Episodes
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The Humanist Hour #218: Vickie Stangl on Etta Semple
We act sometimes as though we think women are new to the freethought movement, to atheist and humanist leadership. We're not. We've been here all along, and we've never gone away. Our history has just sat in boxes, disregarded where it hasn't been thrown away altogether. Our stories have gone...
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The Humanist Hour #217: Vic Wang and Benita Malone on Humanists of Houston
The Humanists of Houston are American Humanist Association's largest local chapter and they're on pace to become the largest secular movement Meetup group very shortly. They've achieved that growth largely through reaching out to groups that we don't often see at humanist meetings, through...
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The Humanist Hour #216: Susan Jacoby on "Strange Gods: A Secular History of Conversion"
We tend to think of the process of converting from one religion to another as a religious experience, but how much of that reflects the outlook of the people who usually talk about conversion? When author Susan Jacoby set out to explore conversion from the perspective of an atheist, she found, by...
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The Humanist Hour #215: What Humanists Can Bring to Interfaith Dialogue?
"Interfaith" is not a word that comes easily to all humanists. Even more difficult for some is the idea of partnering with religious leaders and believers to work together on the world's problems. However, a panel composed of humanist minister Rebecca Armstrong, past American Humanist Association...
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The Humanist Hour #214: Annie Laurie Gaylor on Anne Nicol Gaylor and FFRF
If anyone in today's secular movement should require no introduction, it's Annie Laurie Gaylor, co-founder and now co-president of the Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF). Fresh off a speech this past weekend at the Women in Secularism conference about her mother, Anne Nicol Gaylor, Annie...
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The Humanist Hour #213: Growing Up Humanist
Today's adolescent humanists in the U.S. aren't the first generation of young people to be raised in a nonreligious philosophy. They are, however, the largest in modern times here – and the demographic shift means the generations that follow will likely be even larger. That means it's time for us...
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The Humanist Hour #212: Lauren Lane on Skepticon and Rethinking Conferences
Skepticon is an unusual conference in several ways. It started as a student-run event that survived its founders' graduation. It's an independent event, run as its own nonprofit organization. It's a free conference and vows to remain that way. In any given year, roughly half its speakers are…
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The Humanist Hour #211: Noelle George on Foundation Beyond Belief
We like to say that we’re “good without a god,” but the fact of the matter is that we’re not always very organized about it. One of the good things organized religion has introduced to the world is ways to encourage giving and volunteering to help those in need. Foundation Beyond Belief is a...
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The Humanist Hour #204: Callie Wright on the “Gaytheist Manifesto”
When Callie Wright came out as a trans woman in 2013, there weren't a lot of queer voices in the secular movement that focused on issues affecting queer people. She set out to change that. With her partner in crime Ari Stillman, she now runs The Gaytheist Manifesto podcast and the blog of the…
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The Humanist Hour #202: Amanda Marcotte on Feminist Topics in Current Politics
Any year in which we have the first female major party presumptive nominee for president is going to be a busy one in feminist politics. Beyond Hillary Clinton, however, there's still plenty going on in current political discourse that's of interest to feminists. From the misogyny of Donald Trump...
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The Humanist Hour #201: David Niose & Monica Miller on the Appignani Humanist Legal Center
This year, the American Humanist Association's Appignani Humanist Legal Center celebrates a decade of service. The center provides legal assistance to defend the constitutional rights of religious and secular minorities by directly challenging clear violations of the Establishment Clause and...
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The Humanist Hour #200: Women in Secularism & Secular Woman
In spring of 2012, the secular movement was a different place for women. We were grossly underrepresented on stage, in print, and in the membership of our organizations. In a movement that prides itself on asking questions, the people asking why this under-representation was happening were being...
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The Humanist Hour #199: Greta Christina on "The Way of the Heathen"
"So you're an atheist. Now what? The way we deal with life—with love and sex, pleasure and death, reality and making stuff up—can change dramatically when we stop believing in gods, souls, and afterlives. When we leave religion—or if we never had it in the first place—where do we go? With her...
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The Humanist Hour #198: Humanist Alliance Advisor Interviews, Part 1
Just before the American Humanist Association's 75th Anniversary Conference a couple of weeks ago, the organization announced that it was launching a new Black Humanist Alliance and the revamped and revitalized Feminist Humanist Alliance and LGBTQ Humanist Alliance. Stephanie Zvan caught up with...
