Freethought in Florida

Sarah, Allie and Devon gather together for the final episode of Freethought in Florida Tonight on the show... Atheist Community of Polk County on the cover of American Atheists Magazine United Airlines Religious Exemptions to COVID-19 Vaccine Policy - Too Far? Scientology Defector Running for Clearwater City Council A Love Letter to Exvangelicals and Those Deconstructing Their Toxic Faith, Andrew L. Seidel Devon Reports on the Start of Florida's Legislative Session (Texas-style abortion ban, redistricting, mask mandates, and more!) Floridians for Reproductive Freedom Efforts to Pass Local Resolutions in favor of Abortion Atheist Community of Polk County Receives $5,000 Employee Grant from Charter/Spectrum

Topics discussed on the show: Florida's "on again / off again" relationship with Mask Mandate Bans Biden's Patience Is Wearing Thin (Ours is Worn Out) Federal Court Rules Catholic Schools Can't Fire Teachers For Being Gay Four Killed in Polk County 'Shooting Rampage'; Shooter Said, "I Can Talk To God" Wisconsin School Board Member Says Families Will 'Become Spoiled' With Free Lunch Program Join us at www.patreon.com/polkatheists for bonus content! Follow Foundation Beyond Belief to help end food insecurity at www.foundationbeyondbelief.org Freethought in Florida is a production of the Atheist Community of Polk County, Inc. (ACPC) a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The opinions and views expressed on this program are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily represent the ACPC. Learn more or donate at http://www.polkatheists.org 

Sarah & Devon are TIRED of talking about this, but here we are again. Get vaccinated and wear a mask, y'all. Articles discussed on the show: DeSantis appoints former GOP chair to Alachua school board amid mask controversy BREAKING: Viral photo of people on floor at Jacksonville Regeneron clinic ‘doesn't convey how much pain they were in' BREAKING:  Orlando mayor, Utilities Commission ask residents to conserve water amid COVID surge Domestic travel to Florida shows rebound Amid new virus surge, Florida skeptics reconsider vaccines Over 50 Children in Florida Are Being Hospitalized with COVID Every Single Day School closures reported in five FL counties; districts ‘drowning' in COVID 2,200 Polk County public school students have faced COVID-19 quarantine in the first week

This week on the show... Regeneron CEO Member of Trump's Golf Club - Conflict of Interest Much? DeSantis Launches Virus Rapid Response Unit Back to School w/ Covid-19 Moment of Silence in Public Schools Day of Prayer to End Atheism Failed Spectacularly

Florida's a hot mess hotspot and it's time for you to get a Biology 101 refresher. In the News: FL has more new COVID-19 cases and deaths than any state or territory in the USA Polk County School Closed due to outbreak before kids even came back Ron DeSantis' mask-optional order draws lawsuit from parents of students with disabilities Dr. Devon Graham, PhD Schools us on Monoclonal Antibody Treatment Florida State BoE okays private school transfers due to “covid-19 harassment” Louisiana AG gives guidance for religious people to get around school COVID mandates Advent Health buys Holy Land Theme Park in Orlando Join us at http://www.patreon.com/polkatheists for bonus content! Apply for Secular Student Alliance Activist Scholarship by Aug 31st @ https://www.fif.show/scholarship Freethought in Florida is a production of the Atheist Community of Polk County, Inc. (ACPC) a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The opinions and views expressed on this program are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily represent the ACPC. Learn more or donate at http://www.polkatheists.org 

Tonight on the show that wasn't meant to be... Leave Simone Biles Alone! Justice Department Nominee Asked: Do You Believe in God? Christian Summer Camps Were COVID Superspreaders DELTA is worse, follow the CDC, take it seriously! Gov DeSantis EO Forbidding School Mask Mandates (Parental Bill of Rights Strikes Again) Join us at www.patreon.com/polkatheists for bonus content! Apply for Secular Student Alliance Activist Scholarship by Aug 31st @ https://www.fif.show/scholarship Freethought in Florida is a production of the Atheist Community of Polk County, Inc. (ACPC) a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The opinions and views expressed on this program are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily represent the ACPC. Learn more or donate at http://www.polkatheists.org

