Freethought Radio

Guests: Webster Cook, student senator and non-eater of communion wafers and Sarah Braasch, FFRF Legal Intern

Sat, 19 Jul 2008 15:05:00 GMT

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.

Guest: David Mills

Mon, 14 Jul 2008 15:50:00 GMT

Guest: David Mills

Author: 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

Guest: Nica Lilla

Sat, 5 Jul 2008 19:09:00 GMT

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.

Guest: Champion of the First Amendment: Jim McCollum

Sat, 28 Jun 2008 15:00:00 GMT

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.

Guests: Elissa Wall and Sarah Braasch

Sat, 21 Jun 2008 16:43:00 GMT

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!

Guests: Activist Michael Shermer and Mike Smith

Sat, 14 Jun 2008 16:36:00 GMT

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.

Guest: Jeff Sharlett

Fri, 6 Jun 2008 14:53:00 GMT

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.

Guests: Bestselling author Prof. Daniel C. Dennett and Prof. Eric Barnes

Sat, 31 May 2008 14:52:00 GMT

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.

Guest: Geneticist Sean Carroll

Sat, 24 May 2008 14:44:00 GMT

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."

Guests: The Amazing James Randi & Dad Complainant in FFRF's Newest Religion-in-School Court Challenge

Sat, 17 May 2008 14:34:00 GMT

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!

May 10, 2008 - Guest: Richard Sloan

Sat, 10 May 2008 14:45:00 GMT

This weekend's show will feature an interview with Richard Sloan
about 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.

Guests: Eugenie Scott, director, National Center for Science Education, & "Atheist in Foxhole" Litigant Jeremy Hall

Sat, 3 May 2008 15:09:00 GMT

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.

Guest: John Allen Paulos

Sat, 26 Apr 2008 14:49:00 GMT

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.

Guest: Matthew LaClair, High School State/Church Activist

Sat, 19 Apr 2008 14:34:00 GMT

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.

Special Guest: Scott Dikkers, editor of The Onion

Sat, 12 Apr 2008 15:11:00 GMT

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.

When Prayer Fails: Child Homicide via Prayer

Sat, 5 Apr 2008 15:11:00 GMT

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."

Guest: Author Susan Jacoby

Sat, 29 Mar 2008 14:40:00 GMT

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.

Guest: Harvard Prof. Steven Pinker

Sat, 22 Mar 2008 14:52:00 GMT

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.

Being Good Without God

Sat, 15 Mar 2008 14:58:00 GMT

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.

Special Guest: Richard Dawkins

Sat, 8 Mar 2008 21:31:00 GMT

Freethought Radio devotes its entire program to an interview with evolutionary biologist Richard Dawkins, author of the bestselling blockbuster, The God Delusion.

Religiously Unaffiliated Grow to 16%!

Sat, 1 Mar 2008 16:06:00 GMT

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.

Saudis Plan to Execute Illiterate Woman as a "Witch"

Sat, 23 Feb 2008 21:52:00 GMT

Freethought Radio reports on a state/church violation involving a city with a mission to "strive to serve God," plays a fun TV interview of Julia Sweeney ("Letting Go of God") and interviews Christoph Wilcke, a researcher with Human Rights Watch about its campaign to save the life of a Saudi Arabian woman who has been convicted of a nonexistent crime: witchcraft. The show also celebrates the birthdate and achievements of freethinker W.E.B. DuBois, cofounder of the NAACP, and play an ode to the coming of spring and peace, "One Sweet Morning," by lyricist E.Y. Harburg, author of "Rhymes for the Irreverent".

War of the Billboards

Sat, 16 Feb 2008 16:08:00 GMT

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.

Special Guest: Matthew Chapman, Darwin's Great-Great Grandson

Sat, 9 Feb 2008 16:06:00 GMT

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.

Champion of the First Amendment

Sat, 2 Feb 2008 15:59:00 GMT

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.

The Atheist Lyricist Who Put the Rainbow in the Wizard of Oz

Sat, 26 Jan 2008 16:10:00 GMT

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.

Special guest: Katha Pollitt

Sat, 19 Jan 2008 15:43:00 GMT

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.

Atheists in the Pulpit: Ministers Who Lose Their Faith

Sat, 12 Jan 2008 22:13:00 GMT

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.

State/Church Litigation and the people behind it

Sat, 5 Jan 2008 15:40:00 GMT

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!

End the Year with Secular Songs

Sat, 29 Dec 2007 16:01:00 GMT

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!

Guest: County Sup. Robert SinKlair, government creche opponent

Sat, 22 Dec 2007 16:50:00 GMT

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!

