Explore every episode of the podcast Freethought Radio
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| American Caesar | 15 oct. 2026 | 00:49:24 | |
We listen to highlights of FFRF's "Great American Freethought Songbook" concert series. Then, Dr. Bradley B. Onishi describes his new book "American Caesar: How Theocrats and Tech Lords are Turning America Into a Monarchy." | |||
| Why Fascists Fear Teachers | 08 oct. 2026 | 00:49:44 | |
FFRF Action Fund's legislative team gives us a rundown on the Nov. 3 ballot initiatives around the country, both good and bad. Then, American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten describes her new book, "Why Fascists Fear Teachers." | |||
| Free Betty | 01 oct. 2026 | 00:49:24 | |
After announcing the "Secularist of the Week" and the "Theocrat of the Week," we speak with Maryam Namazie, president of the Council of Ex-Muslims of Great Britain, about the campaign to release Ibtissame Betty Lachgar from a Moroccan prison for the "crime" of wearing a T-shirt that insults Islam. | |||
| Sisterhood Is Global | 24 sept. 2026 | 00:49:42 | |
After reporting the good and the bad news about Christian nationalist antics, we remember the life and legacy of well-known feminist and atheist activist Robin Morgan, who died earlier this month. | |||
| Not Today, Fascists! | 17 sept. 2026 | 00:49:24 | |
On Constitution Day, we celebrate a legislative win for a Washington, D.C., memorial to Forgotten Freethinking Founder Thomas Paine. Then, popular podcaster Jennifer Welch tells us about her new book, "Not Today, Fascists: The Lies That Got Us Here, and the Truths That Will Reunite Us." | |||
| Southeast Asian Freethinkers | 10 sept. 2026 | 00:49:42 | |
We salute feminist freethinker Robin Morgan, and castigate Christian nationalist actions by various Cabinet members. Then, A.J. Surin, founder and president of Humanists Malaysia, tells us about the few brave freethinkers advocating for reason and tolerance of diversity in his ultrareligious mostly Muslim nation. | |||
| Was Spinoza an atheist? | 03 sept. 2026 | 00:49:44 | |
After remembering the life of the great feminist and humanist Gloria Steinem, we speak with Professor Steven Nadler about his new bombshell book, "Spinoza, Atheist." | |||
| Common Sense | 27 août 2026 | 00:47:56 | |
Margaret Downey, president of the Thomas Paine Memorial Association, tells us what you can do to help erect a memorial statue to America's forgotten Founder Thomas Paine in Washington, D.C. | |||
| No Prophets | 20 août 2026 | 00:49:43 | |
After announcing that we have asked the Supreme Court to rule that the Texas law requiring the posting of the Ten Commandments in public schools is unconstitutional, we hear Ron Reagan interview Rep. Jared Huffman about his new book "No Prophets: The Fight to Save Democracy from Christian Nationalism." | |||
| Hitchens vs. The Church | 13 août 2026 | 00:49:24 | |
We hear the brilliant late journalist/intellectual Christopher Hitchens debate an archbishop on the topic "Is the Catholic Church a force for good in the world?" and FFRF Regional Government Affairs Manager Mickey Dollens explains what's wrong with Texas' new bible-infused public-school curriculum. | |||
| Congressional Reason! | 06 août 2026 | 00:49:43 | |
After reporting problems created by — as well as victories against — Christian nationalism, we hear the co-chairs of the Congressional Freethought Caucus, Reps. Jared Huffman, D-Calif., and Jamie Raskin, D-Md., speaking at the third annual Congressional Reason Reception in Washington, D.C., co-sponsored by FFRF. | |||
| Uncommon Sense | 30 juil. 2026 | 00:49:25 | |
FFRF co-sponsored the Reason Reception in Washington, D.C., in honor of the Congressional Freethought Caucus. We hear remarks by Reps. Steve Cohen, D-Tenn., Sean Casten, D-Ill., and Suzanne Bonamici, D-Ore., capped off by the guest of honor Mary Trump. | |||