This week in the news... CW: Discussion of sexual assault. Liberty University sued by 12 women claiming school policies made sexual assault and rape more likely Florida church youth pastor arrested third time for video voyeurism Monsignor Jeffrey Burrill resigns after sexual misconduct allegations Black Georgia couple refused vaccine because of Tuskegee experiment, die of COVID (COVID rising, delta variant, AdventHealth limiting visitors again) Iowa's GOP Eliminated a Family Planning Program Only to See Abortions Skyrocket Tokyo Olympics: Female athletes face double standards over uniforms Join us at www.patreon.com/polkatheists for bonus content, this week, all your favorite 80's cartoon villains were "foreign" - on purpose. Apply for Secular Student Alliance Activist Scholarship by Aug 31st @ https://www.fif.show/scholarship Register for the AHA Annual Conference July 24-25. Use code FIF5 for $5 off at http://conference.americanhumanist.org Freethought in Florida is a production of the Atheist Community of Polk County, Inc. (ACPC) a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The opinions and views expressed on this program are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily represent the ACPC. Learn more or donate at http://www.polkatheists.org 

In The News Communist Cuban Regime a ‘Satanic Nightmare'? Project Blitz burrows even deeper, adding new initiatives for Christian Dominionism Family Research Council: Attacks on Trans Youth Health Care Are 2022 Election Strategy Some Christians are against Christian Nationalism, too. Southern Baptists come home from annual gathering with COVID-19 CDC data: Rising COVID cases in FL top almost every state, even as vaccinations continue It's time to quit the Catholic Church (what are you waiting for?) Paganism is the most LGBTQ-affirming faith in the US? While people sleep under bridges and starve, rich people have a "my dick is bigger" contest in space. Apply for Secular Student Alliance Activist Scholarship by Aug 31st @ https://www.fif.show/scholarship Register for the AHA Annual Conference July 24-25. Use code FIF5 for $5 off at http://conference.americanhumanist.org Freethought in Florida is a production of the Atheist Community of Polk County, Inc. (ACPC) a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The opinions and views expressed on this program are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily represent the ACPC. Learn more or donate at http://www.polkatheists.org

Nicole Carr, Development Director for the American Humanist Association, joins us to talk about the upcoming AHA Annual Conference July 24-25. Learn more and register at http://conference.americanhumanist.org In The News Satanists to take over Bladensburg Cross Atheists, humanists sue over Mississippi's license plates American Atheists Wins New Victory on Behalf of Harassed Nonreligious Student SCOTUS handed victory to Gavin Grimm, trans activist, over school restrooms US Passports to become more gender inclusive 13-year-old trans girl sues DeSantis over anti-trans sports ban Become a Patron @ http://patreon.com/polkatheists to support the show and the work of the ACPC. Tonight's bonus content: + The $1M Interview Question + 4th of July & Fireworks - yay or nay? Apply for Secular Student Alliance Activist Scholarship by Aug 31st @ https://www.fif.show/scholarship  Learn more about the Humanists of Tallahassee Bicycles and Box Fan Collection supporting the International Rescue Committee @ https://www.humaniststlh.com/  Freethought in Florida is a production of the Atheist Community of Polk County, Inc. (ACPC) a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The opinions and views expressed on this program are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily represent the ACPC. Learn more or donate at http://www.polkatheists.org 

FIF hosts take on the news. Condo collapse in Surfside, Florida Derek Chauvin Sentenced to 22.5 Years Demon Buster Kim Daniels Returns to Run for Jacksonville City Council DeSantis Signs "Moment of Prayer... er Silence" Bill into Law DeSantis Signs Law Requiring College Faculty and Students to be Surveyed on Beliefs Parkland Parents p0wn Gun Rights Activists Humanists Demand Texas Stop Forcing Atheists into Religious Alcoholics Anonymous Program Pat Robertson "Takes Down" Critical Race Theory (riiiiight) on the 700-Year-Old-Club Apply for Secular Student Alliance Activist Scholarship by Aug 31st Support Foundation Beyond Belief's "Summer without Hunger" --- Freethought in Florida is a production of the Atheist Community of Polk County, Inc. (ACPC) a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.  The opinions and views expressed on this program are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily represent the ACPC.

