Podcasts about Freedom From Religion Foundation

We have some good state/church news to report out of Oklahoma and Arizona. Then, in response to Trump's remarks at the May 1 "National Day of Prayer," we celebrate the May 4 "National Day of Reason" by hearing impassioned and humorous remarks at the Second Annual "Reason Reception" in D.C., sponsored by FFRF, American Humanist Association and the Secular Coalition for America, for the Congressional Freethought Caucus. The "Very Funny Lady" comedian Leighann Lord kicked off the event, followed by U.S. Reps. Jared Huffman, Calif., Jamie Raskin, Md., Laura Friedman, Calif., and a poignant keynote by former Rep. Susan Wild, Pa.

Mayday! Mayday! We listen to some of the oral arguments in a pivotal Supreme Court case heard Wednesday about whether a private Catholic charter school can be funded with public money. If allowed, this would deal a serious blow to public education. After reporting on state/church news in Oklahoma, Louisiana and Texas, and decrying Attorney General Pam Bondi's “Eradicating Anti-Christian Bias” Task Force, we talk with Swedish humanist Christer Sturmark, author of the book To Light the Flame of Reason: Clear Thinking for the Twenty-First Century.

A legal dispute between Freedom From Religion Foundation and American Atheists over a donor's estate raised eyebrows—but the reality was far less dramatic. After questions emerged over a handwritten memo altering distribution plans, the parties sought transparency, not a fight. The case was settled amicably, with all organizations receiving more than expected. The panel unpacks lessons in ethics, optics, and legacy.News Source: Friendly Atheist by Hemant Mehta, April 8, 2025https://www.friendlyatheist.com/p/two-influential-atheist-groups-have?utm_source=share&utm_medium=android&r=oa4eg&triedRedirect=trueThe Non-Prophets 24.16.3 with Scott Dickie, Jonathan Roudabush and Eli Slack Two Atheist Groups Settle Estate Dispute Peacefully

We first do a round-up of the news nationally and globally, including the death of Pope Francis and the Trump administration's setting up of a dubious religion-based task force. Then, guest host FFRF Communications Director Amitabh Pal interviews University of Louisville Professor David T. Buckley on his recent book, Blessing America First: Religion, Populism and Foreign Policy in the Trump Administration. Barbra Streisand's songs provide the soundtrack to the show. 

We know—everything feels heavy right now. The political madness, the economic uncertainty, the nonstop outrage machine… it's a lot. So this Good Friday, we're doing something a little different. Instead of our usual Sour Lemon Special, Don is joined by the incredible Iyanla Vanzant—life coach, spiritual teacher, and bestselling author—for a much-needed conversation about how we heal. How we take care of ourselves. And how we start to reconnect with each other in a world that feels like it's falling apart. No screaming headlines. No doomscrolling. Just a chill check-in with Lemon Nation before we head into the holiday weekend. You've earned a breather—join us. This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/donlemon and get on your way to being your best self. This episode is brought to you by the Freedom From Religion Foundation. Whether you've always been secular or left religion behind, if you don't want someone else dictating the trip for you, F-F-R-F has your back. Join us. Go to FFRF.US/Freedom or text the word, “FAMILY” to five eleven five eleven and become a member today. Text fees may apply. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Kilmar Abrego Garcia case just took another wild turn—an appeals court judge (yes, a Republican) just slammed the Trump administration for its blatant disregard of the Supreme Court's order. Meanwhile, MAGA world is scrambling to rewrite the narrative, painting Abrego Garcia as a villain to justify deporting him without due process. But here's the twist: even some GOP members are calling this what it is—unconstitutional and dangerous. Don goes live to unpack the legal outrage, the political spin, and why this case could be a tipping point in the fight over the rule of law. This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/donlemon and get on your way to being your best self. This episode is brought to you by the Freedom From Religion Foundation. Whether you've always been secular or left religion behind, if you don't want someone else dictating the trip for you, F-F-R-F has your back. Join us. Go to FFRF.US/Freedom or text the word, “FAMILY” to five eleven five eleven and become a member today. Text fees may apply. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, we report that Christian nationalism is on full display at all levels of government. After covering national state/church news, FFRF Senior Policy Counsel Ryan Jayne tells us about the many bills, good and bad, that FFRF's Action Fund is tracking in the states (and Puerto Rico). Then, George Mbuagbaw, acting president of the Humanist Association of Nigeria, tells us about the many nonbelievers in that part of West Africa.

