"It's difficult to think of an area of work life that isn't connected to humanistic thought. If you start with ideas around the dignity of each human, compassion, kindness, ambitions, ways to behave, being evidence-based and being equitable, fair and not biased wherever possible, you start to understand that those are the foundational concepts of humanism" - Paul Harrison, Humanists in Business Network

This week on Humanism Now, new panellist Christian joins AJ to discuss activism and campaigning; what makes an activist, why is it important to humanism and how has activism changed in the digital age? Plus we introduce CLH's new campaigns initiative.

Our guest interview is with Paul Harrison, Coordinator of the Humanists in Business Network, part of Humanists UK, Co-Founder of the UK chapter of the Humanistic Management Network & Partner at KPMG UK.

Panel references:

• Atheism Plus
• Gro Harlem Brundtland
• Niels Bohr
• Fridtjof Nansen & the Nansen Passport
• Hans Rosling TED Talks
• Moral (Self) Licensing 
• Arab Spring
• 'Clicktivism'

About Paul Harrison & the HiB Network

• KPMG Profile
• Humanists in Business Network LinkedIn Page
• Humanists in Business LinkedIn Group
• Humanists UK Professional Networks 
• Humanistic Management Network

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This Podcast is produced by Humanise Live.

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"A key tenet of humanism is empathy. Whether that's empathy for those around us or to all humans, but also we should extend that to all life of exists, and then forward in time, to future generations." - Lori Marriott

This week, Katia & Mark join the panel to discuss the merits of identifying with the humanist label. Plus we hear from Lori Marriott, Coordinator of Humanist Climate Action.

References:

• Humanists UK: Defining Humanism
• Humanists International: What is Humanism?
• Humanists UK: How Humanist are you Quiz?
• UnderstandingHumanism.org.uk: Five Core Features

• Follow Lori on X
• HCA Homepage
  • Sign up for newsletter
  • Read past newsletters
  • Email HCA: climateaction@humanists.uk
  • Follow HCA on Facebook, Instagram, and X

• Green your pension: how you can help the environment
• Not the End of the World, How to be the First Generation to Build a Sustainable Planet, Hannah Ritchie
• Climate Disinformation, European Commission
• Great Big Green Week

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"Peace is more than just the absence of war. Peace requires respect for the worth and dignity of our fellow human beings, tolerance among individuals, and harmony within each person."  Humanist International's Oslo Declaration on Peace

This week, AJ and Mark tackle Humanist perspectives on global conflicts  such as the current Israel-Palestine crisis and the role of religion in exacerbating or potentially resolving this deep-seated conflict.

Our interview with journalist Scott Jacobson, whose boots on the ground in Ukraine bring a raw, provided an evidence-based angle to our discourse and demonstrates the critical role of informed journalism in shaping societal discourse.

Join us on this exploration, amplify the conversation, and help shape a more humane approach to the global stage.

Episode References:

• HUK: Statement on the Middle East
• Humanist International Statement on Russian Invasion of Ukraine

About Scott Douglas Jacobsen:
🔗In-Sight Publishing
Ⓜ️Follow Scott on Medium
📖Interview Series at Good Men Project
📧 scott.douglas.jacobsen@gmail.com

Scott's references:

• Monty Python Live at the Hollywood Bowl
• Model UN
• tiktok: Scott Jacobsen in Mykolaiv, Ukraine via @remuscerneaofficial
• United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF)  Abdul Waheed & Mubarak Bala

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Join us as we review the 2023 year in Humanism and preview the events for 2024 with our regular panellists, Mark, Nicole & Katia.

Together with host James, they discuss; insights from 2023 meetups and conventions, inspiring personal experiences, a varied events calendar and the important role of humanist voices in 2024's major democratic elections.

Finally we pay a special thanks to our Producer Rob, who is moving on to bigger things in 2024!

This week's panel only discussion is themed around the values of hope, wonder and collaborative achievement - thank you for joining us the debut year of Humanism Now.

Episode References:

• Video playlist: talks from Humanists UK 2023 Convention
• Leicester Humanists Launch Event
• Humanistically Speaking: A memorable humanist trip to the Large Hadron Collider
• Understating Humanism Wonder: A Humanist Perspective
• HUK ‘Democracy is a humanist value’, affirms 2023 World Humanist Congress
• The Guardian 40 elections that will shape global politics in 2024
• HUK Bishops in the House of Lords Campaign
• HUK Assisted Dying Campaign

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"I know so many people whose lives got better when they learned how to use a crock pot and make a decent chili"

Welcome back to Humanism Now. This week we are delighted to share an extended interview with Bart Campolo, host of the inspirational podcast, Humanize Me!

After decades as a Christian evangelist, Bart embraced humanism and now uses his platform to advocate for a more compassionate, curious and connected society. Together, we dissect the intricacies of growing a humanist community in a digital era, the place of AI in our emotional lives, and the transformative power of authentic, in-person connections.

AJ also joins the panel to share his reflections on 2023 and some exciting news for 2024!

About Bart Campolo:
🏠 bartcampolo.org/about
🎙️ Humanize Me! Podcast
📷 @humanizemepodcast
🐦 @bartcampolo

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"When we're upholding secularism, we're making sure that that is freedom of religion or belief for all, and not just for the non-religious to be safe" - Emma Wadsworth-Jones

On this week's Humanism Now we are delighted to be joined by Emma Wadsworth-Jones, Casework & Campaigns Manager Of Humanists International and principle editor of the Freedom of Thought Report. The FOTR assesses every country in the world on the basis of human rights and the legal status with regard to humanists, atheists, and the non-religious. Emma shares the key findings for 2023, reasons why protecting freethought matters and positive examples of promoting secularism globally.