| "Intelligent Design" on Trial | 23 juil. 2026 | 00:49:24 | |
This week on Freethought Radio, a look at how the Trump administration is whitewashing American history in Philadelphia. Then, federal Judge John E. Jones tells the behind-the-scenes story of the 2005 trial leading to his landmark decision barring so-called "intelligent design" from being taught in public school science classes. | |||
| Astrology and Science | 16 juil. 2026 | 00:49:42 | |
After reporting national Christian-nationalist news and local state/church victories in the schools, we talk with journalist Carlos Orsi, author of the new book, "What Science Says About Astrology." | |||
| State/Church Advocacy | 09 juil. 2026 | 00:49:24 | |
After reporting a slew of Christian Nationalist nonsense from pastors, government officials and our President, FFRF Action Fund's Senior Policy Counsel Ryan Jayne and State Policy Manager Ryan Dudley describe a slew of good and bad state-church bills in state legislatures so far this year. | |||
| Student Voices on Christian Nationalism | 02 juil. 2026 | 00:49:44 | |
We look at a new federal "religious liberty" report that could significantly reshape church-state separation in the United States, along with a Supreme Court ruling allowing states to ban transgender girls from school sports. We feature award-winning essays by three students – Gabrielle Williams, Jaianah Hightower and MeKah'E LeClair. We also hear Dan Barker's opening statement from a recent debate on whether the God of the Bible exists. | |||
| A Liberating Journey | 25 juin 2026 | 00:49:23 | |
We first get the lowdown on the back and forth that Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala., has gotten into with the Freedom From Religion Foundation regarding our objection to the Auburn University men's baseball program being suffused with religion. Then, we listen to writer Chrissy Stroop talk about her journey from evangelical schools to leading counternarratives about the Christian right. | |||
| Brain Surgery | 18 juin 2026 | 00:49:23 | |
Neurosurgeon Dr. Vivekanand Palavali joins us to examine how science unravels near-death and out-of-body experiences. Then, we hear from members of the Congressional Freethought Caucus who are pushing back against Christian nationalism and the false claim that America was founded as a Christian nation. | |||
| American Infidels | 11 juin 2026 | 00:49:23 | |
Historian Steven K. Green's new book, "American Infidelity: The Gilded Age Battle Over Freethought, Free Love and Feminism," describes how 19th-century freethinkers fought religious laws such as the Comstock Act. | |||
| Revival of Reason | 04 juin 2026 | 00:49:42 | |
Founder and President of Black Nonbelievers Mandisa Thomas tells us about the June 12–14 "Revival of Reason" in Atlanta, celebrating the lives and views of Black Americans who live without religion. We also talk about Ten Commandments monuments, FFRF victories removing religion from public schools, and public officials discussing "aliens and demons." | |||
| Religion on Campus | 28 mai 2026 | 00:49:44 | |
What to do about religion at graduation ceremonies? FFRF State Policy Manager Ryan Dudley gives a roundup of state legislative actions this past spring. Then, Harvard student Ash Bu talks about her op-ed in The Crimson newspaper asking, "Where Are All the Atheists Hiding?" | |||
| License to Discriminate | 21 mai 2026 | 00:49:24 | |
We report on Trump's Christian-nationalist "Rededicate 250" rally in Washington, D.C., last Sunday. Then, Hope Pisoni of Uncloseted Media and John Washington of Lookout tell us about their joint report, "Your License Plate Might Be Funding an Anti-LGBTQ Extremist Group." | |||
| Killers of Roe | 14 mai 2026 | 00:49:42 | |