The FCC is now going after Comcast for so-called “news distortion” after MSNBC didn't carry a White House press briefing on deportations. Coincidence? Not likely—especially when the complaint came straight from inside the White House. This isn't a one-off. Trump's been on a rampage against the press—attacking 60 Minutes, blacklisting outlets, and weaponizing federal agencies against factual reporting. It's not just petty. It's textbook authoritarianism. Don breaks down the latest assault on the free press, why this isn't just about cable news, and what we can actually do as this crosses into full-blown fascist behavior. Because when power fears facts, everyone should be paying attention. The Don Lemon Show is up for a Webby! Vote now for Best Podcast Episode – Featured Guest: https://vote.webbyawards.com/PublicVoting#/2025/podcasts/individual-episode/featured-guest This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/donlemon and get on your way to being your best self. This episode is brought to you by the Freedom From Religion Foundation. Whether you've always been secular or left religion behind, if you don't want someone else dictating the trip for you, F-F-R-F has your back. Join us. Go to FFRF.US/Freedom or text the word, “DON” to five eleven five eleven and become a member today. Text fees may apply. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Defying Supreme Court rulings. Weaponizing the DOJ against critics. Attacking the free press—again. At this point, the Trump administration isn't just testing the limits of democracy... it's tearing up the rulebook and daring anyone to stop them. So has Trump officially crossed into anti-constitutional territory? And if so—where the hell do we go from here? Don goes live to break it all down: the legal defiance, the authoritarian vibes, and the growing sense that we're watching the Constitution get slow-roasted in real time. It's serious. It's outrageous. And it's time to pay attention. The Don Lemon Show is up for a Webby! Vote now for Best Podcast Episode – Featured Guest: https://vote.webbyawards.com/PublicVoting#/2025/podcasts/individual-episode/featured-guest This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/donlemon and get on your way to being your best self. This episode is brought to you by the Freedom From Religion Foundation. Whether you've always been secular or left religion behind, if you don't want someone else dictating the trip for you, F-F-R-F has your back. Join us. Go to FFRF.US/Freedom or text the word, “FAMILY” to five eleven five eleven and become a member today. Text fees may apply. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Trump administration wrongfully deported Abrego Garcia—and they know it. They've even admitted it was a mistake. But despite a 9-0 Supreme Court ruling ordering the administration to facilitate his return, they're refusing to bring him back. So now the question is: can Trump be held in contempt of court? Democratic lawmakers are headed to El Salvador to fight for Garcia's return, because apparently court orders—and basic human decency—aren't enough to move this administration. Don breaks it all down: the legal mess, the political fallout, and what this says about a government that's playing games with people's lives. It's outrageous, it's dangerous, and it's happening right now. The Don Lemon Show is up for a Webby! Vote now for Best Podcast Episode – Featured Guest: https://vote.webbyawards.com/PublicVoting#/2025/podcasts/individual-episode/featured-guest This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/donlemon and get on your way to being your best self. This episode is brought to you by the Freedom From Religion Foundation. Whether you've always been secular or left religion behind, if you don't want someone else dictating the trip for you, F-F-R-F has your back. Join us. Go to FFRF.US/Freedom or text the word, “FAMILY” to five eleven five eleven and become a member today. Text fees may apply. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