Critical Race Theory.  Everyone's talking about it, and Florida has recently joined the wave of states falling prey to a movement to silence schools from teaching about systemic racism.  Meanwhile, Congress and President Biden declare Juneteenth a federal holiday.  More like "hollow"day?  It's tea time with special guest Polk County Florida Educator Shawanda Bonner Morgan and hosts Allie Ashmead and Sarah Ray. Resources Mentioned I Am Not Your Negro Banished A People's History of the United States, Howard Zinn Hear more from Shawanda on the No Ordinary People Podcast with April Kolman: https://aprilkolman.com/2021/04/19/shawanda-bonner-morgan-episode-1/ https://aprilkolman.com/2021/06/17/honoring-and-learning-about-juneteenth-episode-9/ Apply for Secular Student Alliance Activist Scholarship by Aug 31st https://www.fif.show/scholarship Support Foundation Beyond Belief's "Summer without Hunger" campaign https://www.fif.show/fbb --- Freethought in Florida is a production of the Atheist Community of Polk County, Inc. (ACPC) a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.  The opinions and views expressed on this program are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily represent the ACPC.  Learn more or donate at http://www.polkatheists.org

The FIF Cast chats about recent news! + More trans people have been murdered in 2021 than all of 2019 + Burger King throws down against Bigot Chicken + Student says "Under Allah" in Pledge of Allegiance @ Graduation + FFRF Challenges Haines City High School to ditch sports chaplain ... and more! --- Freethought in Florida is a production of the Atheist Community of Polk County, Inc. (ACPC) a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The opinions and views expressed on this program are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily represent the ACPC. Learn more or donate at http://www.polkatheists.org

American Atheists President Nick Fish joins us to talk about the recent meeting with the White House Office of Faith and Neighborhood Watch Organizations (sorry, I keep forgetting the stupid name of the office).   Visit Atheists.org to learn more about American Atheists and get involved!

Dr. Liz is a professor at an unnamed university with a program of research in the neurobiology of social behavior. What are we learning from poking lab rats with sticks? What about the ethics of animal testing? How did Devon & Liz almost die last weekend? Find out this week on Freethought in Florida!

Shanon Nebo from Recovering from Religion joins to chat about the upcoming RfR Fall Excursion which is now open for registration! Then we chat about some things in the news:

This Week on Freethought in Florida...  #GaetzGate Update - Joel Greenberg to change plea to guilty Floridians go crazy buying gas in the wake of pipeline hacking  Elderly man dead after dispute at Dunkin'  Pope Dawkins steps in it again   Secular Week of Action Wrap-up  Secular Student Alliance Conference kicks off this weekend http://www.secularstudents.org/conference Atheist Community of Polk County is sponsoring a Scholarship - Apply at http://www.polkatheists.org/scholarship Foundation Beyond Belief Compassionate Impact Grant Recipient - Food Rescue Alliance https://www.foodrescuealliance.org/ 

Leonard Presberg, Founder and President of Association of Secular Elected Officials Leonard has been a member of the Fayette County School Board since December 2011 and created a new organization to help other secular folks get elected and serve in their offices while being more authentic. Learn more at SecularOfficials.org David Williamson, co-founder of the Central Florida Freethought Community David and the CFFC will be celebrating their 100th Secular Invocation on Monday (5/10), but a funny thing happened on the way to the forum. On Monday (5/3) David presented a Secular Invocation at the Oviedo City Council meeting and let's just say, it did not go as planned. Then, the next morning in Bartow at the Polk County Board of County Commissioners meeting, a similar thing happened when Sarah gave the invocation. In the news... The Satanic Temple responds to the viral video of a 6 year old Florida student being paddled by the Principal. Don't beat your kids. Find a Recovering from Religion peer support group meeting near you

Eddie from North Orlando Oasis joined us to talk about his journey from pastor to atheist and secular organizing. Then we chat about the end of the Florida legislative session and things in the news (GaetzGate, Duggars, etc). Give it a watch and check them out on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/NorthOrlandoOasis

One small step for justice, but still lots of work ahead. Justice in the murder of George Floyd, the Florida Legislative session starts to wind down, and more!