In addition, Lola & Nicole join the panel this week to discuss the further proposed changes to UK visa requirements and it's impact on families and whether the UK is a secular country.  Plus we share our favourite xmas songs for your playlist!

Episode references:

• BBC: Changes to UK visa requirements: Key points at-a-glance
• Humanists International: Freedom of Thought Report
• Humanists UK: Secularism in the UK

About Emma Wadsworth Jones
🔗 Humanists International - People
📧 Contact HI
🐦 @humanistsint
#️⃣ #FOTR2023

Emma's references:

• HI: Freedom of thought Report
• Blog: How the Freedom of Thought Report helps protect humanists at risk
• HI: How to get involved and support

Upcoming events:

• CLH AGM 2024 with Madeleine Goodall, Humanist Heritage, 17 Jan 2024
• Association of Black Humanists Events & Study Group

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"Conscious morality cannot exist in any being except so far as it can look behind, before, and around; and can remember, compare, and reason about right and wrong so as to choose for itself, and for those it can influence, a given course." - Zona Vallance

What does it mean to be a humanist in the modern world? Join James, Mark and new contributor Katia as we test the definition of humanism and assess how the term has evolved and what additions we'd like to see to reflect changing societal needs.

Plus our interview with the brilliant Maddy Goodall, co-ordinator of the Humanist Heritage project, which documents and preserves more than 125 years of rich humanist history.

Episode references:

• Life and Fate - Vasily Grossman
• The Social Instinct, What Nature Can Teach Us About Working Together - Nichola Raihani
• Humanism Now Episode 4 with Jamie Woodhouse on Sentientism
• René Descartes
• Peter Thatchell

About Maddy Goodall
🔗 Heritage humanists
📧 heritage@humanists.uk
🐦 @maddyogoodall

Maddy's references:

• Zona Vallance (1860-1904)
• Lillie Boileau (1869-1930)
• Nellie Freeman (1863-1943)
• May Seaton-Tiedeman (1862-1948)
• The Humanist Movement in Modern Britain,  Callum Brown, David Nash, Charlie Lynch

Upcoming events:

• CLH Xmas Party: Comedy Night for MacMillan

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“If you want to tell people the truth, make them laugh, otherwise they'll kill you.”
― George Bernard Shaw

This week on Humanism Now, Nicole and AJ join James to discuss the relationship between comedy, freethought and humanism. We discuss the role of comedy in challenging authority and changing social norms,  our personal comedy heroes and what should be off-limits to joke about?
 
Plus we're fortunate to present our interview with the incredibly talented London-based comedian, Lisa May. Lisa shares her personal transformation from entrepreneur to comedian and how curiosity, discomfort and connection, have shaped her outlook on life and laughter.

See Lisa May live alongside more top London standups at CLH's Xmas Party Comedy Night on 13 Dec 2023 - in aid of MacMillan Cancer Support.

Episode References:

• George Carlin - The Ten Commandments
• Eddie Izzard - Glorious
• Life Of Brian 1979 Debate
• Comedians in cars getting coffee

About Lisa May:
🔗 Lisa's Homepage
🎤 Standup Lols
📷 @standuplisamay
🐦 @standuplisamay

Lisa's references:

• Kintsugi - Japanese art of repair
• Jung and the value of humour
• The best of Mitch Hedberg

“Blessed are the cracked, for they shall let in the light.”  -  Groucho Marx

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Welcome to Humanism Now. This week James is joined by  Mark from Central London Humanists and Nicole of Leicester & Young Humanists to tackle more common misconceptions about humanism. The panel counter some of the frequent critiques of a humanist worldview; from misleading definitions of Humanism (by prominent thinkers!) to misperceptions of how humanists view religious people and whether we all politically aligned.

In an enlightening conversation, Lucy Potter, a PhD candidate at the University of Sheffield, shares insights from her research project aimed to improve the handling of non-religious asylum claims in the UK. Lucy's expertise in asylum claims provides a unique perspective on the trials faced by non-religious individuals seeking refuge. We discuss the challenges of credibility assessments that often hinder these asylum seekers and potential solutions.

Our mailbag question asked for the best jokes about Humanists and we passed this request back out to our audience! Send in your answers to  humanise.live@gmail.com
 
About Lucy Potter
🔗 Lucy's Research Homepage
🐦 @LucyPott_
📧 lpotter2@sheffield.ac.uk

Episode References:

• Yuval Noah Harari and ‘humanism’, Humanists UK
• Humanists in Parliament, Humanists UK
• Pakistani humanist denied UK asylum after failing to identify Plato, The Guardian

Upcoming Events:

• CLH Online Talk: Social Challenges & Self Care Following Apostasy, 29 Nov 23
• CLH Xmas Party: Comedy Night for MacMillan Cancer Support, 13 Dec 2023

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This week on Humanism Now as we welcome Lola Tinubu, Co-Founder of the Association of Black Humanists and  Nicole Shasha, Founder of Leicester Humanists to discuss their experiences creating and cultivating secular communities and challenging misconceptions.

We also discuss the implications of Ayaan Hirsi Ali's recent article Why I am Now a Christian, the critiques of atheism contained within and Hirsi Ali's  impact, influence and legacy for global Humanists and freethinkers.

In our guest interview, Martin Di Maggio explains Humanistic Judaism, from its intellectual routes to current practices and differences with other denominations of both Judaism and Humanism. 

Finally, we answer this week's mailbag question; What are the taboos associated with being a humanist?
 