They're back. A year after our first viral conversation, the three biggest voices in progressive podcasting—David Pakman, Brian Tyler Cohen, and Cenk Uygur—are joining Don once again to break down the chaos gripping the country. Trump's tariffs are wrecking the economy, the markets are tanking, and now he's openly defying a Supreme Court order. Are we teetering on the edge of a constitutional crisis? Is this what a dictatorship looks like in 2025? No spin, no fluff—just smart, sharp takes from four people who don't mince words. Lemon Nation, you're not gonna want to miss this one. The Don Lemon Show is up for a Webby! Vote now for Best Podcast Episode – Featured Guest: https://vote.webbyawards.com/PublicVoting#/2025/podcasts/individual-episode/featured-guest This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/donlemon and get on your way to being your best self. This episode is brought to you by the Freedom From Religion Foundation. Whether you've always been secular or left religion behind, if you don't want someone else dictating the trip for you, F-F-R-F has your back. Join us. Go to FFRF.US/Freedom or text the word, “FAMILY” to five eleven five eleven and become a member today. Text fees may apply. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Good Evening Lemon Nation. Harvard president Alan Garber has rejected the Trump administration's request to change DEI programs and other widespread campus reforms. In response, Trump has frozen 2 billion dollars in funding and is threatening to remove the school's tax-exempt status. What caused the university to stand up against the president? Will this courage spread to other universities? Join Don and Gen-Z Historian Kahlil Greene to break down this fight! The Don Lemon Show is up for a Webby! Vote now for Best Podcast Episode – Featured Guest: https://vote.webbyawards.com/PublicVoting#/2025/podcasts/individual-episode/featured-guest This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/donlemon and get on your way to being your best self. This episode is brought to you by the Freedom From Religion Foundation. Whether you've always been secular or left religion behind, if you don't want someone else dictating the trip for you, F-F-R-F has your back. Join us. Go to FFRF.US/Freedom or text the word, “FAMILY” to five eleven five eleven and become a member today. Text fees may apply. WATCH & Subscribe on YouTube @TheDonLemonShow! Become a member of our channel here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXs0PlIGUDSXfBaF7j-1euA/join Follow Don on Substack at donlemon.com! Listen on Apple, Spotify and iHeart Radio! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Good Morning Lemon Nation! The Trump administration likes to pretend like they're accomplishing their goals but we can always see through the smoke and mirrors, and we know you can too. Join Don at 10am this morning to break down the MAGA lies. The Don Lemon Show is up for a Webby! Vote now for Best Podcast Episode – Featured Guest: https://vote.webbyawards.com/PublicVoting#/2025/podcasts/individual-episode/featured-guest This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/donlemon and get on your way to being your best self. This episode is brought to you by the Freedom From Religion Foundation. Whether you've always been secular or left religion behind, if you don't want someone else dictating the trip for you, F-F-R-F has your back. Join us. Go to FFRF.US/Freedom or text the word, “FAMILY” to five eleven five eleven and become a member today. Text fees may apply. WATCH & Subscribe on YouTube @TheDonLemonShow! Become a member of our channel here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXs0PlIGUDSXfBaF7j-1euA/join Follow Don on Substack at donlemon.com! Listen on Apple, Spotify and iHeart Radio! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"He has Risen! He has Risen INDEED!" That's the message that came not from River City Community Church but from the White House! President Donald Trump not only recognized Holy Week, his statement basically shares the Gospel. Pastor Sean emphasizes the importance of religious liberty, and the exchange of ideas. The Freedom FROM Religion Foundation doesn't agree. Enjoy the conversation and see you at River City for Easter! 00:00 Introduction to Easter Celebration00:16 Invitation to Easter Services at River City01:06 Reaching for Real Life Podcast Begins02:27 Musical Inspirations and Easter Preparations03:28 Holy Week and Its Significance05:57 President Trump's Holy Week Message10:52 Discussion on Religious Liberty and Christian Nationalism12:18 Debunking the Separation of Church and State Myth13:07 Atheist in Foxhole Award and Its Implications13:35 Misinterpretations of the Constitution14:34 Christian Nationalism: A Misunderstood Concept16:35 The President's Faith and Its Public Perception17:36 Freedom of Religion vs. Freedom from Religion18:07 The Role of Faith in Presidential Leadership23:19 The President's Easter Message25:08 Invitation to Easter Services

"He has Risen! He has Risen INDEED!" That's the message that came not from River City Community Church but from the White House! President Donald Trump not only recognized Holy Week, his statement basically shares the Gospel. Pastor Sean emphasizes the importance of religious liberty, and the exchange of ideas. The Freedom FROM Religion Foundation doesn't agree. Enjoy the conversation and see you at River City for Easter! 00:00 Introduction to Easter Celebration00:16 Invitation to Easter Services at River City01:06 Reaching for Real Life Podcast Begins02:27 Musical Inspirations and Easter Preparations03:28 Holy Week and Its Significance05:57 President Trump's Holy Week Message10:52 Discussion on Religious Liberty and Christian Nationalism12:18 Debunking the Separation of Church and State Myth13:07 Atheist in Foxhole Award and Its Implications13:35 Misinterpretations of the Constitution14:34 Christian Nationalism: A Misunderstood Concept16:35 The President's Faith and Its Public Perception17:36 Freedom of Religion vs. Freedom from Religion18:07 The Role of Faith in Presidential Leadership23:19 The President's Easter Message25:08 Invitation to Easter Services