Tensions erupt again across the US with the police killing of Daunte Wright only miles away from the ongoing trial in the police killing of George Floyd. We're in the back nine of the Florida legislative session and all the awful bills are being passed. The Florida Department of Education is considering new standards in Civics & Government that sneak in religious revisionist history. Will there even be time to cover #GaetzGate? Florida Standards Review http://www.fldoe.org/standardsreview/ Draft Revised Civics and Government Standards (PDF) Draft Revised Civics and Government Standards Survey --- Freethought in Florida is a production of the Atheist Community of Polk County, Inc. (ACPC) a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The opinions and views expressed on this program are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily represent the ACPC.

Sarah & Allie discuss news of the week(ish).  From a serious toxic leak in Tampa Bay to the Chauvin trial in the murder of George Floyd, we connect the dots and probably make you angry.  That's OK, we're angry, too. Winding down the Parents Bill of Rights and Moment of Silence Bills Reservoir leak in Manatee County Chauvin Trial FL HB1: The Anti-Protest Bill Disability Abortion Bill #GaetzGate

Devon Graham, Allie Ashmead and Sarah Ray shoot the bull before the kickoff of the American Atheists 2021 Convention! You can still join us @ convention.atheists.org

A flurry of bills with serious impact to the GSRM community are once again making their way through the Florida Legislature. Jon Harris Maurer, Public Policy Director with Equality Florida is on the ground in Tallahassee working to raise awareness and affect change. Equality Florida - https://www.eqfl.org/

Monica Miller, Legal Director and Senior Counsel with American Humanist Association joins to discuss a recent SCOTUS case that brought AHA together with Alliance Defending Freedom over issues of campus free speech and religious expression.  We'll also talk about other cases and legislation in Florida and beyond. American Humanist Association  Religious Rivals Unite in Celebration Over Today's Supreme Court First Amendment Ruling AHA Amicus Briefs SCOTUS Docket SCOTUS Opinion FL Bills: Postsecondary Ed: intellectual freedom and viewpoint diversity SB 264 c1 Bill Text // HB 233 c1 Bill Text Opening Remarks at High School Athletic Events SB 880 Bill Text // HB 1027 Bill Text News4Jax: Florida Bill Could Clear Way for Pre-Game Prayers Cambridge Christian School v. Florida High School Athletic Assoc. Moment of Silence in Public Schools SB 282 Bill Text // HB 529 Bill Text AHA: Humanists Halt Indoctrination of Kindergarteners in Texas Public School Secular Week of Action Make an Impact! Secular Week of Action Webinar SWofA - Craftathon - Get involved and/or Donate here

Dusty Hoesly, PhD and Postdoctoral Research at the University of California, Santa Barbara, discusses the Secular Communities Survey. Take the survey at http://www.secularcommunities.com by April 11th. Then, Devon and Sarah discuss hijinks going on in the Florida Legislature.

JR Becker, Best Selling Author of the Annabelle & Aiden series of children's books joins us for a chat about writing science & skepticism books for kids and kick off his next book, "Oh My Gods! A History of Belief" - A stunning children's book on the history of our beliefs and gods, and what they say about us. Kickstart the new book! OhMyGodsTheBook.com AnnabelleAndAiden.com Then, Devon Graham and Sarah Ray discuss movement in the bowels of the Florida Legislature and break down a recent committee hearing for a bill that would mandate every public school to enforce a 1-2 minute moment of silence at the beginning of each school day.