Recent, successful state/church litigants

Sat, 15 Dec 2007 21:15:00 GMT

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!

The Golden Compass Rumpus!

Sat, 8 Dec 2007 16:09:00 GMT

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.

Guests: Michael Newdow & Nebraska Sen. Ernie Chambers

Sat, 1 Dec 2007 17:03:00 GMT

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.

Atheist in an Iraqi Foxhole

Sat, 24 Nov 2007 15:43:00 GMT

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.

A Freethought Potpourri

Sat, 17 Nov 2007 17:49:00 GMT

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.

"Letting Go of God"

Sat, 10 Nov 2007 16:25:00 GMT

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!

Dissecting "Values Voters" Summit

Sat, 3 Nov 2007 14:43:00 GMT

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.

Guests: Steve Benson & Robert R. Tiernan

Sat, 27 Oct 2007 14:56:00 GMT

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.

Nobel Laureates & Atheism

Sat, 20 Oct 2007 14:46:00 GMT

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)

Special Guests: Ron Reagan & Emma Martens

Sat, 13 Oct 2007 15:01:00 GMT

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)

Special Guest: Christopher Hitchens

Sat, 6 Oct 2007 15:22:00 GMT

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)

Special Guest: Debra Sweet, Social Activist

Sat, 29 Sep 2007 18:52:00 GMT

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)

Special Guests: Senator Ernie Chambers & Teacher Alan Ginsberg

Sat, 22 Sep 2007 15:21:00 GMT

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)

Atheist Author Jim Haught

Sat, 15 Sep 2007 15:45:00 GMT

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)

Christianization of U.S. Military

Sat, 8 Sep 2007 14:50:00 GMT

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)

Faith-based Abstinence Boondoggle

Sat, 1 Sep 2007 15:04:00 GMT

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)

America Is Not A Christian Nation

Sat, 25 Aug 2007 15:09:00 GMT

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)

Religion Writer Loses Religion

Sat, 18 Aug 2007 15:46:00 GMT

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)

When God Sanctions Violence

Sat, 11 Aug 2007 15:51:00 GMT

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)

Special Guest: August Brunsman, director of the Secular Student Alliance

Sat, 4 Aug 2007 14:53:00 GMT

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)

Special Guest: Emily Lyons, survivor of religious antiabortion terrorism

Sat, 28 Jul 2007 15:00:00 GMT

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)

The God Who Wasn't There

Sat, 21 Jul 2007 15:03:00 GMT

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)

Religion-Free Iceland

Sat, 14 Jul 2007 15:45:00 GMT

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)

Special Guest: Darrell Lambert, expelled atheist Eagle Scout

Sat, 7 Jul 2007 19:27:00 GMT

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)

Special Guest: Kristin Lems

Sat, 30 Jun 2007 16:57:00 GMT

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)

Special Guest: Author Barbara G. Walker

Sat, 23 Jun 2007 15:09:00 GMT

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)

"Lone Star Atheism"

Sat, 16 Jun 2007 18:24:00 GMT

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)

Michelle Goldberg interview

Sat, 9 Jun 2007 18:10:00 GMT

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)

Fighting Words: The Origins of Religious Violence

Sat, 2 Jun 2007 14:54:00 GMT

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)

Special Guest: Janeane Garofalo

Sat, 26 May 2007 16:43:00 GMT

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)

Parenting Beyond Belief: On Raising Ethical, Caring Kids Without Religion

Sat, 19 May 2007 20:53:00 GMT

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)

"From Housewife to Heretic"

Sat, 12 May 2007 21:39:00 GMT

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)

Champion of the First Amendment

Sat, 5 May 2007 20:10:00 GMT

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)

Special Guest: Author Rob Boston

Sat, 28 Apr 2007 15:21:00 GMT

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)

"Monkey Girl": The Dover "ID" Case

Sat, 21 Apr 2007 19:12:00 GMT

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)

David Randolph, Conductor

Sat, 14 Apr 2007 16:18:00 GMT

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)

Secular Lobby in Congress

Sat, 7 Apr 2007 16:10:00 GMT

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)

Religious Dogma that Kills Kids

Sat, 31 Mar 2007 21:05:00 GMT

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)

Priest Abuse of Children

Sat, 24 Mar 2007 21:08:00 GMT

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)

Paul D. Boyer, Nobel Laureate and Atheist

Sat, 17 Mar 2007 17:13:00 GMT

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)

Media Covers FFRF & Freethought

Sat, 10 Mar 2007 15:50:00 GMT

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)