Today was an especially alarming day at the White House. El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele visited Donald Trump to discuss the relationship between the two countries, specifically relating to U.S. deportations to El Salvadorian prisons. Bukele says he will not be returning the wrongly deported Kilmar Abrego Garcia, and spoke with Trump about the next phase of U.S. "homegrown" deportations. What does this mean? Join Don at 5pm to hear more. The Don Lemon Show is up for a Webby! Vote now for Best Podcast Episode – Featured Guest: https://vote.webbyawards.com/PublicVoting#/2025/podcasts/individual-episode/featured-guest This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/donlemon and get on your way to being your best self. This episode is brought to you by the Freedom From Religion Foundation. Whether you've always been secular or left religion behind, if you don't want someone else dictating the trip for you, F-F-R-F has your back. Join us. Go to FFRF.US/Freedom or text the word, “FAMILY” to five eleven five eleven and become a member today. Text fees may apply. WATCH & Subscribe on YouTube @TheDonLemonShow! Become a member of our channel here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXs0PlIGUDSXfBaF7j-1euA/join Follow Don on Substack at donlemon.com! Listen on Apple, Spotify and iHeart Radio! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Happy Monday Lemonheads! As much as Trump hopes, China is not backing down in the tariff war. And after Trump exempted phones and computers from the tariffs, he now threatens them once more. What is next? Why does it feel like groundhog day every day? Tune in at 10am to find out! The Don Lemon Show is up for a Webby! Vote now for Best Podcast Episode – Featured Guest: https://vote.webbyawards.com/PublicVoting#/2025/podcasts/individual-episode/featured-guest This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/donlemon and get on your way to being your best self. This episode is brought to you by the Freedom From Religion Foundation. Whether you've always been secular or left religion behind, if you don't want someone else dictating the trip for you, F-F-R-F has your back. Join us. Go to FFRF.US/Freedom or text the word, “FAMILY” to five eleven five eleven and become a member today. Text fees may apply. WATCH & Subscribe on YouTube @TheDonLemonShow! Become a member of our channel here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXs0PlIGUDSXfBaF7j-1euA/join Follow Don on Substack at donlemon.com! Listen on Apple, Spotify and iHeart Radio! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to The Sour Lemon Special! Every week, we break down the most outrageous, corrupt, and downright awful behavior from the people in power—and this time, we've got a stacked lineup of contestants. Who will take home the title of this week's Sour Lemon? You decide! Join Don and comedian and author Dulcé Sloan to break it all down! The Don Lemon Show is up for a Webby! Vote now for Best Podcast Episode – Featured Guest: https://vote.webbyawards.com/PublicVoting#/2025/podcasts/individual-episode/featured-guest This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/donlemon and get on your way to being your best self. This episode is brought to you by the Freedom From Religion Foundation. Whether you've always been secular or left religion behind, if you don't want someone else dictating the trip for you, F-F-R-F has your back. Join us. Go to FFRF.US/Freedom or text the word, “FAMILY” to five eleven five eleven and become a member today. Text fees may apply. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With Trump's tariff chaos still unfolding, the economy looks like it's headed off a cliff. The markets are shaky, the value of the dollar is dropping, and global confidence in American stability? Rapidly evaporating. So… when does this end? Or has the Trump administration already done irreversible damage? This morning, Don is joined by the brilliant Reecie Colbert to break down the mess—what's happening, who's getting hurt, and whether there's a way out before it all gets worse. It's not looking good, Lemon Nation. Let's talk about it. The Don Lemon Show is up for a Webby! Vote now for Best Podcast Episode – Featured Guest: https://vote.webbyawards.com/PublicVoting#/2025/podcasts/individual-episode/featured-guest This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/donlemon and get on your way to being your best self. This episode is brought to you by the Freedom From Religion Foundation. Whether you've always been secular or left religion behind, if you don't want someone else dictating the trip for you, F-F-R-F has your back. Join us. Go to FFRF.US/Freedom or text the word, “FAMILY” to five eleven five eleven and become a member today. Text fees may apply. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

FFRF's IT Director Scott Knickelbine gives us the inside scoop on the case by Catholic Charities in Wisconsin that is before the U.S. Supreme Court seeking to deny workers unemployment insurance based on religious privilege. Then, we talk with Maryland Delegate Heather Bagnall about the bill she introduced to exonerate people accused of witchcraft in 17th-century Maryland, including Moll Dyer, who froze to death after being driven from her home.

