includes audio clips of his father, the
late Ed Schempp, reminiscing about the lawsuit. The show includes a
look at what's wrong with "The National Day of Prayer," music and Dan
Barker's "Pagan Pulpit" on why nothing fails like prayer. The weekly
show is hosted by Dan Barker and Annie Laurie Gaylor, co-presidents of
the Freedom From Religion Foundation. (MP3, 44 min, 20.4 MB) |
Sat, 28 April 2007
Freethought Radio's guest is Rob Boston of Americans United,
discussing current state/church conflicts and myths, litigation and his
books. "Eavesdrop" on what the Religious Right is saying about atheists
and FFRF! Freethinkers Almanac pays homage to influential freethinkers,
including Ulysses S. Grant and Mary Wollstonecraft. Freethought Radio
is co-hosted by Dan Barker and Annie Laurie Gaylor. (MP3, 47 min, 21.4
MB) |
Sat, 21 April 2007
Tune in to hear Pulitizer Prize-winning journalist and author Edward Humes
discuss his new book, "Monkey Girl," on Freethought Radio. The book
chronicles the saga of the creationist trial in Dover, Penn., resulting
in the recent landmark federal decision against "intelligent design"
instruction in public schools. The show also includes discussion of
timely state/church topics, including this week's antiabortion decision
by the Catholic-dominated Supreme Court, and the efficacy of prayer in
the face of gun violence. "Freethinkers Almanac" looks at the
unorthodoxy of Shakespeare, born on April 23. Freethought Radio is
co-hosted by Dan Barker and Annie Laurie Gaylor. (MP3, 51 min, 23 MB) |
Sat, 14 April 2007 David Randolph, famous conductor of the St. Cecilia Chorus (a
secular, non-profit group), talks about his life and his nontheistic
views. At age 92, Randolph has become the oldest person to conduct at
Carnegie Hall, where he has performed for many decades, and where he
will conduct Mendelssohnn and Orff next month. (MP3, 48 min, 22 MB) |
Sat, 7 April 2007
Secular lobbyist Lori Lipman Brown, director of the Secular
Coalition of America, is interviewed about current issues and bills
before Congress and how seculars can make a difference. Updates on FFRF
lawsuits and the faith-based initiative are offered. Philip Appleman's
song, "Fleas," a literary parody of Joyce Kilmer's "Trees," is
performed by Dan Barker. Dan's Pagan Pulpit issues an "Easter
Challenge." The broadcast is hosted by Dan Barker and Annie Laurie
Gaylor, co-presidents of the Freedom From Religion Foundation. (MP3, 50
min, 22.7 MB) |
Sat, 31 March 2007 Rita Swan, founder of Children's Healthcare Is a Legal Duty,
grants a powerful interview about losing a baby to Christian Science
anti-medicine tenets, and her subsequent activism to repeal religious
exemptions in laws governing healthcare for children. Dan Barker's
Pagan Pulpit addresses the biblical defamation of atheists as "fools."
Song: "Sunday Morning Blues." Freethinkers Almanac looks at eminent
freethinkers born in late March. (MP3, 51 min, 23 MB)
|
Sat, 24 March 2007
Most of this show is devoted to the timely topic of Roman Catholic crimes against children. Special guest is Joe McGee,
a Colorado freethinker who will talk about what it has been like, after
nearly 50 years, to go public with crimes committed against him as a
child by his family's priest. The show also includes a relevant poem,
"Exegesis," read by Philip Appleman, music and a Pagan Pulpit, "The
Genuine Atheist," by Dan Barker. Freethought Radio is co-hosted by Dan
Barker and Annie Laurie Gaylor. (MP3, 48 min, 22 MB) |
Sat, 17 March 2007
News of the week includes U.S. Rep. Pete Stark's recent announcement that he is nonreligious. Nobel Laureate Paul D. Boyer,
a Lifetime Member of the Freedom From Religion Foundation, is
interviewed, and he talks about the overwhelming disbelief of "elite"
scientists. The show also includes a brief, pithy poetry reading by
"freethought laureate" Philip Appleman, and a discussion on common
myths about atheists. Featured song: "God's Grandeur," words by Philip Appleman, music by Dan Barker. Freethought Radio is co-hosted by Dan Barker and Annie Laurie Gaylor.