Episode References:

• Why I am Now a Christian, Ayaan Hirsi Ali
• Why I Am Not a Christian - A response to Ayaan Hirsi Ali, Michael Shermer

About Martin Di Maggio:
🔗 The Spinoza Havurah
📷 @spinoza_havurah

Martin's References:

• shj.org
• Judaism beyond God by Sherwin Wine 
• Humanistic Havdalah by Martin Hasan
• Kiddush: Humanist Liturgy by Machar

Upcoming Events:

• ABH Discussion Group, 21 Nov 2023
• ABH: Ayan Hirsi Ali: Muslim to Atheist to Christian, 25 Nov 2023
• CLH Online Talk: Social Challenges & Self Care Following Apostasy, 29 Nov 23
• CLH X

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This week on Humanism now, Audrey & Mark join the panel to discuss taking a humanistic approach to issues around Free Speech and free expression, drawing on recent international news items.

Our guest this week is Terri O'Sullivan from Faith to Faithless. Terri shares her deeply personal journey to humanism and her role as Apostate Services Development Officer, at FTF (part of Humanists UK).  She also provides detailed advice for those seeking support when leaving high-control groups or experiencing religious trauma.

Finally our mailbag question this week asks if Humanism aligns with and support other social change movements, such as Feminism and Black Lives Matter.

Episode references:

• BBC: Sweden's Quran burnings put freedom of expression law to test
• Amnesty International: The Importance of Freedom of Expression
• UN: Definition of Hate Speech

Contact Terri O'Sullivan:
🔗 Faith to Faithless
🐦 @Terri_OSullivan
📘 @FaithtoFaithless

Terri's references;

• Religious Trauma Syndrome by Marlene Winell 

Support Asylum Research:
University of Sheffield are conducting research on how UK asylum claims are handled on the grounds of non-religiosity. If you have faced fear of persecution and have gone through the asylum system, please contact Lucy Potter.  More info.

Upcoming CLH Events:

• Pub After HUK Voltaire Lecture 14 Nov 2023
• Trans Day of Remembrance, 20 Nov 2023
• ABH Discussion Group

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On this episode of Humanism Now, we're exploring the inspiring world of young humanists. Our co-host AJ and new panellist Nicole, fellow coordinators of Young Humanist UK share what campaigns and activities motivate Humanists in the 18-35 age range.

Nicole also shares her experience of starting a new humanist group in Leicester and the joys of bringing humanist values to life through meaningful Humanists Ceremonies.

AJ & Nicole share how they became engaged with Humanism and offer advice for anyone looking to set up a new group or attract more young members. In discussing events and campaign that encourage greater engagement, we explore the alignment of humanism with climate and social justice activism.

In this week's guest interview ,  Javan Lev Poblador, International Coordinator for the Young Humanists International Group, provides insights in to the Global Young Humanist movement, describes the state of humanism in the Philippines and highlights some of the lesser known human impacts of the growing climate crisis.

Finally, in our mailbag section we discuss what events and campaign topics appeal most you Young Humanists.

Episode references:

• Leicester Humanists Launch Event, with Andrew Copson,  8 Nov 2023
• Young Humanists UK
• Young Humanists International
• HUK: Setting up a local group

About Javan Lev Poblador:

• Young Humanists International 
• YHI on Facebook, Twitter, and

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"It's really not as hard as people think to have a peaceful conversation with somebody who disagrees profoundly with you on deep questions." - Ariel Pontes 

This week on Humanism Now we share our wide ranging interview with Ariel Pontes, a writer, podcast host and advocate for humanism, effective altruism, animal welfare and productive dialogue to counter polarisation. Ariel shares a wealth of experience and learnings from leaving Kardecist Spiritism to supporting Humanist groups in Brazil & Romania.

In our news section, AJ & Lola share their views on Richard Dawkins' recent statements comparing Christianity and Islam, whether we should compare religious virtues and the concept of 'Cultural Christianity'.

References:

• Richard Dawkins: I'm a Cultural Christian, LBC YouTube Channel
• Cultural Christians
• The Trouble with Islam Today, Irshad Manji

Follow (@ArielPontes)

• X.com
• Instagram
• Facebook
• Medium

More on Ariel's Work

• Homepage: ghostlessmachine.com
• Ghostless Machine Podcast
• Youtube @GhostlessMachine
• Humanistas Brasil
• Ariel on Effective Altruism

Ariel's references:

• Kardecist spiritism
• How Minds Change, David McRaney
• A Manual for Creating Atheists, Peter Boghossian

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This week on Humanism now, Mark & AJ join the panel to discuss the role of science communication & humanism in education, with insights gathered from the New Scientist Conference.

Dr. Emma Park, Editor of The Freethinker, provides a deep dive into the essence of freethought & the consequences of placing any views on an untouchable pedestal. Emma shares insights into the relationship between freethought & free speech, challenges to these freedoms & reviews the current status of non-religious movements.

We end with our listener question: 'Is humanism a religion?'

Episode references:

• Why Humanism is included in ‘Religious Education’ (‘RE’)
• How Humanist are you Quiz?
• UnderstandingHumanism.org.uk
• Humanist UK: Teachers Network
• Humanists UK: School Speakers
• Atheist Bus Campaign

About Dr. Emma Park:
🔗 Emma Park, Homepage
🐦 @DrEmmaPark on Twitter
📖 The Freethinker
📺 Pastafarianism: parody or religion? | Emma Park | CLH Talks 

Emma's book references;

• The Battle for Thought - Freethinking in the Twenty-First Century, Simon McCarthy-Jones
• Freedom to Think - The Long Struggle to Liberate Our Minds, Susie Alegre
• Humanly Possible -  Seven Hundred Years of Humanist Freethinking, Enquiry and Hope, Sarah Bakewell

Upcoming CLH Events:

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This week's episode focusses on humanistic approaches to both human and animal rights issues.  Following recent proposed changes to the UK's asylum policy,   AJ, Audrey (Assoc. Black Humanists) & James explore humanistic perspectives on immigration, climate change and the role of empathy in approaching global political issues.