The market's been swinging like it's had three espressos and no breakfast—and Trump's tariff rollercoaster is to blame. After tanking the economy with massive trade threats, he's now backing down on some of them, trying to calm the storm he created. Spoiler: it's not working. But while the market melts down, Trump's doing something even more alarming: weaponizing the DOJ to investigate former officials who dared to speak out against him—Miles Taylor and Chris Krebs among them. We're diving into the economic mess and the creeping authoritarianism. Because tariffs are bad—but turning federal law enforcement into a revenge squad? That's much, much worse. Buckle up, Lemon Nation. This one's serious. The Don Lemon Show is up for a Webby! Vote now for Best Podcast Episode – Featured Guest: https://vote.webbyawards.com/PublicVoting#/2025/podcasts/individual-episode/featured-guest Tara Setmayer's Seneca Project was nominated for best use of video in socials. Vote here: https://vote.webbyawards.com/PublicVoting#/2025/social/features/best-use-of-video This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/donlemon and get on your way to being your best self. This episode is brought to you by the Freedom From Religion Foundation. Whether you've always been secular or left religion behind, if you don't want someone else dictating the trip for you, F-F-R-F has your back. Join us. Go to FFRF.US/Freedom or text the word, “FAMILY” to five eleven five eleven and become a member today. Text fees may apply. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Trump hit the economy with sky-high tariffs, watched the market tank... then suddenly hit pause for 90 days. Coincidence? Strategic retreat? Or something that smells suspiciously like market manipulation? With the economy whiplashing and investors scrambling, we're asking the real questions—and we've got Mr. Wonderful himself, Kevin O'Leary, joining us to break it all down. What does this mean for the markets, businesses, and your wallet? And can anyone keep up with this administration's trade mood swings? Join us live, Lemon Nation. It's a mess—but at least it's entertaining. This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/donlemon and get on your way to being your best self. This episode is brought to you by the Freedom From Religion Foundation. Whether you've always been secular or left religion behind, if you don't want someone else dictating the trip for you, F-F-R-F has your back. Join us. Go to FFRF.US/Freedom or text the word, “FAMILY” to five eleven five eleven and become a member today. Text fees may apply. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's been a rollercoaster week for the economy. Trump temporarily hit the brakes on his tariff plans after the market tanked—only to turn around and slap even higher tariffs on China. Mixed signals? That's putting it nicely. How much longer can the economy absorb the market whiplash? Tonight, Don is joined by host of The David Frum Show and staff writer for The Atlantic David Frum. Join Don and David live to break down the chaos, the consequences, and the confusion that has American business owners asking: what now? Hold on tight, Lemon Nation—it's getting bumpy out there. Watch the first episode of The David Frum Show here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aTfVTeHbvxI This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/donlemon and get on your way to being your best self. This episode is brought to you by the Freedom From Religion Foundation. Whether you've always been secular or left religion behind, if you don't want someone else dictating the trip for you, F-F-R-F has your back. Join us. Go to FFRF.US/Freedom or text the word, “FAMILY” to five eleven five eleven and become a member today. Text fees may apply. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Trump's slapped a 104% tariff on Chinese goods—yes, you read that right—and now China's hitting back with their own round of retaliatory tariffs. The result? Skyrocketing prices, a shaken stock market, and economists nervously whispering...recession. It's economic brinkmanship at its dumbest, and everyday Americans are the ones stuck with the bill. Don goes live to break down the numbers, the fallout, and how this mess could spiral even further. Spoiler: it's not looking great out there. Buckle up, Lemon Nation—this is going to hurt. This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/donlemon and get on your way to being your best self. This episode is brought to you by the Freedom From Religion Foundation. Whether you've always been secular or left religion behind, if you don't want someone else dictating the trip for you, F-F-R-F has your back. Join us. Go to FFRF.US/Freedom or text the word, “FAMILY” to five eleven five eleven and become a member today. Text fees may apply. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tariffs, market crashes, economic whiplash—is anyone steering this thing? The stock market is spiraling, prices are climbing, and even the administration seems like it's just guessing at this point. We're all feeling it: the stress, the confusion, the desperate urge for someone—anyone—to hit pause on the madness. Tonight, Don is joined by special guest David Pakman to unpack the chaos, make sense of the senseless, and ask the question on everyone's mind: can we please make it stop? This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/donlemon and get on your way to being your best self. This episode is brought to you by the Freedom From Religion Foundation. Whether you've always been secular or left religion behind, if you don't want someone else dictating the trip for you, F-F-R-F has your back. Join us. Go to FFRF.US/Freedom or text the word, “FAMILY” to five eleven five eleven and become a member today. Text fees may apply. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Confused about the economy? You're not alone. Between Trump's tariff bombshell, a stock market in freefall, and zero clarity from the administration, it's starting to feel like nobody—including the people in charge—knows what's going on. One thing is clear: people are pissed. From this weekend's “Hands Off” protests to MAGA voters openly questioning their choices, the backlash is real—and growing. Don goes live to break down the economic confusion, the political fallout, and why this mess is starting to unite people in one shared emotion: pure frustration. This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/donlemon and get on your way to being your best self. This episode is brought to you by the Freedom From Religion Foundation. Whether you've always been secular or left religion behind, if you don't want someone else dictating the trip for you, F-F-R-F has your back. Join us. Go to FFRF.US/Freedom or text the word, “FAMILY” to five eleven five eleven and become a member today. Text fees may apply. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This is The Briefing, a daily analysis of news and events from a Christian worldview.Part I (00:13 - 13:09)How Much Financial Pain? How Much Gain? Trump's Tariffs Raise Big Economic QuestionsPart II (13:09 - 21:29)A Collision Between Secularism and the LGBTQ Revolution: A Leader of New Atheism Goes After the Freedom From Religion Foundation for Abandoning BiologyLosing My Nonreligion by The Wall Street Journal (Jerry A. Coyne)What is a woman? by FreeThought Now! (Kat Grant)Biology Is Not Bigotry by Free Inquiry (Jerry A. Coyne)Wednesday, January 8, 2025 by The Briefing (R. Albert Mohler, Jr.)So even atheists kick out heretics? by WORLD Opinions (R. Albert Mohler, Jr.)Part III (21:29 - 26:38)Most of the World is Still Explicitly Theological: Taliban Leader Delivers Major Theological Challenge to the WestThe Taliban leader says there is no need for Western laws in Afghanistan by The Associated PressSign up to receive The Briefing in your inbox every weekday morning.Follow Dr. Mohler:X | Instagram | Facebook | YouTubeFor more information on The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, go to sbts.edu.For more information on Boyce College, just go to BoyceCollege.com.To write Dr. Mohler or submit a question for The Mailbox, go here.