(MP3, 53 min, 23.9 MB) |
Sat, 10 March 2007 Tune in to hear the audio of last Sunday's ABC Evening World News
segment featuring FFRF co-presidents Dan Barker and Annie Laurie
Gaylor. Then "eavesdrop" on comedian Julia Sweeney talking about
atheism, "Letting Go of God" and the Freedom From Religion Foundation
on a recent Stephanie Miller radio interview. Hear why bestselling
atheist author Sam Harris thinks it's time for society to end faith.
This week's show also includes a Pagan Pulpit freethought sermon by Dan
Barker on the Jesus ossuary debacle, and a pithy poem, "A Simple
Explanation for Everything," by Philip Appleman, read by Phil. Other
state/church issues in the news are discussed. Freethought Radio is
co-hosted by Dan Barker and Annie Laurie Gaylor. (MP3, 52 min, 23.7 MB) |
Sat, 3 March 2007 The first segment of the show involves a candid post-mortem by the
co-hosts of what it was like to be taxpayer plaintiffs in a lawsuit
heard by the U.S. Supreme Court this week! The pair give the inside
scoop, discuss the astronomical growth of FFRF in the past week, and
summarize media coverage, including an audio of last week's CBS Evening
News coverage of FFRF and Hein v. FFRF. Interviewed is Dr. Bruce Flamm,
whose expose of a fraudulent prayer study made international headlines.
The show ends with something new--the poet Philip Appleman reading one
of his newest poems over the air! As always, there is lively incidental
music by Dan Barker, including the chorus from "Nothing Fails Like
Prayer." The show is co-hosted by Dan Barker and Annie Laurie Gaylor,
who direct the Freedom From Religion Foundation. (MP3, 50 min, 22.5 MB) |
Sat, 24 February 2007
The phenomenon of "faith-based" national parks is the main topic of this week's Freethought Radio. The hosts interview attorney Jeffrey Ruch,
whose group, PEER, is leading the protest against the sale of
creationist books at the Grand Canyons. Plan to enjoy an insider look
at what the Religious Right is saying about the Freedom From Religion
Foundation and its upcoming appearance before the U.S. Supreme Court
regarding the faith-based initiatives. Freethought Radio also contrasts
Mormon candidate Mitt Romney with Catholic candidate John F. Kennedy,
and plays a funny passage from the Stephen Colbert show. Freethought
Radio is co-hosted by Dan Barker and Annie Laurie Gaylor, who direct
the Foundation. Next week, Dan and Annie Laurie will be back from oral
arguments in Washington, D.C., in their lawsuit so tune in for the
scoop on what that was like on March 2! (MP3, 51 min, 23 MB) |
Sat, 17 February 2007
Freethought Radio moves to an afternoon slot, 1-2 p.m. every Saturday. Tune in to hear attorney Pamela Sumners,
executive director of NARAL Pro-Choice in Missouri, talk about threats
to the judiciary, and her experiences litigating state/church
violations in Alabama. The show also includes a "Theocracy Alert," a
"Freethinkers Almanac," and a timely encore of Philip Appleman's new
song, "Intelligent? Design?" The weekly radio broadcast is cohosted by
Dan Barker and Annie Laurie Gaylor, who jointly direct the Freedom From
Religion Foundation. (MP3, 50 min, 22.6 MB) |
Sat, 10 February 2007 Freethought Radio moves to an afternoon slot, 1-2 p.m. every Saturday.
The show's guest is a 16-year-old state/church student activist, Matthew LaClair.