In our guest interview with Jamie Woodhouse of Sentientism.info, we explore  how animals rights should be incorporated into Humanism, the goals of the growing Sentientism movement and Jamie's views on AI, lab grown meat and defining 'Sentience'.

Our panel also share their views on whether Humanists should go vegan and become Sentientists. Finally our mailbag question poses, whether a humanist can retain religious faith.

References:
BBC: Anti-gay discrimination not qualification for asylum, says Suella Braverman
Humanists UK Seeking sanctuary: research into apostate asylum claims
Humanists International: Supporting individuals at risk

More on Jamie Woodhouse:
Sentientism.info
Twitter
Facebook
Sentientism Youtube Channel
Sentientism Podcast
Is Sentientism the future of humanism? Watch Jamie's Talk with CLH, April 2023

Upcoming events:
Central London Humanists Upcoming Events
Association of Black Humanists Upcoming Events

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Mark Agathangelou, CLH Committee Member and active Event Organiser joins this week's panel to discuss finding Humanism through the  One Life Course, hosing discussion groups and our recent 'What Humanism Means to Me' live open mic night.

Plus our interview with the multi-talented Alex Williams; a poet, teacher, playwright, and author, who will shed light on the power of community within humanism. With his unique perspective, we'll explore the unique role of arts in creating compelling communities, how Alex defines humanism and what inspires his Secular Verses.

Finally, we tackle our mailbag question this week: Why are there still Bishops in the UK's House of Lords, in what is an increasingly secular country.

Episode references:
CLH Once Life Course
Humanists UK Courses on Humanism
Video: What Humanism Means to Me
Humanists UK Campaign: Bishops in the House of Lords

More on Alex Williams;

• Blog: The Dialup 
• Facebook: Tiger Jazz
• Poetry Collection: Secular Verses

Book recommendations from Alex Williams;
Alain de Botton, Religion for Atheists: A non-believer's guide to the uses of religion 

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Audrey Simmons, co-lead of the Association of Black Humanists joins James & AJ this week to discuss her personal journey and the unique challenges for the Black community in the UK when it comes to embracing humanism.

AJ provides an update on the proposed ban of conversion therapy in the UK. Despite the government's commitment to a ban, delays, and recent news of the draft bill's cancellation have sparked a wave of demonstrations. Together, we stand in allyship with the campaign to ban conversion therapy and discuss how you, our listeners, can join the movement.

Plus,  Prof. Christopher Cameron, author of Black Freethinkers,  A History of African American Secularism joins the podcast to discuss his personal journey and the figures who inspired his seminal book, as well as the future of freethought in America.

Here more from Chris Cameron, live in Conversation with S.I. Martin on 22 September 2023 in Central London.

Finally, our mailbag question this week: Just what does it mean to be spiritual but not religious?

Refences:
Association of Black Humanists
Humanists International - Amsterdam Declaration 2022
Humanists UK - Banning Conversion Therapy Campaign

Book recommendations from Prof. Cameron;

• Sikivu Hutchinson 
• Michael Lackey, African American Atheists and Political Liberation
• Anthony Pinn, By These Hands & The End of God-Talk 

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What does it truly mean to be a humanist in today's world?

In this episode, James & AJ from Central London Humanists discuss their personal journeys and why start a humanism podcast now?

Plus guest interview with Rosyln Mould, Vice President of Humanists International

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"Humanism is about human goodness, appreciating reason & potential"  - Ojas Singh Bhanot

This week on Humanism Now, Mark & Nicole join the panel to discuss how illegal faith schools deny children the right to science,  the importance of promoting scientific literacy across society and the impact of scientific fraud.
 
This week's interview is with Ojas Singh Bhanot, Politics and Data Science student at the London School of Economics, where he Founded the Humanist Open Minds Students' Union group. His role involves leading a platform and promoting humanist values within the university community, focusing on open dialogue and inclusivity.

References: 

• Religion for Atheists, Alain de Botton
• Humanists UK at UN: Illegal schools deny the right to science
• Humanists UK campaign: State-funded faith schools & education
• National Secular Society: End Faith Schools Campaign
• Centre for Inquiry: Why Scientific Literacy Matters 
• Humanists UK: Humanist Students
• Fraud in curcumin research is a warning to all of science, FuturoProssimo

About Ojas Singh Bhanot

• LinkedIn
• LSE Students Union Humanist Open Minds 
• LSE Humanist Open Minds on Instagram

Ojas' References:

• Oxford Handbook of Digital Ethics, Carissa Véliz

Upcoming events:

• Central London Humanists

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“The irony of man's condition is that the deepest need is to be free of the anxiety of death and annihilation; but it is life itself which awakens it, and so we must shrink from being fully alive.”  ― Ernest Becker, The Denial of Death

Episode References:

• BBC News: New extremism definition unveiled by government
• Humanists UK: Extremists ‘negate the fundamental rights and freedoms of others’ – humanists analyse new definition
• ‘Resisting extremism means defending a tolerant society’, Andrew Copson
• Atheist Bus Campaign
• Radio 5: Elis James and John Robins Show

About Valerie Jack;

• Living with Life without God
  • Amazon
  • GoodReads
  • AbeBooks
• Twitter @ValerieJack
• Instagram/Facebook: @valeriejackwrites

Valerie's References:

• How religious and spiritual beliefs explain prolonged grief disorder symptoms, Kim M. Christian, Samar M. Aoun & Lauren J. Breen
• The Denial of Death, Ernest Becker
• Why Death is Nothing to Fear: Lucretius and Epicureanism, Jack Maden, PhilosophyBreak
• Snoopy Cartoon on Death
• La Fauxmagerie

“One day we will die, but on

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This Podcast is produced by Humanise Live.