Well, that didn't take long. After Trump's big tariff announcement, the stock market did what it does best when he talks trade: absolutely tanked. It's not just Wall Street feeling the burn—global markets are spiraling, trading partners are furious, and economists everywhere are reaching for the TUMS. Don goes live to break down the fallout: rising prices, global tension, and a trade policy that seems more like a tantrum with consequences. Join us, Lemon Nation—because economic nationalism is starting to look a lot like economic nosedive. This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/donlemon and get on your way to being your best self. This episode is brought to you by the Freedom From Religion Foundation. Whether you've always been secular or left religion behind, if you don't want someone else dictating the trip for you, F-F-R-F has your back. Join us. Go to FFRF.US/Freedom or text the word, “FAMILY” to five eleven five eleven and become a member today. Text fees may apply. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The stock market is officially on a rollercoaster—and Trump's tariff announcement is the one yanking the lever. Since his so-called Liberation Day, we've seen wild swings, investor panic, and enough volatility to make even Wall Street queasy. Don breaks down what's happening, why the markets are reacting this way, and how Trump's trade war 2.0 is creating chaos not just at home, but around the globe. It's unpredictable. It's ugly. And somehow, it's exactly what he wanted. Buckle up, Lemon Nation. This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/donlemon and get on your way to being your best self. This episode is brought to you by the Freedom From Religion Foundation. Whether you've always been secular or left religion behind, if you don't want someone else dictating the trip for you, F-F-R-F has your back. Join us. Go to FFRF.US/Freedom or text the word, “FAMILY” to five eleven five eleven and become a member today. Text fees may apply. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Originally Recorded February 25th, 2025 About the Freedom From Religion Foundation: https://ffrf.org/ Check out Dan Barker's latest book, Contraduction: https://www.amazon.com/Contraduction-Dan-Barker/dp/1839195975 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit musicallyspeaking.substack.com

Besides covering state/church issues in Kentucky, Wisconsin and Arizona, most of the news is out of Oklahoma, including the fact that Oklahoma's Superintendent of Public Instruction Ryan Walters is suing FFRF for allegedly interfering in the right of his office to promote religion in the public schools. FFRF Legal Director Patrick Elliott joins us to talk about that case, Walters v. FFRF. Three smart young people read their winning entries in FFRF's freethinking student essay contests. Then, we hear an excerpt of a speech by former New York Times columnist and MSNBC political analyst Charles Blow decrying the dangers of Christian nationalism.

After a roundup of state/church news around the country, we celebrate the birthday of Eric Idle, 82, (who calls himself an "old agnostic") by listening to his irreverent song, "Always Look on the Bright Side of Life," from the movie "Monty Python's Life of Brian." Then, professor and author Josh Cowen tells us about his book The Privateers: How Billionaires Created a Culture War and Sold School Vouchers.

After reporting state-church news at the federal level, as well as in Massachusetts, Texas and Missouri, we hear riveting testimony from Georgia state Rep. Karen Lupton opposing a hateful Christian-nationalist anti-trans bill in that state. Then, former evangelical preacher Rob Haskell, author of God of the Mind: An eXvangelical Journey, tells us why he left the ministry and became an atheist.

The Court is entering its final stretch of oral arguments for the 2024-2025 term and they will be hearing four important cases with significant First Amendment implications, particularly when it comes to the separation of church and state.  Hirsh Joshi joins Lindsay Langholz to discuss the tension between public policy goals and religiously motivated exemptions in each of these cases.Join the Progressive Legal Movement Today: ACSLaw.orgHost: Lindsay Langholz, Senior Director of Policy and ProgramGuest: Hirsh Joshi, Attorney and Patrick O'Reiley Legal Fellow, Freedom From Religion FoundationLink: Episode 155: Livin' On a Prayer As States Push Church Into Classrooms featuring Elizabeth CavellLink: We Dissent Podcast Link: Brief of the Freedom From Religion Foundation as Amicus Curiae in Catholic Charities Bureau v. Wisconsin Labor & Industry Review CommissionVisit the Podcast Website: Broken Law PodcastEmail the Show: Podcast@ACSLaw.orgFollow ACS on Social Media: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | LinkedIn | YouTube-----------------Broken Law: About the law, who it serves, and who it doesn't.----------------- Production House: Flint Stone Media Copyright of American Constitution Society 2024.

We report on the threats and actual harm of Christian nationalism to the country, to the Department of Education and to Oklahoma, Kentucky, Texas, New Mexico and Wisconsin. After hearing the Yip Harburg song "One Sweet Morning," yearning for the end of winter and the end of war, we speak with attorney Kat Grant, a contributing FFRF writer and host of the "Transing Boundaries" blog, about the sharp increase in religiously motivated attacks on transgender rights.