After reporting alarming Christian nationalist news, we talk with Amy Littlefield, author of "Killers of Roe: My Investigation into the Mysterious Death of Abortion Rights." | |||
| Buddhist nationalism | 07 mai 2026 | 00:49:44 | |
FFRF Director of Communications Amitabh Pal joins us as we interview journalist and author Sonia Faleiro about her book "The Robe and the Sword: How Buddhist Extremism is Shaping Modern Asia." | |||
| Happy 20th Anniversary! | 30 avr. 2026 | 00:49:24 | |
We hear excerpts of some of our favorite shows from the past two decades, including Gore Vidal, Christopher Hitchens, Ron Reagan, Ursula K. Le Guin, Sara Paretsky, Julia Sweeney, Daniel C. Dennett, Anne Gaylor, Cecile Richards, Ernie Chambers, Steve Benson, Anthony Pinn, Brent Michael Davids, Janeane Garofalo, Leighann Lord, Ann Druyan and Donald C. Johanson. | |||
| The Edited Commandments | 23 avr. 2026 | 00:49:48 | |
FFRF Legal Director Patrick Elliott tells us about the disappointing 5th-Circuit appeals decision allowing Ten Commandments in Texas public schools. Then, author and columnist Kate Cohen tells us "Why Exodus Needs a Rewrite." | |||
| Texas Courage | 16 avr. 2026 | 00:49:24 | |
After offering a fresh perspective on President Trump masquerading as Jesus and other news of the week, we interview Johnnie Cotton, a Texas band director who resigned rather than put up a Ten Commandments poster in his classroom. | |||
| First Amendment hero | 09 avr. 2026 | 00:49:42 | |
Theocrats are active in our federal government and also from beyond the moon! After FFRF staff attorney Sammi Lawrence describes recent state/church victories, we honor the life, words and legacy of Ishmael Jaffree, whose 1985 Supreme Court victory removed prayer and bible reading from public schools.
| |||
| Conversion Therapy | 02 avr. 2026 | 00:49:44 | |
Attorney Sam Grover describes FFRF's court victory demanding the removal of the Ten Commandments from the Arkansas capitol. Then, activist Lucas F. W. Wilson, a survivor of "conversion therapy," discusses his book "Shame-Sex Attraction: Survivors' Stories of Conversion Therapy." | |||
| Hi, I'm an Atheist! | 26 mars 2026 | 00:49:24 | |
After reporting on a deluge of Christian nationalist rhetoric from Congress, the White House and the Pentagon, we talk with David G. McAfee, author of the book "Hi, I'm an Atheist! What That Means and How to Talk About It with Others."
| |||
| Permanent Injunction | 19 mars 2026 | 00:49:43 | |
After we cover state/church news in Colorado, Kansas, Missouri and Maryland, FFRF attorney Chris Line dissects the so-called "Religious Liberty Commission" and FFRF attorney Nancy Noet tells us about this week's decision by an Arkansas court permanently enjoining the state from displaying the Ten Commandments in public classrooms. | |||
| Christian Nationalist Zionists | 12 mars 2026 | 00:49:24 | |
We talk about the Iran war with Mother Jones national correspondent Kiera Butler, author of the article: "Trump's Holy Warriors Finally Got the Apocalypse They've Prayed For." | |||
| Free Betty | 05 mars 2026 | 00:49:43 | |
Moroccan feminist/activist/freethinker Ibtissame ("Betty") Lachgar is in prison for wearing a T-shirt that insulted Islam. Hear about her harrowing story and about how you can help to free her. | |||
| A Teacher's Dilemma | 26 févr. 2026 | 00:49:25 | |
After reporting state/church news, we talk with Texas schoolteacher Gigi Cervantes who tells us why she quit her job rather than force the Ten Commandments on students. | |||
| Black Secularism and the Scopes Trial: A Century of Freethought | 19 févr. 2026 | 00:49:42 | |
FFRF Communications Director Amit Pal and FFRF Multimedia Producer Leo Costello break down the latest state-church headlines, including troubling rhetoric at the National Gathering for Prayer and Repentance led by House Speaker Mike Johnson. Then, historian Chris Cameron explores the freethinkers of color who helped build a powerful tradition of Black secularism in America. | |||