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The Humanist Hour #197: Josiah Mannion and Baba Brinkman on Art and Activism
Art has the potential to reach people in ways no simple argument can. As such, it's always been harnessed for activist pursuits. From design that adds impact to a message, to providing the sugar coating on an educational pill, to telling us stories we need to hear – activism needs art. Humanist...
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The Humanist Hour #196: HB2, The Public Facilities Privacy & Security Act
Of all the recent "religious freedom" legislation passed around the country, perhaps none is so restrictive as North Carolina's "Act to Provide for Single-sex Multiple Occupancy Bathroom and Changing Facilities in Schools and Public Agencies and to Create Statewide Consistency in Regulation of...
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The Humanist Hour #195: David Cobb on Corporate Personhood
David Cobb is a lawyer and co-founder of Move to Amend, a coalition dedicated to winning a constitutional amendment to firmly establish that money is not speech, and that human beings, not corporations, are persons entitled to constitutional rights. He has sued corporate polluters, lobbied…
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The Humanist Hour #194: American Humanist Association’s 75th Anniversary Conference
This year is a special one for the American Humanist Association – it marks 75 years since our founding. To celebrate, our annual conference returns to the AHA's original home of Chicago this May 26–29 with lots to do for everyone. In addition to being AHA's Director of Development and...
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The Humanist Hour #193: Carrie Poppy and Ross Blocher
"We show up so you don't have to." That's the tagline for the Oh No, Ross and Carrie podcast. If you've ever wanted to get out and experience all the world's weirdness for yourself, this podcast might not be for you. If, however, you've been dying to have other people put themselves through that...
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The Humanist Hour #192: The Humanism of Star Trek, with Susan Sackett & Scott Lohman
Gene Roddenberry was openly humanist, and his best-known creation, Star Trek, reflects his views in many ways. Our guests this week talk about how Star Trek informed their humanism and how they use the show to educate others about humanism. Susan Sackett became Roddenberry's executive assistant…
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The Humanist Hour #191: Sincere Kirabo on Building Social Justice
Over the past year or so, the American Humanist Association has been making changes to reflect its commitment to social justice. These changes can be found in the pages of The Humanist magazine and the words of its leaders. Change can also be found more recently in the announcement that Sincere...
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The Humanist Hour #190: Getting "SciCurious" with Bethany Brookshire
On this week's show, Stephanie Zvan interviews Dr. Bethany "SciCurious" Brookshire about effective strategies for convincing people of scientific truths, the common mistakes we make when we set out to teach people about science. Brookshire recently co-edited Science Blogging: The Essential Guide....
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The Humanist Hour #189: Justin Scott on Interviewing Presidential Candidates
In this week's show, Stephanie Zvan introduces interviewer Peggy Knudtson, and Peggy and Jenn Wilson talk to Justin Scott about his work to get politicians on record on the separation of church and state. As an Iowan, activist, and atheist, Justin Scott has had a unique opportunity to represent...
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The Humanist Hour #188: Black Nonbelievers: The Author's Circle
In this episode, Jenn Wilson introduces our new producer, Stephanie Zvan, and Kim Ellington talks to Frank Edwards, Ronald F. Murphy, Cheryl Abram, and Darrell Smith – authors who presented at the Black Nonbelievers fifth anniversary celebration in Atlanta last month. On January 16, 2016, Black...
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The Humanist Hour #187: Critically Thinking About the Self-Help Genre
In this episode, Bo Bennett has a conversation with Dr. Michael Britt about the genre of books and programs known as “self-help,” a roughly $11 billion industry. As Bo says, the self-help movement is not much different from many religious movements, and, like many religions, self-help does have...
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The Humanist Hour #186: Mark Smith on Secular Faith: How Culture Has Trumped Religion in American Politics
In this episode, Kim Ellington welcomes new Humanist Hour co-host Jenn Wilson to the podcast and they both speak with author Dr. Mark Smith about his new book, "Secular Faith: How Culture Has Trumped Religion in American Politics." Mark A. Smith provocatively argues that religion is not nearly…
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The Humanist Hour #185: The Sociology of Religion, with Dr. Ryan T. Cragun
In this episode, Bo Bennett and Kim Ellington speak with Associate Professor of Sociology Ryan T. Cragun about the sociology of religion. Are religious people more generous than the non-religious? Smarter? Better looking? (Actually, we don’t ask that last one) Ryan T. Cragun is a husband, father,...
