Secular Left
Douglas Berger
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Top 10 Secular Left Episodes
Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best Secular Left episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to Secular Left 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 Secular Left episode by adding your comments to the episode page.
Democrats Post-Election Loss Freak Out
Secular Left
11/15/24 • 31 min
We take a deep dive into the recent election and its ramifications, focusing particularly on the Democrats' surprising loss and the implications for future campaigns. We look at both the evident and subtle factors that contributed to this outcome. Being a black woman was a significant hurdle for Vice President Kamala Harris, which I argue led to a disheartening decline in support from key demographics, particularly among white women.
We reflect on the expansive backing Harris had throughout her campaign—endorsements from high-profile figures, a massive fundraising effort, and relentless campaigning in critical swing states. Despite these advantages, we dissect several conventional narratives that emerged post-election, including claims about "wokeness" hurting her candidacy. These perspectives fail to recognize the historical biases that women, and especially women of color, face in political arenas. The correlation between Harris's identity and the voting decisions by constituents shines a light on the entrenched prejudices in the electorate.
The the role of the media can't be overlooked in shaping public perception and the electoral outcome. We draw stark contrasts between how the media covered the candidacy of Trump versus Harris. The disparity in coverage serves as a significant barrier to the Democrats' message and outreach. Right-wing media not only sets the news agenda but also propagates narratives that undermine Democratic candidates.
We highlight the absurdity of critiques directed at Democratic strategies, especially in the face of a system that fundamentally prioritizes white male leadership and often disregards the complexities of intersectionality in politics.
There is a vital requirement for a counterbalance to the dominant right-wing platforms that distort narratives for political gain. If the Democrats are to regain ground, establishing robust media channels to promote liberal perspectives and to advocate for equitable policies is paramount.
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05/12/24 • 33 min
Could Ohio's latest law be a seismic shift toward religious indoctrination in public schools? We grapple with the state's decision to allow Bible classes during school hours, and the societal tremors it's causing. Explore with me the backlash from an Ohio State Representative against cities supporting abortion rights, despite Ohio's recent Abortion Rights Amendment. We also mention the electric atmosphere surrounding former President Donald Trump's trial in NYC, scrutinizing the charges of hush payments and the potential courtroom chess game.
The meat of the episode lays out LifeWise's aggressive expansion, as this organization plants religious instruction within the fabric of public education – raising red flags over transparency and ethicality. We also scrutinize the recent Reproductive Rights Amendment's rocky road to enforcement and the polarizing legislation that threatens the rights of transgender individuals in Ohio. As we connect the dots between these critical issues, we underscore the importance of civic participation and the power of your vote to shape the future. From controversial amendments to the "bathroom ban" bill and beyond, this episode is a clarion call for social justice and an informed electorate ready to stand against the incursions of Christian nationalism into our public institutions.
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In GOP-land, Ignoring Racism Is The Ideal
Secular Left
02/22/22 • 46 min
In this episode, we look at the struggles of 'moderate' Republican and retired sports reporter Michele Tafoya as she tries to stop the world from making her babies feel bad in our 'post' racial era. Tucker Carlson celebrates her American Ideal. Then we look at how the Ohio GOP is trying to run out the clock to maintain their super majority in the legislature. They are on the finish line and want to change the rules.
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00:50 Michele Tafoya is a moderate?
21:36 Mapless Matt Huffman refuses to draw fair maps
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05/23/22 • 31 min
We talk to Claudia Clark about her book "Dear Barack" that explains the unique partnership of President Obama and German Chancellor Angela Merkel. Claudia also gives the European viewpoint of Russia's invasion of Ukraine and finally we discuss her time as a community organizer with the group ACORN.
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01:30 Merkel and Obama
12:23 The Russian Invasion of Ukraine
18:35 Community Organizing with ACORN
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Election Liars and Religious Deceit
Secular Left
09/30/22 • 36 min
How do you know when a GOP election ad is lying? Its lips move. And religious conservatives will do whatever it takes to force religion on all children in public schools. Their newest trick? Fake school assemblies.
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00:45 Discerning political ads
20:23 School Assembly to church pipeline
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Religious Freedom Is Not Pie
Secular Left
10/26/22 • 40 min
For our 50th episode we look at religious opposition to equality efforts where we have to state again, religious freedom is not pie. Then we explain simply why government policies to address racism isn't racist. Finally we look at one local political ad that is an outright lie and showing the ad hurts democracy.
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00:50 Religion Is Not Pie
14:30 Addressing Racism Is Not Racist
26:08 Political Ads That Lie Harm Democracy
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08/03/23 • 48 min
Today's episode takes us to Northwest Ohio as we probe into the intriguing life and ideologies of Professor Lee Strang. Engulfed in legal and societal debates, Strang plays multiple roles - a University of Toledo Law School professor, public charter school founder, anti-abortion activist, and advocate for conservative think tanks at Ohio law schools. We navigate the highs and lows of his highly charged Christian nationalist perspective, addressing his influence on law, education, and society.
