Humanism Now | Empowering Conversations with Voices for Reason, Compassion and Change

"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 VallanceWhat 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 GrossmanThe Social Instinct, What Nature Can Teach Us About Working Together - Nichola RaihaniHumanism Now Episode 4 with Jamie Woodhouse on SentientismRené DescartesPeter ThatchellAbout Maddy Goodall🔗 Heritage humanists📧 heritage@humanists.uk 🐦 @maddyogoodallMaddy'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 LynchUpcoming events:CLH Xmas Party: Send us a textSupport the showSupport us on Patreon Advertising opportunitiesClick here to submit questions, nominate guest & topics. Follow Humanism Now @HumanismNowPod YouTube Instagram TikTok X BlueSky Threads This Podcast is produced by Humanise Live. Humanise Live makes podcasting easy for charities and social causes. Contact us to get starting in podcasting today at www.humanise.live or hello@humanise.liveMusic: Blossom by Light Prism

“If you want to tell people the truth, make them laugh, otherwise they'll kill you.”― George Bernard ShawThis 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 CommandmentsEddie Izzard - GloriousLife Of Brian 1979 DebateComedians in cars getting coffeeAbout Lisa May:🔗 Lisa's Homepage🎤 Standup Lols📷 @standuplisamay🐦 @standuplisamayLisa's references:Kintsugi - Japanese art of repairJung and the value of humourThe best of Mitch Hedberg“Blessed are the cracked, for they shall let in the light.”  -  Groucho MarxSend us a textSupport the showSupport us on Patreon Advertising opportunitiesClick here to submit questions, nominate guest & topics. Follow Humanism Now @HumanismNowPod YouTube Instagram TikTok X BlueSky Threads This Podcast is produced by Humanise Live. Humanise Live makes podcasting easy for charities and social causes. Contact us to get starting in podcasting today at www.humanise.live or hello@humanise.liveMusic: Blossom by Light Prism

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.ukEpisode References:Yuval Noah Harari and ‘humanism’, Humanists UKHumanists in Parliament, Humanists UKPakistani humanist denied UK asylum after failing to identify Plato, The GuardianUpcoming Events:CLH Online Talk: Social Challenges & Self Care Following Apostasy, 29 Nov 23CLH Xmas Party: Comedy Night fSend us a textSupport the showSupport us on Patreon Advertising opportunitiesClick here to submit questions, nominate guest & topics. Follow Humanism Now @HumanismNowPod YouTube Instagram TikTok X BlueSky Threads This Podcast is produced by Humanise Live. Humanise Live makes podcasting easy for charities and social causes. Contact us to get starting in podcasting today at www.humanise.live or hello@humanise.liveMusic: Blossom by Light Prism

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 AliWhy I Am Not a Christian - A response to Ayaan Hirsi Ali, Michael ShermerAbout Martin Di Maggio:🔗 The Spinoza Havurah📷 @spinoza_havurahMartin's References:shj.orgJudaism beyond God by Sherwin Wine Humanistic Havdalah by Martin HasanKiddush: Humanist Liturgy by MacharUpcoming Events:ABH Discussion Group, 21 Nov 2023ABH: Ayan Hirsi Ali: Muslim to Atheist to Christian, 25 Nov 2023CLH Online Talk: Social ChallengesSend us a textSupport the showSupport us on Patreon Advertising opportunitiesClick here to submit questions, nominate guest & topics. Follow Humanism Now @HumanismNowPod YouTube Instagram TikTok X BlueSky Threads This Podcast is produced by Humanise Live. Humanise Live makes podcasting easy for charities and social causes. Contact us to get starting in podcasting today at www.humanise.live or hello@humanise.liveMusic: Blossom by Light Prism

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 testAmnesty International: The Importance of Freedom of ExpressionUN: Definition of Hate SpeechContact Terri O'Sullivan:🔗 Faith to Faithless🐦 @Terri_OSullivan📘 @FaithtoFaithlessTerri'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 2023Trans Day of Remembrance, 20 Nov 2023Send us a textSupport the showSupport us on Patreon Advertising opportunitiesClick here to submit questions, nominate guest & topics. Follow Humanism Now @HumanismNowPod YouTube Instagram TikTok X BlueSky Threads This Podcast is produced by Humanise Live. Humanise Live makes podcasting easy for charities and social causes. Contact us to get starting in podcasting today at www.humanise.live or hello@humanise.liveMusic: Blossom by Light Prism