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Welcome back to Humanism Now! This week AJ & Mark from the Central London Humanists join the panel to discuss the latest news, plus our interview with  Monica Belițoiu, Chair of The Romanian Secular Humanist Association (ASUR) .

Episode References

•  Humanist UK; Dr Rebecca Wragg Sykes awarded Darwin Day Medal
  • Rebecca Wragg Sykes Interview
• Humanists UK;  Assisted Dying Campaign
  • Assisted Dying Inquiry Report | Everything you need to know
• BBC News; Greece legalises same-sex marriage
• Matthew Walker; Why We Sleep

Monica Belițoiu

• Facebook
• Instagram
• Humanists International; Why I contribute my experience and time to the Freedom of Thought Report, Monica Belițoiu
• Humanists International; Romanian humanists launch ScienceCalendar mobile app

Download ScienceCalendar App on Play Store

Follow ASUR

• Homepage
• Instagram @asur.ro
• Facebook @secularumanisti
• YouTube @ASURChannel

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This Podcast is produced by Humanise Live.

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Welcome to Humanism Now's International Women's Day Special hosted by Audrey Simmons (Association of Black Humanists & CLH) and featuring Lola Tinubu (Assoc. Black Humanists & CLH), Katia Urquiza (Central London Humanists) & Nicole Shasha (Leicester Humanists and Young Humanists)  who discuss;

• The importance of IWD today
• Does being humanist imply being a feminist?
• Highlighting influential women's voices
• Talking more about women's health

Episode references:

• Anthony Doerr, All the Light We Cannot See
• Humanists UK: Human rights and equality
• Humanist Life: Why Humanism and feminism go hand in hand (2015)
• Minna Salami: The difference between feminism and humanism (2014) 
• The Guardian: Margaret Atwood on feminism, culture wars and speaking her mind
• Margaret Atwood, The Handmaid's Tale
• Omolara Ogundipe-Leslie
• Wiki: Stiwanism
• Claudia Roden
• WHO: Women's Health Fact Sheet

Upcoming events:

• Association of Black Humanists
• Central London Humanists

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This Podcast is produced by Humanise Live.

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"We should acknowledge that humanism is something that beats in the heart of every human being"  Dr Leo Igwe

This week James, Lola & AJ are joined by legendary human rights activist, Leo Igwe. We discuss the merits of Darwin Day, Leo's decades of campaigning for freethought and against superstition and Leo's vision for a new future for atheism and humanism in Africa.

Episode references

• Guardian; How should we address Charles Darwin's complicated legacy?
• JC Candnedo; Tai Solarin Day
• HUK: Humanists highlight Rwanda bill flaws
• HUK: MPs raise Mubarak Bala case 
• HI: Free Mubarak Bala Campaign

Leo Igwe

• @LeoIgwe
• Humanist Association of Nigeria
• Advocacy for Alleged Witches (AfAW)
• critTHINK.africa
• TED; Why I Choose Humanism Over Faith
• FOTR: Nigeria

Upcoming events:

• Association of Black Humanists
• Central London Humanists
• Humanists International

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This Podcast is produced by Humanise Live.

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Welcome back to Humanism Now. This we learn practical tips for engaging in good faith dialogues with people of different beliefs with expert insight from Jeremy Rodell, Director of Humanist UK's Dialogue Network and our regular panellists Lola & Nicole.

Episode references:
Humanists UK: Exploring Common Ground, Dialogue with others
Humanists UK: Dialogue Training Application

About Jeremy Rodell:
🎤 Humanists UK Interview
🐦 @jeremyr1
📌 South West London Humanists

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This week on Humanism Now, Audrey & AJ join the panel to discuss personal and group activism and support for Social Justice campaigns. The panel discuss; How do humanist vales align with these causes? How do we prioritise issues to best influence changes? and what role should Humanist groups play in leading or supporting campaigns?

We delve deeper into these topics with this week's guest Anya Overmann. Anya is a writer, consultant, speaker and digital nomad driven by her values as a progressive humanist activist. As former President of Young Humanists International, Anya shared her evolving views on the movement, frustrations with organised non-profits and optimism for the next generation of activists. 

About Anya Overmann:
🔗 anyaovermann.com
Ⓜ️ Follow Anya on Medium
📷 @Anyaovermann
🐦@AnyaLOvermann
🎙️ The Nomadic Humanist Podcast

Anya's References:

• The Revolution Will Not Be Funded, Beyond the Non-Profit Industrial Complex, INCITE! 
• Intersectional feminism: what it means and why it matters right now
• Party for Socialism and Liberation

Upcoming events:

• Central London Humanists Events
• Association of Black Humanists Events

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Welcome back to Humanism Now for a special episode coinciding with the critical upcoming UK Parliament vote on assisted dying — a pivotal moment we've long campaigned for and debated. In this episode we hear how what the bill entails, why it matters and how safe assisted dying aligns with values of compassion and autonomy.

Joining us is Nathan Stilwell, Humanists UK's Assisted Dying Campaign Coordinator, Campaigns and Communications Manager at My Death My Decision and a member of The Assisted Dying Coalition Secretariat.