We peer into Strang's interpretation of the First Amendment and discuss why atheism and secular humanism do not fit into his definition of religion. We unveil his stance on the constitutional protection of unborn fetuses and how this belief fuels his anti-abortion activism. Unmasking the educational philosophy behind the Northwest Ohio Classical Academy, Strang's brainchild, we bring to light its approach to controversial topics and commitment to a classical education curriculum that tries to hide its religious underpinnings.
Finally, we bare the threads of Strang's Christian Nationalist influence and the appearance of a quid pro quo with the leaders of the Ohio Republican Party and state anti-abortion groups like the Center for Christian Virtue. We scrutinize his endeavors to pass State Issue 1 alongside State Senator and former student Rob McColley and the implications for Ohio's political landscape. Regardless of personal agreement or dissent with Strang's beliefs, his impact on Ohio and beyond is undeniable. Tune in for an exploration of modern conservatism through the lens of one influential figure.
Show Notes
00:45 Wanting To Hear Different Voices On The Podcast
04:48 Introducing Professor Lee Strang
11:01 Strang Supports Originalism
17:32 Strang Claims 1St Amendment Doesn't Apply To Atheists And Secular Humanists
24:50 Strang Is An Anti-Abortion Activist
29:45 Strang Founds Religiously Based Charter School Disguised As A Non-Religious School
43:23 Strang Gets Favorable Local Press Stories Because Of Personal Connections
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01/27/24 • 44 min
Former evangelical minister Bruce Gerencser joins us to unravel a legal tangle where religious freedom clashes with municipal zoning laws. We dissect the contentious situation surrounding Pastor Chris Avell, a friend of Bruce's, who's currently embroiled in a federal lawsuit against the city of Bryan, Ohio. We dissect the merits of Avell's decision to transform his church into a 24/7 sanctuary for the homeless. With Christian Nationalists making this a national story and the First Liberty Insitute being involved, we see a repeat of a pattern where there is a claim of perscution that is actually just incovience and friendly courts help the religious avoid laws and regulations that apply to everyone else.
We take a deeper look at the ramifications of homelessness in rural communities, particularly how small churches like Dad's Place are caught in the crossfire of wanting to help and being hindered by red tape. We question the consistency and impact of health and safety laws on church start-ups operating in repurposed buildings. By examining the struggle to navigate outdated codes and the lack of political momentum to tackle the homelessness crisis, this conversation aims to shine a light on the poignant narrative of small churches wrestling with their role in social outreach amid legal constraints. We agree with Bruce that Pastor Avell needs to follow the law while the city needs to do better to help the homeless.
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04/27/24 • 46 min
America is facing a tipping point in potentially losing its democracy in 2024, particularly if Trump wins the upcoming election. White Christian nationalists are identified as a significant influence pushing the country towards this tipping point. We take a deep dive into the concept of Christian nationalism, which conflates American identity with an exclusive form of religious identity, seeking to concentrate power in a select group based on anti-democratic notions of white supremacy, nativism, patriarchy, and authoritarianism.
We next hear a speech given by Dr. Anthea Butler, at the recent Summit for Religious Freedom. Dr. Butler underscores the political nature of Christian nationalism, emphasizing its goal of power and influence over religious or theological positions. The discussion also touches on the historical ties between Christian nationalism and racial subjugation, tracing back to the justification of slavery using Christian scriptures.
Dr. Butler calls upon listeners to educate themselves, advocate for inclusivity, and actively resist the encroachment of Christian nationalist ideals into public spheres.
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Very Good Reasons Why You Should Vote For Trump
Secular Left
08/02/24 • 31 min
In this spicy episode, we give you many reasons why voting for Donald Trump in the upcoming election is not a wise choice. We look into the history of the 2024 presidential election, highlighting the lack of merit in considering Trump as a viable candidate due to his questionable character and numerous controversies during his previous presidency. We call out the absurdity in Trump's behavior, highlighting his divisive rhetoric and lack of concern for the well-being of the American people.
We look at the potential implications of a Trump presidency, drawing parallels to historical events and emphasizing the dangers of embracing divisive ideologies. We urge listeners to critically analyze the information presented to them, especially in the age of social media where misinformation can easily spread. Additionally, we touch on the importance of understanding the motives behind political posts and the responsibility of individuals to engage in meaningful conversations based on facts and context.
We then highlight the potential scenarios surrounding the upcoming election, expressing concerns about possible election interference and the need for vigilance in protecting democracy. We emphasize the importance of making informed choices and not falling prey to divisive tactics or fear-mongering strategies employed by certain political factions. Consider the long-term implications of your voting decisions and prioritize the well-being of the country and future generations by making informed and thoughtful choices at the ballot box.
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FAQ
How many episodes does Secular Left have?
Secular Left currently has 94 episodes available.
What topics does Secular Left cover?
The podcast is about News, Atheism, News Commentary, Podcasts, Civil Rights and Politics.
What is the most popular episode on Secular Left?
The episode title 'An Atheist Takes Over Harvard' is the most popular.
What is the average episode length on Secular Left?
The average episode length on Secular Left is 39 minutes.
How often are episodes of Secular Left released?
Episodes of Secular Left are typically released every 17 days, 2 hours.
When was the first episode of Secular Left?
The first episode of Secular Left was released on Apr 10, 2020.
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