Matthew has made the national news for protesting his history teacher's
proselytizing remarks in an ongoing violation in his public school in
Kearny, N.J. Matthew will be named "Thomas Jefferson Freethought
Student Activist" at the 2007 FFRF convention in Madison next fall, and
will receive a $1,000 scholarship for his activism, which has cost him
friends and support in his community. The show includes some brief news
updates, and an ode to Darwin's Day and Molly Ivins. The weekly radio
broadcast is cohosted by Dan Barker and Annie Laurie Gaylor, who
jointly direct the Freedom From Religion Foundation. (MP3, 49 min, 22.3
MB) |
Sat, 3 February 2007
Featured guest is bestselling science author, Stanford scientist and atheist Robert Sapolsky,
with a lively discussion of primates, atheism, evolution and
naturalistic explanations for the origin of religions. The show
includes an update on the Foundation's faith-based challenge, going
before the Supreme Court later this month, a song in homage to
stem-cell research, and a look at fascinating freethought writers born
in early February. The show is cohosted by Dan Barker and Annie Laurie
Gaylor, who jointly direct the Freedom From Religion Foundation. (MP3,
52 min, 23.5 MB) |
Sat, 27 January 2007
Freethought Radio's featured guest is Feminist Majority president and 3-decade feminist activist Eleanor Smeal,
previously named a "Freethought Heroine" by the Freedom From Religion
Foundation. Ellie discusses religion's role in fighting the ERA,
abortion rights and global human rights for women. The show features a
brief "Theocracy Alert," and will honor Thomas Paine, whose birthdate
is January 29. Song: "The World is My Country." The weekly show, which
airs locally in Madison, Wis. (see link above to listen live via your
computer), is co-hosted by Dan Barker and Annie Laurie Gaylor,
Foundation co-presidents. (MP3, 51 min, 23.1 MB) |
Sat, 20 January 2007
Freethought Radio's featured guest is Matthew Rothschild,
atheist and editor of The Progressive Magazine. The show includes an
update on upcoming oral arguments before the U.S. Supreme Court in
FFRF's faith-based lawsuit, and a look at who's who this week in
freethought. Co-hosts are Dan Barker and Annie Laurie Gaylor. (MP3, 51
min, 23.1 MB) |
Sat, 13 January 2007
Freethought Radio's featured guest is The Nation's sparkling columnist, Katha Pollitt, whose latest book is Virginity or Death!
The show also includes a legal update and a look at many fascinating
freethinkers born in January. The show is cohosted by Dan Barker and
Annie Laurie Gaylor. (MP3, 57 min, 26 MB) |
Sat, 6 January 2007
Freethought Radio's featured guest is Norm Allen, executive
director of African Americans for Humanism, and editor of the
anthology, African-American Humanism. The featured song: a delicious
version of "It Ain't Necessarily So" sung by Sammie Davis Jr.
Freethinker's Almanac looks at January-born freethinkers Zora Neale
Hurston and Butterfly McQueen. Co-hosts are Dan Barker and Annie Laurie
Gaylor, co-presidents of the Freedom From Religion Foundation. (MP3, 48
min, 22.2 MB) |
Sat, 30 December 2006
Evolutionary psychologist and bestselling author Steven Pinker
("The Blank Slate") will talk about his atheism, hypothesize about why
religion exists and discuss his books. The show includes a look at the
unorthodox Robert Burns, author of "Auld Lang Syne." Theocracy Alert
looks at the practice of swearing in politicians on the bible.
Freethought Radio is a production of the Freedom From Religion
Foundation and is co-hosted by Dan Barker and Annie Laurie Gaylor.
(MP3, 49 min, 22.5 MB) |
Sat, 23 December 2006
Pulitzer Prize-winning science writer Natalie Angier of the New
York Times, a self-professed "lonely atheist" and bestselling author,
will be the guest on Freethought Radio. Also debuting on the show will
be a new song by poet Philip Appleman, "Intelligent? Design?" arranged
and performed by Dan Barker. The show takes a brief look at
distinguished freethinkers born at the end of December. Freethought
Radio is a production of the Freedom From Religion Foundation, and is
co-hosted by Dan Barker and Annie Laurie Gaylor of the Foundation.