| The Future of the Freethought Caucus | 12 févr. 2026 | 00:49:24 | |
FFRF Staff Attorney Sammi Lawrence reports about a high school softball team in Missouri that had religion pushed on it, and how FFRF was able to put a stop to this. Then, U.S. Rep. Jared Huffman reviews this year's National Prayer Breakfast in D.C. and provides some insight into future plans for the Congressional Freethought Caucus. | |||
| The Feminist Skeptic | 05 févr. 2026 | 00:49:44 | |
FFRF Legal Director Patrick Elliott reports on FFRF's exciting new legal developments to protect state/church separation. Then as a memorial tribute, we play an interview of Barbara G. Walker, a provocative bestselling skeptic and feminist who died recently. | |||
| The end of a cult | 29 janv. 2026 | 00:49:24 | |
Peruvian journalist Paola Ugaz tells us how her investigation (with colleague Pedro Salinas) led to the downfall of the Sodalitium, a Catholic cult that was sexually, physically and psychologically abusing young people. | |||
| From Myths to Science | 22 janv. 2026 | 00:49:43 | |
What is a "godman"? Tune in to find out. FFRF Senior Attorney Sam Grover gives an eyewitness account of oral arguments over Ten Commandments-in-schools court challenges. Next, Gauhar Raza, an Indian scientist, poet and social activist, tells us about his latest book, "From Myths to Science." | |||
| The Soul Delusion | 15 janv. 2026 | 00:49:24 | |
Before talking with David P. Barash about his provocative new book, "The Soul Delusion," Freethought Radio comments on timely national news and this week's major FFRF victories! | |||
| Haram Doodles | 08 janv. 2026 | 00:49:44 | |
An ex-Muslim "artivist" — that's artist combined with activist — called Haram Doodles uses art to express dissent against the strictures of Islam. | |||
| Separate Church and Hate | 31 déc. 2025 | 00:49:24 | |
Actor, comedian and broadcaster John Fugelsang describes his new book, Separation of Church and Hate. FFRF's Legal Director Patrick Elliott sums up our many accomplishments in 2025. | |||
| The Good Trump | 24 déc. 2025 | 00:49:44 | |
Donald Trump's niece, Mary L. Trump, explains why her uncle is the real Grinch. | |||
| The Solstice Is the Reason | 19 déc. 2025 | 00:49:43 | |
Celebrating with music and readings, we explain why the Winter Solstice is the true "Reason for the Season." | |||
| The Solstice Is the Reason | 18 déc. 2025 | 00:49:43 | |
Celebrating with music and readings, we explain why the Winter Solstice is the true "Reason for the Season." | |||
| Nigerian human rights activist tells it like it is | 12 déc. 2025 | 00:49:24 | |
Dr. Leo Igwe, who is a noted human rights activist in Nigeria, talks about the religious violence in Nigeria and explains why Trump's saber-rattling isn't helping. The video version of this interview is also available on YouTube. | |||
| Escape from Scientology | 04 déc. 2025 | 00:49:40 | |
Pamela Nickel Williams, author of the memoir Clearly Lies Are True, tells us what it was like growing up in Scientology, and how she escaped that abusive cult. | |||
| Let's All Give Thanks | 26 nov. 2025 | 00:49:43 | |
We are thankful for the many speakers and performers at FFRF's 48th annual convention. We listen to 20 clips from that entertaining and enlightening event. | |||
| Fighting for Freedom | 20 nov. 2025 | 00:49:24 | |
Herb Silverman tells us how he fought the state of South Carolina to allow atheists to run for public office, and Nancy Northup, president of the Center for Reproductive Rights, describes the state of abortion rights across the country. | |||
| Defending Democracy | 13 nov. 2025 | 00:49:25 | |
New York Times columnist Jamelle Bouie tells us how we can defend democracy against the threat of Christian nationalism. | |||