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 2023Young Humanists UKYoung Humanists InternationalHUK: Setting up a local groupAbout Javan Lev Poblador:Young Humanists International YHI on Facebook, Send us a textSupport the showSupport us on Patreon Advertising opportunitiesClick here to submit questions, nominate guest & topics. Follow Humanism Now @HumanismNowPod YouTube Instagram TikTok X BlueSky Threads This Podcast is produced by Humanise Live. Humanise Live makes podcasting easy for charities and social causes. Contact us to get starting in podcasting today at www.humanise.live or hello@humanise.liveMusic: Blossom by Light Prism

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.ukHumanist UK: Teachers NetworkHumanists UK: School SpeakersAtheist Bus CampaignAbout 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-JonesFreedom to Think - The Long Struggle to Liberate Our Minds, Susie AlegreHumanly Possible -  Seven Hundred Years of Humanist Freethinking, Enquiry and Hope, Sarah BakewellUpcoming CLH Send us a textSupport the showSupport us on Patreon Advertising opportunitiesClick here to submit questions, nominate guest & topics. Follow Humanism Now @HumanismNowPod YouTube Instagram TikTok X BlueSky Threads This Podcast is produced by Humanise Live. Humanise Live makes podcasting easy for charities and social causes. Contact us to get starting in podcasting today at www.humanise.live or hello@humanise.liveMusic: Blossom by Light Prism

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 BravermanHumanists UK Seeking sanctuary: research into apostate asylum claimsHumanists International: Supporting individuals at riskMore on Jamie Woodhouse: Sentientism.infoTwitterFacebook Sentientism Youtube ChannelSentientism Podcast Is Sentientism the future of humanism? Watch Jamie's Talk with CLH, April 2023 Upcoming events:Central London Humanists Upcoming EventsAssociation of Black Humanists Upcoming EventsSend us a textSupport the showSupport us on Patreon Advertising opportunitiesClick here to submit questions, nominate guest & topics. Follow Humanism Now @HumanismNowPod YouTube Instagram TikTok X BlueSky Threads This Podcast is produced by Humanise Live. Humanise Live makes podcasting easy for charities and social causes. Contact us to get starting in podcasting today at www.humanise.live or hello@humanise.liveMusic: Blossom by Light Prism

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 HumanismVideo: What Humanism Means to MeHumanists UK Campaign: Bishops in the House of LordsMore on Alex Williams;Blog: The Dialup Facebook: Tiger JazzPoetry Collection: Secular VersesBook recommendations from Alex Williams;Alain de Botton, Religion for Atheists: A non-believer's guide to the uses of religion Send us a textSupport the showSupport us on Patreon Advertising opportunitiesClick here to submit questions, nominate guest & topics. Follow Humanism Now @HumanismNowPod YouTube Instagram TikTok X BlueSky Threads This Podcast is produced by Humanise Live. Humanise Live makes podcasting easy for charities and social causes. Contact us to get starting in podcasting today at www.humanise.live or hello@humanise.liveMusic: Blossom by Light Prism

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 HumanistsHumanists International - Amsterdam Declaration 2022Humanists UK - Banning Conversion Therapy CampaignBook recommendations from Prof. Cameron;Sikivu Hutchinson Michael Lackey, African American Atheists and Political LiberationAnthony Pinn, By These Hands & The End of God-Talk Send us a textSupport the showSupport us on Patreon Advertising opportunitiesClick here to submit questions, nominate guest & topics. Follow Humanism Now @HumanismNowPod YouTube Instagram TikTok X BlueSky Threads This Podcast is produced by Humanise Live. Humanise Live makes podcasting easy for charities and social causes. Contact us to get starting in podcasting today at www.humanise.live or hello@humanise.liveMusic: Blossom by Light Prism