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The Humanist Hour #184: White Nights, Black Paradise, with Dr. Sikivu Hutchinson
In this episode, Kim Ellington speaks with author and activist Dr. Sikivu Hutchinson about her latest book, "White Nights, Black Paradise", and the state of race in America today. Later, Peggy Knudtson speaks with Dr. Richard Carrier about the “evidence” of miracles. Dr. Sikivu Hutchinson is an...
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The Humanist Hour #183: Dr. Dan Everett—Don’t Sleep, There Are Snakes
In this episode, Bo Bennett and Peggy Knudtson speak with author Dr. Daniel Everett. Dr. Everett is an American author and academic best known for his study of the Amazon Basin's Pirahã people and their language. He serves as Dean of Arts and Sciences at Bentley University in Waltham,...
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The Humanist Hour #182: Secular Comedy with Stewart Huff
In this episode, Bo Bennett and Peggy Knudtson speak with comedian Stewart Huff about the joys and pains of performing liberal, secular comedy across the country, especially in places that aren’t so, well… liberal or secular. Stewart Huff was born in Campbellsville, Kentucky and grew up in...
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The Humanist Hour #181: Atheist Meditation and Spirituality, with Mark W. Gura
In this episode, Bo Bennett and Kim Ellington speak with Mark W. Gura, a Secular Buddhist, humanist, and freethinker. They talk about a “woo-free” version of mediation and spirituality. Mark W. Gura has more than 20 years of experience in practicing mindfulness meditation. He is the Executive...
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The Humanist Hour #180: Everybody is Wrong About God, with Dr. James A. Lindsay
In this episode, Bo Bennett and Peggy Knudtson speak with author James A, Lindsay about his new book, Everybody is Wrong About God. Later, Kim Ellington speaks with Derek Colanduno, director of the Skeptical track at DragonCon. James A. Lindsay is an author and outspoken atheist voice who holds...
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The Humanist Hour #179: The Myths that Stole Christmas, with Dr. David Kyle Johnson
In this episode, Bo Bennett and Kim Ellington interview Dr. David Kyle Johnson about his new book, "The Myths that Stole Christmas: Seven Misconceptions that Hijacked the Holiday (and How We Can Take It Back)". Later, Humanist Hour correspondent Patty Traynor interviews Kevin Davis, executive...
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The Humanist Hour #178: Dr. Abby Hafer on Unintelligent Design
In this episode, Bo Bennett speaks with Dr. Abby Hafer live, in studio, about her new book, "The Not-So-Intelligent Designer: Why Evolution Explains the Human Body and Intelligent Design Does Not." Dr. Hafer is a speaker, writer, and humorist who particularly loves taking about Intelligent Design…
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The Humanist Hour #177: Amanda Knief on America's "Right to Know" and the "Atheist Voter"
In this episode, Bo Bennett and Kim Ellington interview Amanda Knief, the National Legal and Public Policy Director for American Atheists, touching on several issues relating to law and politics. Later, correspondent Gina James interviews Joe Dougherty about the militarization of American law...
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The Humanist Hour #176: LIVE at FREEFLO 2015!
In this episode, Bo Bennett teams up with guest co-host Peggy Knudtson at FREEFLO in Orlando, Florida for a live Humanist Hour recording. They begin with Woo Jeopardy, featuring an all-star panel of contestants including Matt Dillahunty, Seth Andrews, and Sarah Morehead. Keep listening for a...
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The Humanist Hour #175: The “Regressive Left” and Safe Spaces, with Dr. Peter Boghossian
In this episode, Bo Bennett and Kim Ellington speak with Dr. Peter Boghossian about the “Regressive Left,” safe spaces, trigger warnings, and what appears to be an alarming change in American university culture. Dr. Peter Boghossian’s main focus is bringing the tools of professional philosophers…
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The Humanist Hour #174: Good Thinking, with Guy P. Harrison
In this episode, Bo Bennett speaks with Guy P. Harrison about his latest book, Good Thinking: What You Need to Know to be Smarter, Safer, Wealthier, and Wiser. Later, Peggy Knudtson speaks with Dr. Jeffrey Jarman at The Skeptics of Oz conference about the art and science of debate. Guy P.…
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The Humanist Hour #140: Awkward Moments in the Bible, with Horus Gilgamesh
In this episode, Bo Bennett interviews Horus Gilgamesh, author of the "Awkward Moments (not found in your average) Children's Bible" series. From Horus’ website: Horus was raised Catholic before being "born again" in college when he began following a calling toward full-time ministry. Early on…
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The Humanist Hour #139: Faith Beyond Belief, with Margaret Placentra Johnston
In this episode, Bo Bennett interviews Margaret Placentra Johnston, author of the book 'Faith Beyond Belief.' From Margaret’s Patheos blog: While the word spirituality can mean many different things to different people, on this site we consider it less as a supernatural (and perhaps escapist)...