(MP3, 50 min, 22.8 MB) |
Sat, 16 December 2006
The theme of Saturday's Freethought Radio is the Winter Solstice, and it will feature an interview with Tom Flynn,
author of "The Trouble with Christmas," and the song, "Solstice
Tribute," by Dan Barker. As Freethought Radio's solstice treat for
listeners, the show will broadcast an excerpt from Julia Sweeney's
"Letting Go of God" one-woman play, in which the comedian reads the
bible and discovers it isn't everything it's cracked up to be.
Freethinkers Almanac features songwriter Jay Gorney ("Brother, Can You
Spare a Dime?"). A rare song by by blacklisted Gorney celebrating the
Bill of Rights, recorded by freethinker Paul Robeson, will also play.
Freethought Radio is a production of the Freedom From Religion
Foundation, and is co-hosted by Dan Barker and Annie Laurie Gaylor of
the Foundation. (MP3, 49 min, 22,4 MB) |
Sat, 9 December 2006
Features an interview with Steve Benson, Pulitzer-prize winning
editorial cartoonist for the Arizona Republic, and
Mormon-turned-atheist. It is co-hosted by Dan Barker and Annie Laurie
Gaylor, who are co-presidents of the Freedom From Religion Foundation.
The hosts will also discuss the Foundation's annual Winter Solstice
sign at the Wisconsin State Capitol, and report on the Foundation's
lawsuit challenging the creation of the faith-based office at the White
House, to be argued before the U.S. Supreme Court. Freethought Radio is
a production of the Freedom From Religion Foundation. (MP3, 51 min,
23.1 MB) |
Thu, 7 December 2006 Features an interview with Prof. Daniel C. Dennett, eminent
Tufts University philosopher and author of the new book explaining the
natural phenomenon of religion, Breaking the Spell. The show will also
excerpt a short highlight of Nobel Laureate Steven Weinberg's recent
talk urging other scientists at the Salk Institute to help him wake up
the world to the nightmare of religion. Freethinkers Almanac will pay
homage to Mark Twain. (MP3, 51 min, 23.1 MB) |
Sat, 25 November 2006 Features an interview with Ron Reagan, who will talk about what
it is like to be the atheist son of Ronald Wilson Reagan, and about why
he is working for stemcell research. The show will also give a nod to
the recent atheist pronouncements of entertainer Elton John. (MP3, 50
min, 23 MB) |
Mon, 20 November 2006 Features an interview with Tom Reed, formerly a Roman Catholic
priest, now a longtime Freedom From Religion Foundation member and
atheist. In his honor, the featured song will be Dan Barker's version
of Tom Lehrer's "Vatican Rag." The November birthday anniversaries of
Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Robert Louis Stevenson will be celebrated in
Freethinkers Almanac. (MP3, 47 min, 21 MB) |
Sat, 11 November 2006 Features a memorable interview with distinguished TV journalist and author, Betty Rollin.
The award-winning former NBC correspondent is now a reporter for PBS'
Religion and Ethics Newsweekly. Author of "First You Cry" and "Final
Wishes," Ms. Rollin talks movingly about the need for
physician-assisted suicide and the Oregon law. Phil Och's song "When
I'm Gone" is performed by folksinger Kristin Lems, and famous
freethinkers born this week are discussed along with a little
referendum news. (MP3, 52 min, 24 MB) |
Sat, 4 November 2006
Features an interview with Mike McCabe, Wisconsin Democracy
Campaign, who has filed a complaint to the State Election Board about
electioneering by Bishop Morlino, Madison (Wis.) diocese, among other
church electioneering concerns about upcoming referenda. Discussed will
be the Freedom From Religion Foundation's major victory last week
ending a proposal to start "single faith" prison programs in federal
penitentiaries. The show will also feature reaction to Chuck Colson's
recent defamation of groups seeking to end public-funded ministries in
prisons. (MP3, 50 min, 22.5 MB) |
Sat, 28 October 2006
Features 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 irreverent "Ain't It the Truth," by atheist lyricist
Yip Harburg), and sound bites from the recent FFRF convention by
participants from around the country. Dan Barker's Pagan Pulpit will
address The Golden Rule. (MP3, 51 min, 23 MB) |
Sat, 21 October 2006
Features 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 disbelief pop quiz and other news. (MP3, 50 min, 23 MB) |