Nathan joins us to discuss the context of this crucial vote, why Humanists UK champions this cause, and why now is the right time for change. We also address key societal concerns and shares how you can get involved to promote this cause and other important humanist issues.

SUPPORT THE CAMPAIGN - WRITE TO YOUR MP

Contact & follow Nathan Stilwell

• 📧 nathan@humanists.uk 
• ℹ️ Humanists UK Assisted Dying Campaign
• ✖️ Twitter 

Episode References:

• MPs to get first vote on assisted dying for nine years, BBC
• Humanists UK Statement on scope of the Assisted Dying Bill (22 Oct 2024)
• Former archbishop of Canterbury urges bishops in Lords to back assisted dying bill, The Guardian
• Medic MPs urge support for assisted dying bill, BBC
  BBC: Right-to-die man Tony Nicklinson dead after refusing food, BBC (2013)
  
  

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Humanist ceremonies—weddings, namings, and funerals—are growing rapidly worldwide, offering non-religious, deeply personal ways to mark life’s most significant moments. Laimingas Žmogus (Happy Human) is a social enterprise based in Lithuania, dedicated to making these ceremonies accessible and meaningful. 

This week we are delighted to be joined by Urtė Žukauskaitė-Zabukė, Founder and CEO, and Gerda Surgautaitė, Co-Founder of Laimingas Žmogus to share insights into establishing meaningful non-religious ceremonies that resonate with diverse populations and the launch of the Humanist Ceremonies Accelerator, a pioneering initiative designed to help humanist organisations around the world establish sustainable social enterprises through humanist ceremonies.  

The episode covers;
- The rapid growth of humanist ceremonies globally
- Introduction of the Humanist Ceremonies Accelerator programme
- Addressing the unique challenges to secularism in Lithuania
- Inspiring stories of uniquely tailored ceremonies
- Practical advice for starting humanist social enterprises

If you’re interested in the Humanist Ceremonies Accelerator, visit the Humanist International webpage for details about participation. 

Apply here by 14th March 2025: https://humanists.international/blog/join-the-humanist-ceremonies-accelerator/

Follow Laimingas Žmogus (Happy Human Lithunia)

🔗 laimingaszmogus.lt

📷 @laimingas.zmogus

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This special episode of Humanism Now is released as part of Podcastathon 2025, the world’s largest podcast charity initiative. We’re proud to dedicate this episode to Faith to Faithless, a programme by Humanists UK supporting those leaving high-control religious groups.

Three incredible guests—George, Leena, and Sarah—share raw, courageous accounts of their journeys out of fundamentalist religions and the new communities they're helping to build.

Faith to Faithless is proudly marking its 10th anniversary in 2025, celebrating a decade of support, solidarity, and advocacy for apostates.

⭐ Episode Highlights

• Life inside high-control religious groups
• The emotional toll of shunning and "thought crimes"
• How Faith to Faithless supports apostates across the UK
• Starting new peer groups and reclaiming lost experiences
• Why public services and mental health professionals must understand apostasy better

📺 Introducing Faith to Faithless | Helping people leaving high-control religious groups (2 mins)

Need support?
If you or someone you know has been affected by the topics discussed in this episode, Faith to Faithless are here to help.

Faith to Faithless Helpline (UK): 0800 448 0748
📞Opening hours (Wed 10am–1pm, Thu 4pm–7pm, Fri 8am–11am)

📧 Email: helpline@faithtofaithless.com
🌐 More info: www.faithtofaithless.com

********

Also mentioned in this episode:

• Recovering from Religion offers peer and professional support offering  hope, healing, and support to those struggling with issues of doubt and non-belief. Contact RFR here.

********
Podcastathon is the world’s largest podcast charity initiative — a global wave of inspiring episodes released simultaneously by podcasters everywhere, all in support of causes they care about. 

The aim? To raise awareness for hundreds of charities by uniting storytellers in one powerful, coordinated moment each March. 

🎧 Be part of the movement: podcasthon.org/register

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AI technologies pose significant threats to fundamental human rights, reinforcing historical biases and power imbalances. This week, we are joined by Susie Alegre, international human rights lawyer and author, to explore the impact of generative AI on gender and racial equality, labour markets, and information ecosystems.

Susie has worked for international NGOs like Amnesty International and organisations including the UN, the EU and the Council of Europe. 

Susie has published two books covering the critical issue or technology's impact on human rights; “Freedom to Think” (2022) was a Financial Times Technology Book of the Year 2022 and shortlisted for the Royal Society of Literature Christopher Bland Prize 2023 and “Human Rights, Robot Wrongs: Being Human in the Age of AI” published in 2024.

 The episode covers; 

• How AI systems, like ChatGPT, perpetuate gender and racial biases
• The "Pygmalion" pattern in AI design
• Potential longterm effects on skills, education and social interactions
• The rise of "ultra-processed information" and its consequences for the internet
• Legal risks and the role of effective regulation
• Enforcement in addressing AI's human rights risks
• When AI applications may be valuable—and when they are not

📅 To learn more about Susie Alegre’s work, visit:
🔗 susiealegre.com
🔗 alegre.ai
🔗 CIGI Profile

📩 info@susiealegre.com
📷  @susiealegre
💼 Linkedin: Susie Alegre

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"Isn't it true that we are the stories we tell ourselves?" — S.I. Martin

This week on Humanism Now, we’re joined by S.I. Martin—historian, author, and patron of Humanists UK—whose work has reshaped how we understand Black British history and the power of storytelling.

From his upbringing in a religious family in Bedford to decades spent uncovering erased narratives, Steve shares how early exposure to music, books, and doubt led him to scepticism and ultimately humanism.