Juror 13: She's not guilty! The "Holy Spirit" told me. Florida Spring water bottling to expand after permit approval Moment of Silence Bill Advances; Fox 35 Orlando Coverage Sen. Dennis Baxley bill would mandate moment of silence in Florida schools Georgia Bill Would Replace Moment of Silence with Specific Christian Prayer in Public Schools ACPC Director Becca Ray participates with Foundation Beyond Belief panel on humanist response to covid-19 --- Freethought in Florida is a production of the Atheist Community of Polk County, Inc. (ACPC) a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The opinions and views expressed on this program are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily represent the ACPC. Learn more or donate at http://www.polkatheists.org

Dale McGowan joins Sarah Ray and Devon Graham for a conversation about secular parenting in a still highly-religious world.  We talk about parenting during difficult world events and take viewer questions. Dale's Links  Dale's Website:  https://dalemcgowan.com/ How Music Does That Podcast:  https://www.spreaker.com/show/how-music-does-that Raising Freethinkers Podcast:  https://www.spreaker.com/show/raising-freethinkers

Our guest this week is Bryce Blankenagel, host of the Naked Mormonism and Glass Box podcasts. Bryce Blankenagel Introduction - Naked Mormonism - Glass Box Podcast Mormon Missions Designed to Fail? Mormons and the Boy Scouts - Church Divorcing from BSA - BSA Files for Bankruptcy over Sex Abuse Claims - History of Abuse in Scounting LDS Youth & Worthiness Interviews - Sam Young, Protect Every Child - Sam Excommunicated by LDS Church - Mormon Missionary Guide for Social Media - 29 Questions Mormon Children are Asked Teen Pregnancy Prevention Alliance Faith Leaders Forum - What role should faith/religion/the church play in educating our kids about sex? - Religious control of sexuality damaging adult relationships More Links: Satanic Temple Live Event --- Freethought in Florida is a production of the Atheist Community of Polk County, Inc. (ACPC) a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The opinions and views expressed on this program are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily represent the ACPC. Learn more or donate at http://www.polkatheists.org

Sarah Ray and Allie Ashmead highlight two Black freethinkers with a Florida connection: Zora Neale Hurston and Butterfly McQueen. Then a quick roundup of some of the week's news. - Allie's Story - Zora Neale Hurston - Butterfly McQueen - Devon Graham's Secular Invocation before the Tallahassee Board of City Commissioners - FL Bill permitting high school pre-game prayers - FL Resolution seeking to limit $15/hr for certain people - Biden and the National Prayer Breakfast - Roy Speckhardt stepping down from American Humanist Association encourages a Black or Brown humanist replacement --- Freethought in Florida is a production of the Atheist Community of Polk County, Inc. (ACPC) a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The opinions and views expressed on this program are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily represent the ACPC. Learn more or donate at http://www.polkatheists.org

Sarah presents a brief "State of the ACPC" and then Sarah & Deborah discuss recent news & events. --- Freethought in Florida is a production of the Atheist Community of Polk County, Inc. (ACPC) a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The opinions and views expressed on this program are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily represent the ACPC. Learn more or donate at http://www.polkatheists.org

Geoffrey T. Blackwell, Esq., Litigation Counsel with American Atheists joins us to discuss lawsuits filed against the outgoing Trump Administration. SEE: https://www.atheists.org/2021/01/discrimination-religious-student-groups-lawsuit/ ALSO: https://www.atheists.org/2021/01/religious-freedom-protections-lawsuit/ --- Freethought in Florida is a production of the Atheist Community of Polk County, Inc. (ACPC) a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The opinions and views expressed on this program are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily represent the ACPC. Learn more or donate at http://www.polkatheists.org

The 2021 Florida Legislative Session is off and running. We'll be discussing with American Atheists Florida State Assistant Director Devon Graham & legal junkie Deborah Smith. State of the Secular States Report American Atheists

Darrel & Dave expand on their recent article about recovering as former clergy, Dave from an experiential perspective and Darrel from a psychological/developmental perspective. They're a match made in... well, you get the idea. Read the Article: https://medium.com/excommunications/recovering-as-a-former-clergy-e8bdc3ff2f1e Find Dave Warnock @ http://daveoutloud.com Other Resources: Recovering From Religion - http://recoveringfromreligion.org Secular Therapy Project - http://seculartherapy.org The Clergy Project - http://clergyproject.org 

