
Intelligent Design the Future
The ID The Future (IDTF) podcast carries on Discovery Institute's mission of exploring the issues central to evolution and intelligent design. IDTF is a short podcast providing you with the most current news and views on evolution and ID. IDTF delivers brief interviews with key scientists and scholars developing the theory of ID, as well as insightful commentary from Discovery Institute senior fellows and staff on the scientific, educational and legal aspects of the debate. Episode notes and archives available at idthefuture.com.
Latest episodes

Apr 25, 2025 • 20min
John West on Darwin’s Culturally Corrosive Idea
On this ID the Future from the vault, catch the first half of a public talk by political scientist John West on how Darwinism has poisoned Western culture. In the lecture, delivered at the Dallas Conference on Science & Faith, West explores how Darwin’s purely materialistic theory of evolution has drained meaning from nature, undercut the idea of inherent human dignity, and fueled the rise of scientific racism in the twentieth century. West is author of Darwin Day in America: How Our Politics and Culture Have Been Dehumanized in the Name of Science.
This is Part 1 of a two-part series. Look for Part 2 in a separate episode.
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Apr 23, 2025 • 36min
Larry Sanger on Wikipedia, AI, and Preserving Human Knowledge
Larry Sanger, co-founder of Wikipedia and president of the Knowledge Standards Foundation, shares his insights on the decentralization of knowledge and the essential role of humans in the age of AI. He critiques large language models and underscores the enduring need for human judgment in understanding complex subjects. Sanger also discusses the challenges Wikipedia faces in representing controversial topics fairly and highlights the importance of safeguarding human knowledge against crises, advocating for resilient digital networks.

Apr 21, 2025 • 41min
Skeptic to Believer: Wikipedia Co-Founder Larry Sanger’s Intellectual Journey
On this ID The Future, Wikipedia co-founder Larry Sanger joins hosts Andrew McDiarmid and Nathan Jacobson to delve into his personal evolution from longtime skeptical philosopher to belief in God. After falling out of faith in his teens, Sanger became a committed skeptic and agnostic, adhering to the principle of methodological skepticism for decades as he evaluated traditional arguments for the existence of God and found them wanting. And while Sanger was unconvinced by the claims of "new atheists" like Richard Dawkins and Daniel Dennett, he found himself drawn to the arguments of intelligent design scientists like Stephen Meyer, Michael Behe, and William Dembski. In this first half of a conversation, Sanger recounts his fascinating intellectual journey while unpacking the intelligent design arguments he found most convincing along his journey. This is Part 1 of a two-part interview. Look for Part 2 in a separate episode.
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Apr 18, 2025 • 34min
Louis Pasteur: A Man of Science and Faith
On this episode of ID the Future out of the archive, biologist Ann Gauger walks listeners through the triumphs, flaws, and tragedies of Louis Pasteur, the French scientist whose scientific breakthroughs have saved millions of lives, and whose work on microbes sounded the death knell of the idea of spontaneous generation. Dr. Gauger also discusses his pioneering and life-saving work on vaccines, the Christian faith that saw him through the death of his three of his children, and more.
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Apr 16, 2025 • 21min
Why the “Universe From Nothing” Model Points to Intelligent Design
Did our universe come from nothing, as some physicists have proposed? On this ID The Future, host Andrew McDiarmid critiques the audacious claim that our universe popped into existence out of nothing. What is nothing? What isn’t nothing? And how does the universe from nothing claim actually imply intelligent design? McDiarmid shares audio from the Science Uprising video series, as well a portion of an interview with Dr. Stephen Meyer, to help answer these questions.
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Apr 15, 2025 • 36min
Brian Miller on Circular Reasoning in Origin of Life Theories
In this fascinating discussion, physicist Brian Miller, who holds a PhD from Duke University, dives into the intricate challenges of origin of life research. He critiques the circular reasoning often found in evolutionary theories, particularly regarding amino acid recruitment into the genetic code. Miller highlights the importance of intelligent design as a more coherent explanation for life's origins, emphasizing the complexities of biological systems and the limitations of natural processes. His insights challenge prevailing narratives and urge a re-evaluation of the assumptions behind them.

Apr 11, 2025 • 15min
Robert Shedinger: Darwin’s Sacred Cause is “Historical Fiction”
In conversation with scholar Robert Shedinger, who specializes in the intersection of religion and science, listeners explore a provocative argument about Charles Darwin. Shedinger critiques the biography 'Darwin’s Sacred Cause,' claiming it's more historical fiction than fact, distorting Darwin's legacy by depicting him as a saintly abolitionist. He highlights the tensions between evolution and morality, scrutinizes modern narratives, and delves into the intricate origins of biological information, presenting intelligent design as a compelling alternative to standard evolutionary views.

Apr 9, 2025 • 37min
Casey Luskin on Intelligent Design, Evolution, and the Fossil Record
On this episode, Dr. Casey Luskin concludes his conversation about the basics of intelligent design with Sam Kleckley, host of the Live Life in Motion podcast. You'll find this interview (including Part 1) particularly helpful if you are new to the science of intelligent design yourself, or you have friends or family who are open to learning more. In Part 2, Dr. Luskin begins by discussing the fossil record and the abrupt appearance of new life forms. He also tackles the often-debated question of the intelligent agent behind the design found in nature. Finally, in the realm of education, he addresses the controversy surrounding teaching evolution and intelligent design in schools. This is Part 2 of a two-part conversation.
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Apr 7, 2025 • 31min
Unpacking Intelligent Design: A Beginner’s Guide with Casey Luskin
How would you explain intelligent design to someone who has just recently begun looking into it? Perhaps you are new to it yourself, or you have a friend or family member who is curious. Today, Dr. Casey Luskin begins a two-part discussion of the basics of intelligent design with Sam Kleckley, host of the Live Life in Motion podcast. Part 1 presents a nice overview of where and when intelligent design began, how it developed, and why it is such a compelling idea for so many. Luskin also discusses some key lines of evidence for intelligent design, including the complexity of living things at the cellular level and the evidence for the fine-tuning of the universe. This is Part 1 of a two-part discussion.
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Apr 4, 2025 • 19min
Rescuing Evolutionary Theory from Darwinian Mythology
Robert Shedinger, the Wilford A. Johnson Chair of Biblical Studies at Luther College, dives deep into the complexities of evolutionary theory and its intersection with religion. He contrasts Darwin's public and private views on natural selection, revealing gaps in evidence that challenge the traditional narrative. Shedinger also discusses historical critiques of Darwinism by notable scientists and explores Darwin's unfinished manuscript and its implications. His insights encourage a reevaluation of the philosophical themes in Darwin’s work.
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