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The Humanist Hour #138: Intentional Insights with Gleb Tsipursky, PhD
In this episode, Bo Bennett and Kim Ellington discuss discovering meaning and purpose with Gleb Tsipursky, co-founder and chief insights officer at Intentional Insights. From his bio at IntentionalInsights.org: Gleb's passion for helping people use science to find purpose and meaning, evaluate...
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The Humanist Hour #136 Social Justice & Private Parts, with Sam Killermann
In this episode, Bo Bennett interviews social justice comedian and advocate Sam Killermann on gender issues, feminism, humanism, and intolerance. Also, find out how NOT to make small talk with Bo! Sam loves and appreciates all people, and hopes to someday live in a world where everyone shares…
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The Humanist Hour #135: Scientific Paranormal Investigation with Benjamin Radford
In this episode, Bo Bennett interviews author Benjamin Radford about his book, "Scientific Para-normal Investigation: How to Solve Unexplained Mysteries." Ben is deputy editor of Skeptical Inquirer science magazine and a Research Fellow with the non-profit educational organization the Committee…
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The Humanist Hour #134: How “God” Works, with Marshall Brain
In this episode, Bo Bennett interviews author Marshall Brain about his book, "How 'God' Works: A Logical Inquiry on Faith". From the book description: "Does God exist? Using an intellectually rigorous, scientific approach, Marshall Brain—the founder of HowStuffWorks.com and author of the How…
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The Humanist Hour #132: The Truth about the Sunday Assembly, with Ian Dodd and Amy Boyle
In this episode, Bo Bennett and Kim Ellington interview Ian Dodd and Amy Boyle from the Sunday Assembly in Los Angeles, CA. They talk how it got started, what it is, what it is not, and how they are keeping it going strong. From SundayAssemblyLA.org: Sunday Assembly Los Angeles is a new godless...
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The Humanist Hour #131: Positive Humanism, with Bo Bennett
This is a special live presentation episode of a presentation on positive humanism, given by Bo Bennett to the Concord Humanists in Concord, MA on December 3, 2014. What is positive humanism? Positive humanism is an applied humanistic philosophy based on the scientific findings of positive...
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The Humanist Hour #130: Sincere Kirabo on the Complex Issues of Ferguson (Part II)
In this episode, Kim Ellington interviews Sincere Kirabo, continuing the conversation from last week. Kirabo is a Board Member with Black Nonbelievers and a Regional Director for American Atheists. He has an insatiable thirst for knowledge and understanding, and interested only in the cerebral....
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The Humanist Hour #129: James Croft on the Complex Issues of Ferguson
In this episode, Bo Bennett and Kim Ellington interview James Croft, humanist activist involved in the events unfolding in Ferguson, MO. James Croft is the Leader in Training at the Ethical Culture Society of St. Louis - one of the largest humanist congregations in the world. He is a graduate of...
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The Humanist Hour #128: Scammers and Skeptics with Brian Brushwood
In this episode, Bo Bennett interviews entertainer and career skeptic Brian Brushwood. Brian is an American magician, podcaster, author, lecturer and comedian. He is known for the series Scam School, a show where he teaches the audience entertaining tricks at bars so they can "scam" a free drink...
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The Humanist Hour #127: Critical Thinking with Dr. Kevin deLaplante
In this episode, Bo Bennett interviews Kevin deLaplante, philosophy and religious studies professor at Iowa State University. They discuss several aspects of critical thinking, including it is so important in everyday life. From Dr. deLaplante’s website, Critical Thinking Academy: When I’m not...
About this show
The Humanist Hour (HH) Audio Podcast is a monthly one-hour talk show produced by the American Humanist Association. Every episode of the HH Audio Podcast explores a different area of humanist thought, from politics to pop culture.