Our secular family livestream-a-thon benefiting Foundation Beyond Belief continues! OPEN THROUGH DEC 31, 2020: DONATE!  http://bit.ly/holiday-cheer-stream-a-thon Check out our silent auction at http://www.PolkAtheists.org/auction Hour 5 Brent Lee, Nikki, Amy & Ami Carol Garrasi The ACPC Family Band Tif Ho @ FBB

Our secular family for a livestream-a-thon benefiting Foundation Beyond Belief continues! OPEN THROUGH DEC 31, 2020: DONATE!  http://bit.ly/holiday-cheer-stream-a-thon Check out our silent auction at http://www.PolkAtheists.org/auction Hour 4 Hemant Mehta Frank Feldman & Dan Beecher Devon Graham Tracie Harris Reading #4 Kathy Jo Taylor

Our secular family livestream-a-thon benefiting Foundation Beyond Belief continues! OPEN THROUGH DEC 31, 2020: DONATE!  http://bit.ly/holiday-cheer-stream-a-thon Check out our silent auction at http://www.PolkAtheists.org/auction Hour 3 Noah Lugeons Tristi & JJ Wren Anthony Magnabosco Tracie Harris Reading #3

  Our secular family livestream-a-thon benefiting Foundation Beyond Belief continues!   OPEN THROUGH DEC 31, 2020: DONATE!  http://bit.ly/holiday-cheer-stream-a-thon Check out our silent auction at http://www.PolkAtheists.org/auction Hour 2 Tif Ho, Exec Dir Foundation Beyond Belief Andrew Seidel's Dispatch from the Frontlines of the War on Christmas Clare Wuellner, Phil Session & Alix Jules Tracie Harris Reading #2

Join our secular family for a livestream-a-thon benefiting Foundation Beyond Belief!  Feat. Mandisa Thomas, Phil Session, Tracie Harris, Shelley Segal, Noah Lugeons, Anthony Magnabosco, Hemant Mehta, and more! OPEN THROUGH DEC 31, 2020:  DONATE!  http://bit.ly/holiday-cheer-stream-a-thon Check out our silent auction at http://www.PolkAtheists.org/auction  Hour 1 Show Open Mandisa Thomas & Marissa Alexa McCool The Rough & Tumble Tracie Harris Reading #1

Visit SOTEI.org to learn more about Linda and her organization. Freethought in Florida is a production of the Atheist Community of Polk County, Inc. (ACPC) a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The opinions and views expressed on this program are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily represent the ACPC. Learn more or donate at http://www.polkatheists.org

Jessica Toy is an Executive Board Member for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Central Florida Chapter and Polk County "Out of the Darkness" Experience Chair. We're having an important conversation about suicide, prevention, and healing from the trauma of losing a loved one to suicide; and encourage you to get involved with the ACPC or any other team for this year's walk. ACPC Team info at PolkAtheists.org/afsp2020 If you are in crisis, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741741. You can also reach the Trans Lifeline at 1-877-565-8860. Trans Lifeline is staffed BY trans people FOR trans people. And another good peer support resource is Recovering From Religion at 1-84-I-Doubt-It (1-844-368-2848).

Host and Producer of The Scathing Atheist (et al.) Noah Lugeons will join us to discuss his recent book, "Outbreak: A Crisis of Faith: How Religion Ruined Our Global Pandemic".

Katherine Stewart is an author and journalist whose writing has appeared in The New York Times, Washington Post, Religion Dispatches and more, she writes about politics, policy, religion and education. Her 2012 book, The Good News Club: The Christian Right's Stealth Assault on America's Children shined a hot white light on these efforts to invade public schools to convert and proselytize to children, and now she's joining us with another timely warning and wake up call with The Power Worshippers: Inside the Dangerous Rise of Religious Nationalism.

