Freethought Radio

Latest Episodes:

Fighting Creationism Jul 08, 2006

Show notes

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" Jul 01, 2006

Show notes

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" Jun 24, 2006

Show notes

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 Jun 17, 2006

Show notes

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 Jun 10, 2006

Show notes

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 Jun 03, 2006

Show notes

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 May 27, 2006

Show notes

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 May 20, 2006

Show notes

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 May 13, 2006

Show notes

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 May 06, 2006

Show notes

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)

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