We discuss:

• The importance of embedding Black British history into everyday landscapes and classrooms
• Robert Wedderburn, revolutionary preacher and free thinker
• Unique challenges faced by Black atheists in religious communities
• How historical fiction can reshape cultural imagination and offer new identities
• Why humanist groups must evolve to become more inclusive, especially for younger generations
• The hidden social history of Black-owned pubs in 18th- and 19th-century London

Explore S.I. Martin’s work:

🌐simartin.org.uk

📖 Books by S.I. Martin 

❌ @simartin on X

📺 A History of Black Freethought (Humanists UK Convention 2023)

📺 The Beliefs of Black Georgians (Humanist Heritage)

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Katherine Stewart is an award-winning journalist and author, who has investigated the rise of religious nationalism and its impact on democracy for over 15 years. Her work appears in The New York Times and The New Republic. She is the author of The Good News Club, The Power Worshippers, and the new release Money, Lies, and God.

Key Topics Covered

• How the "Good News Club" exposed the stealth strategies of religious nationalists.
• The roots of Christian nationalism and its alliance with billionaires.
• Why abortion became a political weapon, not a religious crusade.
• How authoritarian leaders use religion to shield power globally.
• What gives hope — and how to fight back against democratic erosion.

Follow Katherine Stewart

• Website
• The Power Worshippers
• The Good News Club
• Money, Lies, and God (Pre-order now)
• Bluesky Social
• Twitter/X

Resources Mentioned

• Christians Against Christian Nationalism
• Vote Common Good
• God & Country documentary (based on The Power Worshippers)

🙏 Support Humanism Now!
Love what we do? Become a sponsor or supporter via Patreon and help us keep bringing thoughtful conversations to life. Every pledge helps.

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This episode was originally recorded in May 2024.

"What we have in common is what is taking us forward." — Lola Tinubu 

In May 2024, the High Court ruled that Michaela Community School’s “prayer ban” did not unlawfully interfere with students’ rights to religious freedom. This landmark decision reaffirmed the importance of secular education in promoting social cohesion — and raised questions about how schools should handle religion in increasingly diverse societies.

In this episode, Audrey Simmons and Lola Tinubu — co-leaders of the Association of Black Humanists and long-time Central London Humanists members — apply their legal and education expertise to unpack the implications of the case for humanists, educators, and advocates of a secular society.

Key Topics Covered

• The background of Michaela Community School and its secular ethos
• Why the court upheld the school’s ban under Article 9 of the European Convention on Human Rights
• The tension between parental influence, religious identity, and student rights
• Why secular school environments can better accommodate diversity within religions
• How education must focus on shared humanity to address collective global challenges
• Why this ruling gives schools confidence to protect inclusive and evidence-based education

Episode resources:

BBC News: Michaela School: Muslim student loses prayer ban challenge
Humanists UK: Humanists UK respond to Michaela School ‘prayer ban’ ruling

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Alan Palmer is the former Chair of Central London Humanists, a trustee of Humanists UK, and a long-time NHS Trust Director. With over 17 years of experience in grassroots organising, Alan shares how London’s most active humanist group grew from pub chats to public campaigns, and how dialogue, ethics, and diversity remain central to its mission.

In This Episode

• How Central London Humanists became the UK’s largest humanist group
• Why participation is harder in a more secular, but less mobilised, society
• Lessons from pioneering Catholic-Humanist and Muslim-Humanist dialogue
• The power of repeating others’ views honestly in effective dialogue
• Working on COVID-19 triage ethics as an NHS Trust Director
• Why diversity, campaigning, and neutrality all matter in modern humanism
• Reflections on political inclusivity and unity across difference

🔗 Learn more or join a CLH event
www.centrallondonhumanists.org.uk

🔗 Learn more or join The Blackham Society
https://humanists.uk/join-the-blackham-society/

This episode was originally recorded in January 2024.

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 "Inclusion isn’t about ticking boxes. It’s about creating a space where people feel safe enough to stay." - JC Candanedo

Artist, activist, and humanist JC Candanedo shares his journey from a Catholic school in Panama to the art studios of London. His work weaves together identity, displacement, and community action, exploring how creativity can challenge injustice and build inclusive, compassionate societies.

In this epsiode, JC reflects on growing up atheist in a deeply religious culture, navigating migration and marginalisation, and why the arts are one of the most powerful tools we have for social transformation. JC shares the challenges of creating welcoming spaces within the humanist community, and how diversity and solidarity must be more than just aspirations—they must be action.

Key Topics Covered

• How JC’s atheist upbringing in Catholic Panama shaped his identity and activism
• Art as language: using creativity to open space for difficult but vital conversations
• Why Latin American and Arab/North African diasporas are "invisibilized" in UK systems
• The work of the Noria Collective in building solidarity among Global Majority communities
• How JC discovered humanism later in life—and how it changed his view of religion
• Practical advice for humanist groups on inclusion, outreach, and community care

Follow JC

• 🔗 JC’s Work: jccandanedo.com
• 🔗 Noria Collective: wearenoria.com / 📷 @we.are.noria
• 🔗 Axis: axisweb.org
• 📣 Campaign: banconversiontherapy.com
• 📷 Instagram: @jccandanedo
• 💼 LinkedIn: jccandanedo

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"Transcendence is the connection with something wider; the world, the cosmos, nature, other fellow human beings, and doing good in this life"— Dr Lindsay De Wal 

When Dr Lindsay De Wal became the first non-religious head of chaplaincy in the NHS, she redefined what spiritual support can look like in modern healthcare. From sceptical colleagues to international media headlines, her appointment marked a turning point for inclusive pastoral care. 