Jennifer grew up in the Catholic Church. We discuss her religious upbringing, leaving Catholicism, Hispanic cultural attachments to the church and more!

Australian singer/songwriter Shelley Segal is known for lyrical conversations and explorations of heavy topics, including religion.  She's perhaps best know for her song "Saved" which is the opening theme song for "The Atheist Experience" call-in show.  Shelley and Sarah chat about songwriting, the music industry, religious upbringings and more.  We even debut a fun new game segment (if you hate it, we'll never do it again - promise!) Visit ShelleySegal.com to find her music, links to live events and more. --- Freethought in Florida is a production of the Atheist Community of Polk County, Inc. (ACPC) a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The opinions and views expressed on this program are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily represent the ACPC. Learn more or donate at http://www.polkatheists.org

Joseph Richardson, a Director of the Central Florida Freethought Community joins to discuss Secular Invocations, the Invocation issue in Lake Wales, Florida, and more. Visit cflfreethought.org to learn more about CFFC. --- Freethought in Florida is a production of the Atheist Community of Polk County, Inc. (ACPC) a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The opinions and views expressed on this program are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily represent the ACPC. Learn more or donate at polkatheists.org

Authors/Speakers/Activists Bailey and Elle Harris join us on the program to discuss their books, interests, science and Humanism.  If the 2020 dumpster fire's got you down, this is the pick-me-up you need.  The future is bright and it's because of awesome young people like this.   Check out BaileyStardust.com and ElleTheHumanist.com to learn more and purchase books and merch, and help Bailey get her first book, "My Name is Stardust" translated so more kids can enjoy the book! --- Freethought in Florida is a production of the Atheist Community of Polk County, Inc. (ACPC) a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.  The opinions and views expressed on this program are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily represent the ACPC.  Learn more or donate at http://www.polkatheists.org 

Joining us on the program today is Dr. Eric Sprankle, Associate Professor of Clinical Psychology and Co-Director of the Sexuality Studies program at Minnesota State University. He is also a licensed clinical psychologist in the state of Minnesota, and a certified sex therapist affiliated with the Minnesota Sexual Health Institute. Dr. Sprankle is also Director of the Secular Therapy Project. We discuss issues of mental health in the world of COVID, studying Satanists, Sex Ed curriculum, and more! Follow Dr. Sprankle @DrSprankle on Twitter and visit SecularTherapy.org. --- Freethought in Florida is a production of the Atheist Community of Polk County, Inc. (ACPC) a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The opinions and views expressed on this program are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily represent the ACPC. Learn more or donate at http://www.polkatheists.org

Monica Miller, Legal Director and Senior Counsel with American Humanist Association joins Sarah on Freethought in Florida to chat about the SCOTUS rulings in Espinoza and Little Sisters of the Poor, plus some upcoming SCOTUS and lower court cases to watch for. And we litigate the proper pronunciation of “amicus” and talk about the great work of the Nonhuman Rights Project. Join us virtually for the AHA's annual conference August 8th - Register Here: https://conference.americanhumanist.org

Founder & President of Black Nonbelievers, Inc. Mandisa Thomas drops by for a chat about race, religion, and community organizing.

Andrew L. Seidel is a constitutional and civil rights attorney, activist, atheist, author, former Grand Canyon tour guide, and sometimes photographer. As Director of Strategic Response and one of the attorneys at the Freedom From Religion Foundation, Andrew works to ensure that the government obeys the First Amendment and that Jefferson's “Wall of Separation” between state and church remains tall and impregnable. Andrew joins Freethought in Florida to talk about recent Supreme Court cases, secular organizing, responding to local church/state separation concerns, and his book, "The Founding Myth:  Why Christian Nationalism is Un-American".  Order your copy from Amazon Smile and set "Atheist Community of Polk County" as your charity to support! --- Freethought in Florida is a production of the Atheist Community of Polk County, Inc. (ACPC) a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.  The opinions and views expressed on this program are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily represent the ACPC.  Learn more or donate at http://www.polkatheists.org