Freethought Radio

First, a recap of the week's news regarding religious hypocrisy and state/church separation. Then an interview with author (and FFRF member) Betty Brogaard, whose new book, The Homemade Atheist, has just been released by Ulysses Press.

First, a recap on FFRF's National Day of Prayer court victory and how it panned out during the National Day of Prayer -- including lots of media clips and an ode to Lena Horne. Then FFRF's newest staff attorney, Patrick Elliott, a new law school grad and an atheist, will discuss what it's been like working at FFRF and the many state/church violations he has been untangling.

Progressive editor Matt Rothschild discusses FFRF's National Day of Prayer victory with the cohosts, including his research into the disturbing hate mail Judge Barbara Crabb has received since issuing her decision declaring the federal prayer date unconstitutional.

The legendary writer, Gore Vidal, discusses his godlessness with co-hosts Dan and Annie Laurie. The victory over the National Day of Prayer is celebrated.

FFRF Litigation Attorney Richard Bolton and co-hosts celebrate FFRF's court victory declaring the National Day of Prayer unconstitutional.

Should the pope be arrested for covering up crimes against humanity? Hitchens and Dawkins think so. Investigative reporter William Lobdell speaks about his experiences interviewing hundreds of abuse victims while covering the religion beat.

Philosophy great Daniel C. Dennett will be the guest, to discuss his new study, "Preachers Who Are Not Believers," just published and posted by In Faith at the Washington Post Web site. The hosts will also discuss the religious composition of the Supreme Court, a timely topic with the announced resignation of John Paul Stevens. Famous freethinkers born in April will be highlighted, with the bonus of a rendition of Tom Lehrer singing his "Vatican Rag."

Guest John Loftus discusses his new book, the Christian Delusion. Dan and Annie Laurie discuss the Catholic Church's long history of sexual abuse and cover up, including the Pope's involvement. Easter's origins and resurrection evidence are explored

Highlights from Dan Barker's historic debate on religion with Cardinal George Pell, archbishop of Sydney, Australia, will be featured. Dan, along with cohost Annie Laurie Gaylor, will talk a bit about freethought "Down Under" and then interview Ryan Valentine, deputy director of the Texas Freedom Network, about the latest fundamentalist incursions on textbooks in the State of Texas.

FFRF Staff Attorney will serve as Freethought Radio's special substitute host, joining Annie Laurie Gaylor while cohost Dan Barker is in Australia. Rebecca Markert will talk about her recent FFRF state/church victories, then First Amendment hero Michael Newdow will join the hosts to dissect the recent decision by the Ninth Circuit of his challenge of "under God in the Pledge of Allegiance, and the wonderful dissent in Mike's favor by Circuit Judge Stephen Reinhardt.