Supreme Court Post-Mortem, and Fraudulent Prayer Studies

Sat, 3 Mar 2007 16:16:00 GMT

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)

Creationism at the Grand Canyon

Sat, 24 Feb 2007 16:44:00 GMT

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)

The 'Alabamification' of the Nation

Sat, 17 Feb 2007 21:15:00 GMT

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)

Matthew LaClair

Sat, 10 Feb 2007 22:30:00 GMT

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)

Robert Sapolsky

Sat, 3 Feb 2007 21:51:00 GMT

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)

The Religious War Against Women

Sat, 27 Jan 2007 22:17:00 GMT

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)

Matthew Rothschild

Sat, 20 Jan 2007 15:09:00 GMT

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)

Katha Pollitt

Sat, 13 Jan 2007 21:49:00 GMT

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)

African American Freethought and Atheism

Sat, 6 Jan 2007 22:34:00 GMT

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)

Steven Pinker

Sat, 30 Dec 2006 17:46:00 GMT

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)

Confessions of a Lonely Atheist

Sat, 23 Dec 2006 17:20:00 GMT

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)

Reason's Greetings!

Sat, 16 Dec 2006 19:13:00 GMT

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)

From "Latter-day Saint" to "Latter-day Ain't"

Sat, 9 Dec 2006 16:54:00 GMT

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)

"Breaking the Spell of Religion"

Thu, 7 Dec 2006 22:35:00 GMT

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)

Ron Reagan on stemcell research

Sat, 25 Nov 2006 21:49:00 GMT

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)

From priest to atheist

Mon, 20 Nov 2006 11:56:00 GMT

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)

Physician-assisted suicide

Sat, 11 Nov 2006 21:36:00 GMT

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)

Church referendum electioneering

Sat, 4 Nov 2006 15:09:00 GMT

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)

Author Ann Druyan talking about Carl Sagan and her views on religion

Sat, 28 Oct 2006 18:47:00 GMT

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)

State/Church Entanglement Prevented and Secular Reasons Against the Death Penalty

Sat, 21 Oct 2006 21:00:00 GMT

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)

Rescinding South Dakota's Abortion Ban

Sat, 14 Oct 2006 21:12:00 GMT

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)

Vashti McCollum: Champion of the First Amendment

Sat, 7 Oct 2006 20:38:00 GMT

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)

Rise of Christian Nationalism

Sat, 30 Sep 2006 15:32:00 GMT

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)

The God Delusion

Sat, 23 Sep 2006 15:26:00 GMT

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)

Sam Harris and the End of Faith

Sat, 16 Sep 2006 16:28:00 GMT

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)

Religion's Harm to Women

Thu, 14 Sep 2006 13:18:00 GMT

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)

Veteran Declares War Against Military Proselytizing

Thu, 7 Sep 2006 15:46:00 GMT

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)

The Evolving Religious Assault on Evolution

Sat, 26 Aug 2006 14:49:00 GMT

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)

An Atheist in a Foxhole

Sat, 19 Aug 2006 15:03:00 GMT

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)

Religious War Against Gay Rights

Sat, 12 Aug 2006 15:03:00 GMT

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)

Agnostic Recalled from Office over Pledge Issue

Sat, 5 Aug 2006 15:01:00 GMT

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)

Scopes II

Sat, 29 Jul 2006 15:01:00 GMT

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)

"Gideons and Guantanamo"

Sat, 22 Jul 2006 14:48:00 GMT

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)

Losing Faith in Faith

Sat, 15 Jul 2006 14:35:00 GMT

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)

Fighting Creationism

Sat, 8 Jul 2006 14:28:00 GMT

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)

"Let There Be Light"

Sat, 1 Jul 2006 14:24:00 GMT

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)

"Letting Go of God"

Sat, 24 Jun 2006 14:16:00 GMT

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)

Secular Nation

Sat, 17 Jun 2006 21:47:00 GMT

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)

Onward, Christian Soldier

Sat, 10 Jun 2006 21:36:00 GMT

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)

Days of the Theocracy

Sat, 3 Jun 2006 21:28:00 GMT

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)

"No Hurry to Die" - Y BSA

Sat, 27 May 2006 21:21:00 GMT

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)

Nothing Fails Like Prayer

Sat, 20 May 2006 21:05:00 GMT

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)

One Nation, Indivisible

Sat, 13 May 2006 20:54:00 GMT

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)

Fighting Words . . . Robin Morgan

Sat, 6 May 2006 20:47:00 GMT

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)

Somewhere Over the Rainbow . . . Rhymes for the Irreverent

Sat, 29 Apr 2006 20:38:00 GMT

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)