Sat, 14 October 2006
Features 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 quiz, and a song celebrating "grassroots fury"
by the celebrated folksinger Malvina Reynolds. (MP3, 53 min, 24 MB) |
Sat, 7 October 2006
Features 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. The show includes a Theocracy Alert,
news, a pop disbelief quiz, and music. (MP3, 54 min, 24.5 MB) |
Sat, 30 September 2006
Features 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) |
Sat, 23 September 2006
Features 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) |
Sat, 16 September 2006
Features 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) |
Thu, 14 September 2006 Reports 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 Sanger,
the song, "No Gods - No Masters," will be played. (MP3, 52 min, 24 MB) |
Thu, 7 September 2006 Features 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) |
Sat, 26 August 2006 Features 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," performed memorably by Kristin Lems and Dan
Barker, from the CD, "Friendly Neighborhood Atheist." (MP3, 48 min, 22
MB) |
Sat, 19 August 2006
Features 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 candidly about an atheist's way of living and
dying. Accompanying music: "None of the Above," written and performed
by Dan Barker. (MP3, 48 min, 22.1 MB) |
Sat, 12 August 2006 Features 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 of
homophobia. Kristin Lems' timely song, "How Nice!" continues the theme.
Robert Green Ingersoll (born on August 11) is profiled in Freethinkers
Almanac. Accompanying music: "The Time to Be Happy Is Now," words by
Robert G. Ingersoll, music by Dan Barker (with backup children's
choir). (MP3, 47 min, 21.4 MB) |
Sat, 5 August 2006 An 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." Providing artistic relief
for a bad-news week: two atheist poets are featured in Freethinkers
Almanac; Rupert Brooks' whimsical poem, "Heaven" (from a fish's
perspective) is read.
(MP3, 47 min, 21.4 MB) |
Sat, 29 July 2006
Includes 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) |
Sat, 22 July 2006 Timely 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 information. (MP3, 47 min, 21.2
MB) |
Sat, 15 July 2006 Dan 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) |
Sat, 8 July 2006 Highlights 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) |
Sat, 1 July 2006 Philip 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 haunting warning about the impending Dis-Enlightenment,
airs for the first time. For a special treat, the show ends with a
reading of Philip Appleman's crowd-pleasing "Noah" poem, featuring Phil
and playwright Marjorie Appleman. (MP3, 50 min, 22.7 MB) |
Sat, 24 June 2006
Comedian/actress Julia Sweeney is interviewed about her amazing
and hilarious new monolog, "Letting Go of God," on Freethought Radio,
FFRF's weekly production co-hosted by Foundation co-presidents Dan
Barker & Annie Laurie Gaylor. The Saturday Night Live alumna, known
for her character "Androgynous Pat," tells how she came to leave the
Roman Catholic Church and become an atheist. Music featured: "My
Father's House" by Dan Barker, and "This World," by Malvina Reynolds,
performed by Kristin Lems. (MP3, 47 min, 21.6 MB) |
Sat, 17 June 2006 Susan 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) |
Sat, 10 June 2006 Featured 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) |
Sat, 3 June 2006 Includes 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." Freethinkers Almanac looks back at Anne
Newport Royall, the nation's first lobbyist for state/church
separation, working in the early 1800s. (MP3, 49 min, 22.2 MB) |
Sat, 27 May 2006 The 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 includes on-target music and Freethinkers
Almanac. Music includes: "No Hurry to Die" by Dan Barker and "Y BSA," a
parody performed by Dan Barker. (MP3, 47 min, 21.5 MB) |
Sat, 20 May 2006 Featuring 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) |
Sat, 13 May 2006 Guest: 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 & Roses" feminist anthem,
performed by Dan Barker. (MP3, 53 min, 24 MB) |
Sat, 6 May 2006 Robin 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) |
Sat, 29 April 2006 Featuring 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) |