This week, we track a tsunami of (mostly bad) bills in Wisconsin, Oklahoma, Texas, Iowa, West Virginia and North Dakota. After hearing sneak previews of some of FFRF's other shows — "Ask an Atheist," "Freethought Matters" and "We Dissent" — we talk with Brian Ruder, president of the board of the Final Exit Network, which offers people who are unbearably suffering an intractable medical condition the option to die legally and peacefully.

We celebrate the fact that Pew reports 43 percent of young adults are nonreligious, and that overall the "Nones" (nonreligious) are larger than any religious denomination. Mandisa Thomas, founder and president of Black Nonbelievers, tells us about the upcoming Revival of Reason conference in Atlanta. Then, we speak with public-health expert Professor Patrick L. Remington, who is on the board of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's "Morbidity and Mortality Weekly," about the dangers that religion and the right-wing administration pose to the work of the CDC.

After discussing some of Trump's religiously motivated executive orders and appointments, we focus on some of the bad bills in the states, including Oklahoma, Idaho, Alabama, Kentucky, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Texas and Wisconsin. Then we speak with David Clohessy, a survivor of childhood sexual molestation by clergy, who is the former director of SNAP, Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests. He outlines the severity of the problem and offers hope for dealing with the dangers of pedophilic priests and ministers.

We announce the first atheist billboard in Africa! We report on a tsunami of Christian nationalist bills and executive orders at the federal and state levels, including Texas, Wisconsin, North Dakota, Iowa and Tennessee. In honor of Valentine's Day, we hear Dan Barker's secular love song "It's Only Natural." Then sociology Professor Ryan T. Cragun, author of Goodbye Religion: The Causes and Consequences of Secularization, shows us, with data, that religious people are not happier, healthier or more moral than nonreligious people.

The first half of our show this week deals with the many Christian nationalist executive orders and actions of the Trump administration. We hear part of the "Stop Project 2025" rally in Madison, Wis. Then, we listen to Black/Latino atheist actor Jon Huertas, best known for playing Miguel Rivas in NBC's "This is Us," as he spoke to FFRF's Denver convention about “True Freedom: Breaking The Shackles Of Religious Indoctrination.”

We cover a range of state/church news on the federal and state levels. We announce FFRF's Scopes Trial Centennial celebration to be held in Tennessee in July. After hearing the irreverent Monty Python song, "Every Sperm is Sacred," we memorialize the life of former Planned Parenthood president Cecile Richards, an ardent proponent of feminism and democracy and author of the book Make Trouble, by replaying our 2018 interview with her on Freethought Radio.

My guest this week is Kat Grant a Wisconsin based attorney, activist, legal educator, and author of the new blog TransingBoundaries, which focuses on the intersections of law, politics, religion, and queerness. Kat recently finished up an Equal Justice Works Fellowship at the Freedom From Religion Foundation, where they exclusively worked on the White Christian nationalist attack on LGBTQIA+ rights. Tragically and ironically, their fellowship was sort of capped off with a revealing debacle originating from an article they wrote for FFRF entitled “What is a woman?”. Along with discussing that debacle, we discuss their experiences working on trans issues in secular spaces more boadly and how their preference for restorative justice shapes their approach to social justice work.What is a Woman?: https://freethoughtnow.org/what-is-a-woman/I Am Not Interested in Making Bigots Comfortable: https://substack.com/home/post/p-153702335Biology is Not Ethics: https://www.friendlyatheist.com/p/biology-is-not-ethics-a-responseMusic by GW RodriguezEditing by Adam WikSibling Pod:Philosophers in Space: https://0gphilosophy.libsyn.com/Support us at Patreon.com/EmbraceTheVoidIf you enjoy the show, please Like and Review us on your pod app, especially iTunes. It really helps!This show is CAN credentialed, which means you can report instances of harassment, abuse, or other harm on their hotline at (617) 249-4255, or on their website at creatoraccountabilitynetwork.org.Next Episode: Biology and Bigotry with Ed Buckner

Most of the news on this week's show centers on Trump's nominations, many of whom are blatant Christian nationalists. FFRF Staff Attorney Sammi Lawrence describes our newest lawsuit, just filed this week, challenging unconstitutional tax exemption for religiously owned commercial rental properties in Madison, Wis. Then we talk with a former "church lady," Carolyn Shadle, who was the Director of Religious Education at a Presbyterian church before she abandoned her faith. Her new book is called From Religion to Reason: My Journey.

We celebrate the release from prison of Nigerian humanist Mubarak Bala who was convicted of the "crime" of blasphemy. FFRF Senior Litigation Counsel Sam Grover updates us on our lawsuit challenging the law requiring the posting of the Ten Commandments in Louisiana public schools. Then, we hear some shocking stories about early Christianity from Catherine Nixey, author of the book Heretic: Jesus Christ and the Other Sons of God.