In this powerful and personal conversation, Lindsay shares how she built a humanist framework for care grounded in deep listening, horizontal transcendence and unwavering compassion.

In This Episode

• Why only 4% of hospital chaplaincy visits serve non-religious patients
• How the Netherlands became a global leader in humanist pastoral care
  What “horizontal transcendence” means—and why it matters in non-religious care
• The art of active listening and the power of silence in emotional support
• How to become a humanist pastoral carer—and why demand is growing fast
• The rise of the Non-Religious Pastoral Support Network across the NHS

Follow Dr. Lindsay de Wal

• Linktree: https://linktr.ee/Dr.LdW
• UK Non‑religious Pastoral Support Network

Episode References: 

• Become a Pastoral Carer, UK Non-Religious Pastoral Support Network
• The Development of Non-Religious Pastoral Support in the UK, Dr David Savage 
• History of The Netherlands Humanists Association, Humanistisch Verbond
• Interview with Lindsay de Wal: UK’s First Humanist NHS Chaplain on Non-Religious Pastoral Care, The Humanist 

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This week on Humanism Now, we’re joined by Michael Bauer, CEO of Germany’s Humanistische Vereinigung—a 175-year-old humanist organisation offering professional community services without religion, grounded in ethics, dignity, and freedom.

From ceremony to solidarity, Bauer shows how organised humanism is more than a philosophy—it’s a movement of services, institutions, and action. Discover how practical humanism is creating a visible, inclusive, and values-driven future.

We discuss:

• How the Humanist Association of Germany began in the 1848 and how it survived twice being banned
• The importance of physical infrastructure and visible presence for secular communities
• How humanism serves as an ethical alternative providing meaning, guidance, and community—without supernatural belief
• Why inclusive, values-led services matter in a plural society, and how secular support systems can serve everyone
• The Humanists Shelter Program and the three-year diplomatic effort to bring humanist Mubarak Bala to safety
• The need for political engagement, funding, and infrastructure to build influence and lasting change
• A powerful personal reflection on defending humanist values in times of crisis

About Michael Bauer 

 🔗  michaelbauer.info

📰 Interview with In-sight Publishing

Connect with Humanistische Vereinigung  
 🔗 humanistische-vereinigung.de

📷  @humanistischevereinigung
🐦  @HV_Presse
🌳 Linktree: humanistischevereinigung

References:

• Humanists Shelter Program, Humanistische Vereinigung
• Cause for celebration: M

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“Surviving isn’t just about leaving — it’s about learning to trust yourself again after someone else’s voice has lived in your head for years.”  — Rachael Reign

In this powerful episode of Humanism Now, Rachael Reign, survivor and founder of Surviving Universal UK, shares her deeply personal story of escaping spiritual abuse and coercive control and her ongoing campaign to protect others.

As founder of Surviving Universal UK, Rachael supports other survivors of high-control groups and leads a growing campaign to amend Section 76 of the UK Serious Crime Act.

In this episode

• Rachael's journey into, and out of, UCKG
• What draws vulnerable young people into high-control groups
• How unpaid labour and spiritual obedience become normalised
• What led Rachael to walk away and how she supports other survivors
• The warning signs of cultic or coercively controlling groups
• Where UK law falls short in protecting against coercive control outside domestic settings
• How we can hold abusive systems accountable
• The role the public  and policymakers can play in driving survivor-led legal reform

Surviving Universal UK

🔗Surviving Universal UK
📧 info@survivinguniversaluk.org
📸 @survivinguniversaluk
🎵 @survivinguniversaluk

Contact Rachael

🌳linktr.ee
🎤Speaker bookings - Rachael Reign
📸 @Msrachaelreign

Resources

• BBC Panorama
• The Guardian
• The Londoner

Need support?
If you or someone you know has been affected by the topics discussed in this episode, Faith to Faithless are here to help.

Faith to Faithless Helpline (UK): 0800 448 074

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“Curiosity isn’t a trait — it’s a practice. And like any practice, we have to keep doing it even when it’s hard.” — Dr. Julie Pham

In this episode of Humanism Now, we explore curiosity as a practice. Dr. Julie Pham — social scientist, community builder, and author of the bestselling 7 Forms of Respect® — joins us to unpack how curiosity, respect, and communication transform not just workplaces, but our relationships and communities.

As the founder and CEO of CuriosityBased, Dr. Pham teaches leaders and teams how to embed curiosity into daily practice — through self-awareness, relationship-building, and clear communication. Drawing from her personal story and professional insight, Julie shares how our assumptions about listening, respect, and disagreement shape the way we connect and collaborate.

In this episode:

• Why curiosity is a skill, not a trait — and how to develop it
• How to approach difficult conversations using the CAFA method (Context, Action, Feeling, Ask)
• The difference between hearing and believing — and why it matters
• Respect is relative: how upbringing and culture shape our communication
• How curiosity bridges differences — even across generational, cultural, and political divides
• When not to have the conversation: the two questions to ask before engaging

Featured Resources:

• 📕 7 Forms of Respect: www.formsofrespect.com
• 🧠 CuriosityBased: www.curiositybased.com
• 🎥 TEDx TalkCuriosity as a Practice: Watch here
• 🎧 Curiosity at Work podcast: Listen here

Follow Dr. Julie Pham:

• 📸 @juliephamphd on Instagram
• 🎵 @juliephamphd on TikTok
• 📸 @curiositybased on Instagram
• 💼 @curiositybased on TikTok
• 📘 CuriosityBased Facebook

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This Podcast is produced by Humanise Live.

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Contact us to get starting in podcasting today at www.humanise.live or hello@humanise.live