Humanism Now
Humanise Live
Welcome to Humanism Now, the weekly podcast from Humanise Live. Tune in for the latest news, insightful worldwide guest interviews, and lively discussions on the most pressing questions of our time — all from a naturalistic, empathetic, and rationalist world view that marks out humanism. Join us as we explore ethical dilemmas, dissect current events, and engage in thoughtful conversations that matter.
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Top 10 Humanism Now Episodes
Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best Humanism Now episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to Humanism Now for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite Humanism Now episode by adding your comments to the episode page.
12/03/23 • 84 min
“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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Humanism Now is produced by Humanise Live
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05/26/24 • 84 min
"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)
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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Humanism Now is produced by Humanise Live
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04/13/25 • 29 min
"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:
📺 A History of Black Freethought (Humanists UK Convention 2023)
📺 The Beliefs of Black Georgians (Humanist Heritage)
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Humanism Now is produced by Humanise Live
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02/04/24 • 78 min
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
M️ 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:
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Humanism Now is produced by Humanise Live
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31. Katherine Stewart on Money, Lies & God: How Billionaires Weaponised Religion to Undermine Democracy
Humanism Now
04/27/25 • 34 min
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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28. Susie Alegre on the Algorithmic Assault on Human Rights: How AI Threatens Our Core Freedoms
Humanism Now
03/09/25 • 39 min
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
📩 [email protected]
📷 @susiealegre
💼 Linkedin: Susie Alegre
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04/02/24 • 59 min
“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
- 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 all the other days we will not.” ― Snoopy
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Humanism Now is produced by Humanise Live
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11/12/23 • 83 min
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, 21 Nov 2023
- Xmas Party: Comedy Night for MacMillan Cancer Support, 13 Dec 2023
- Online Talk with FTF:
Support us on PatreonAdvertising opportunities
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Follow Humanism Now @HumanismNowPod
Humanism Now is produced by Humanise Live
Contact us at [email protected]
6. Javan Lev Poblador, Young Humanists Special!
Humanism Now
11/05/23 • 72 min
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 Instagram
- Humanist Alliance Philippines, International (HAPI)
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Humanism Now is produced by Humanise Live
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10/11/23 • 83 min
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
Support us on PatreonAdvertising opportunities
Click here to submit questions, nominate guest & topics.
Follow Humanism Now @HumanismNowPod
Humanism Now is produced by Humanise Live
Contact us at [email protected]
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FAQ
How many episodes does Humanism Now have?
Humanism Now currently has 31 episodes available.
What topics does Humanism Now cover?
The podcast is about Society & Culture, Atheism, Religion & Spirituality, Podcasts, Science, Philosophy and Ethics.
What is the most popular episode on Humanism Now?
The episode title '9. Lucy Potter on Non-Religious Asylum Claims plus Tackling Misconceptions about Humanists' is the most popular.
What is the average episode length on Humanism Now?
The average episode length on Humanism Now is 65 minutes.
How often are episodes of Humanism Now released?
Episodes of Humanism Now are typically released every 13 days, 16 hours.
When was the first episode of Humanism Now?
The first episode of Humanism Now was released on Sep 12, 2023.
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