We listen to Seth Andrews, host of “The Thinking Atheist” podcast, read Dan Barker's article “The Top 10 Absolute Worst Old Testament Verses.” Then, we hear Washington Post columnist Kate Cohen's entertaining and thought-provoking speech at FFRF's 2024 convention called “Tampon Tim and the Long Reach of Religion.”

Monday, December 30th, 2024Today, Florida authorities say there'll be no criminal charges against Matt Gaetz for statutory rape because the statute of limitations has expired; the Freedom From Religion Foundation published an anti-trans blog post and received swift backlash; former head of the FBI and CIA has penned a letter to senators asking them to block the nominations of Tulsi Gabbard and Kash Patel; low income Trump voters are worried they'll lose their benefits; President Biden has commuted almost all of the sentences of death row inmates; Elon Musk praises a far right neo-Nazi party in Germany as Twitter falls apart over his position on H1B visas; Biden is considering publishing the ERA as he wipes out more student debt and breaks Trump's record for appointing judges; Maryland Governor Wes Moore receives his Bronze Star; a Republican Congresswoman has been found in a memory care facility; an HIV/AIDS camp for kids in Minnesota is closing its doors; and Allison delivers your Good News.Thank You To AG1 AG1 is offering new subscribers a FREE $76 gift when you sign up. You'll get a Welcome Kit, a bottle of D3K2 AND 5 free travel packs in your first box. So make sure to check out DrinkAG1.com/dailybeans.Stories:Former FBI and CIA head prods Senate to reject Patel, Gabbard (Kierra Frazier | Politico)Elon Musk praises far-right German AfD party (Bryan Pietsch and Trisha Thadani | The Washington Post)After backing Trump, low-income voters hope he doesn't slash their benefits (Tim Craig | The Washington Post)https://www.startribune.com/closure-of-northern-minnesota-camp-is-the-greatest-story-heres-why/601199362Guest: Dave AronbergBlue Sky - @davearonbergYouTube - @TrueCrimeMTNHave some good news; a confession; or a correction to share?Good News & Confessions - The Daily Beanshttps://www.dailybeanspod.com/confessional/From The Good NewsInstagram - @henrikittytravelsAffordable Care Act (ACA) (healthcare.gov) Check out other MSW Media podcastshttps://mswmedia.com/shows/Subscribe for free to MuellerSheWrote on Substackhttps://muellershewrote.substack.comFollow AG and Dana on Social MediaDr. Allison Gill Substack|Muellershewrote, Twitter|@MuellerSheWrote, Threads|@muellershewrote, TikTok|@muellershewrote, IG|muellershewrote, BlueSky|@muellershewroteDana GoldbergTwitter|@DGComedy, IG|dgcomedy, facebook|dgcomedy, IG|dgcomedy, danagoldberg.com, BlueSky|@dgcomedyHave some good news; a confession; or a correction to share?Good News & Confessions - The Daily Beanshttps://www.dailybeanspod.com/confessional/ Listener Survey:http://survey.podtrac.com/start-survey.aspx?pubid=BffJOlI7qQcF&ver=shortFollow the Podcast on Apple:The Daily Beans on Apple PodcastsWant to support the show and get it ad-free and early?Supercasthttps://dailybeans.supercast.com/Patreon https://patreon.com/thedailybeansOr subscribe on Apple Podcasts with our affiliate linkThe Daily Beans on Apple Podcasts

After reporting on state/church news in Iowa, California, Wisconsin, Oklahoma, Mississippi, New Hampshire, Minnesota, Texas and Washington state, we listen to jazz vocalist Susan Hofer sing "What Are You Doing New Year's Eve?" accompanied by Dan Barker on the piano. Then, we hear Brandon Wolf, a survivor of the 2016 Pulse Nightclub shooting, as he accepted FFRF's $50,000 Henry Zumach "Freedom From Religious Fundamentalism" award on behalf of the Human Rights Campaign.

The Winter Solstice (December 21 this year) is the real reason for the season. We celebrate this festive time of year with music and freethought humor, including songs and performances by Kristin Lems, Dan Barker, Tim Minchin, Roy Zimmerman, Irving Berlin, Trey Parker, Tom Lehrer, the London Humanist Choir, Ken Lonnquist and Brent Michael Davids.

After covering state/church news in Illinois, Wisconsin, California, West Virginia and Minnesota, we celebrate "Bill of Rights Day" (Dec. 15) by hearing Dan Barker's song "The Battle of Church and State." Then, we speak with renowned biblical scholar John J. Collins of Yale Divinity School about his book, Does the Bible Justify Violence?

Dan Barker is an ex-pastor, co-president of Freedom From Religion Foundation, and author of a new book which turns apologetics literally on its ear.GET THE BOOK: https://www.amazon.com/Contraduction-Dan-Barker/dp/1839195975VIDEO of this conversation: https://youtu.be/yOegdJHBQv0Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/thethinkingatheist--3270347/support.