Freethought Radio

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)