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History · Humanise Live
You've seen the headlines about Gen Z and church - but many popular stats are misleading or unverified. So we took the biggest claims and rated them by confidence - based on real studies and data. ============================= Table of Contents: ============================= 0:00 - Intro 4:12 - Gen Z Churchgoers Attend More Frequently (But Read the Fine Print) 11:38 - The Gender Shift in Church Attendance 15:30 - YouTube, Instagram, TikTok Are the Big Three 19:58 - Gen Z Prefers "Authentic" Lo-Fi Content 28:07 - "Nearly Half of Gen Z Would Attend If Invited" 30:46 - "Record Bible sales prove Gen Z is coming back to faith." 32:22 - "Two-thirds of Gen Z are spiritually open." 33:39 - "Gen Z is leaving because it's too political." 36:10 - "Asbury revival proves Gen Z is returning." 36:37 - Big Takeaways THE 167 NEWSLETTER
When illness makes life unbearable, should we be permitted – and helped – to end our time in this place on our own terms? Last year on this podcast, we spoke to Andrew Copson, Chief Executive of Humanists UK, about the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill. On Friday the 24th of April, the bill officially ran out of parliamentary time. Undone not by elected MPs, a vote against it, or lack of public support, but by a filibuster organised by a handful of unelected peers. CALLS TO ACTION The parliamentary petition to stop Lords from denying democracy via delay can be found here. Find out more about the Humanist movement here. ***SPONSOR US AT KO-FI.COM/QUIETRIOTPOD*** You can listen to Alex's new Podyssey Storytime, on Arachne the Spider Woman, here. • We have put together a BLUESKY STARTER PACK, with all our regular contributors and many more interesting politicos besides • Email us at quietriotpod@gmail.com • Or visit our website www.quietriotpod.com Brought to you by Naomi Smith, Alex Andreou and Kenny Campbell. Quiet Riot is a Cooler Heads production ***SPONSOR US AT KO-FI.COM/QUIETRIOTPOD*** Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
With numerous former senior civil servants attacking Keir Starmer for his decision to sack Sir Olly Robbins – former Cabinet Secretary Lord Gus O'Donnell says the sacking “risks having a serious and sustained chilling effect on serving and prospective civil servants” - Ken Macdonald KC and Tim Owen KC examine the claim by those defending Robbins that he was forbidden by law from disclosing to Starmer even the bare outcome of Mandelson's developed vetting process by UK Security Vetting. Does - as previous FCDO Perm Sec Lord Simon McDonald has said - the Constitutional Reform and Governance Act 2010 and the terms of the Civil Service Code have the legal consequence that any disclosure to Ministers, including the Prime Minister, of any aspect of the developed vetting process is contrary to law? Or is this just an example of the Mandarin class being addicted to secrecy and control to the point that deprives Ministers of obviously relevant material for no clear legal reason? Following on from last week's episode with Kathleen Stock on the Assisted Dying Bill, Ken and Tim reflect on the briefing paper drafted by Humanists UK and My Death, My Decision which sets out the blatant efforts of 7 Peers to talk the Bill out in the Lords in full knowledge that were the House of Lords to be allowed to vote on it, the Bill would be passed - https://humanists.uk/2026/04/20/lords-assisted-dying-debate-transcript-is-longer-than-war-and-peace-filibuster-clear-and-obvious/#:~:text=Humanists%20UK%20and%20My%20Death%2C%20My%20Decision,the%20filibuster%2C%20and%20the%20final%20debate%20will. Finally, Ken and Tim discuss the legitimacy and future of private prosecutions in the wake of a scathing judgment issued last week by Senior District Judge Goldspring at Westminster Magistrates' Court in response to an attempt by the International Centre of Justice for Palestinians to issue a summons alleging a breach of the Foreign Enlistment Act 1870 against a dual British-Israel citizen who had re-enlisted in the Israel Defense Force in October 2023 - https://www.scribd.com/document/1028546698/ICJP-v-A-judgment?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email -- Covering the critical intersections of politics and law in the UK with expert commentary on high-profile legal cases, political controversies, prisons and sentencing, human rights law, current political events and the shifting landscape of justice and democracy. With in-depth discussions and influential guests, Double Jeopardy is the podcast that uncovers the forces shaping Britain's legal and political future. What happens when politics and law collide? How do politics shape the law - and when does the law push back? What happens when judicial independence is tested, human rights come under attack, or freedom of expression is challenged? And who really holds power in Britain's legal and political system? Get answers to questions like these weekly on Wednesdays. Double Jeopardy is presented by Ken Macdonald KC, former Director of Public Prosecutions, and Tim Owen KC, as they break down the legal and political issues in Britain. From high-profile legal cases to the evolving state of British democracy, Double Jeopardy offers expert legal commentary on the most pressing topics in UK law, politics, and human rights. Ken Macdonald KC served as Director of Public Prosecutions from 2003-2008, shaping modern prosecutorial policy and advocating for the rule of law. He is a former Warden of Wadham College, Oxford, a crossbench member of the House of Lords, and a leading writer, commentator and broadcaster on politics and the rule of law. Tim Owen KC has been involved in many of the most significant public, criminal and human rights law cases over the past four decades. Both bring unparalleled experience from the frontline of Britain's legal and political landscape. If you like The Rest Is Politics, Talking Politics, Law Pod UK and Today in Focus, you'll love Double Jeopardy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Subscribe to Unholy Histories wherever you get your podcasts:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/unholy-histories-the-humanist-heritage-podcast-from/id1893320823Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3HrZ03nnR0IL6PewJUc9mrAmazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/a72f5775-dd9b-4b6f-bd67-4df519ca5556/unholy-histories-the-humanist-heritage-podcast-from-humanists-ukYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLuiqL_-wjBYa1Owup4iQlUD6TZ-IGjEHjPodcast Addict: https://podcastaddict.com/podcast/unholy-histories-the-humanist-heritage-podcast-from-humanists-uk/6544180All other Podcast Directories: https://unholyhistories.humanists.uk/2489236/follow********Unholy Histories is the new Humanist Heritage Podcast from Humanists UK and inspired by the research of the Humanist Heritage Project.Join Andrew Copson and Madeleine Goodall as they uncover the rebels, reformers, and freethinkers who shaped a more open and compassionate Britain.The first episodes go live very soon. Subscribe now via your preferred podcast app to be notified the moment new episodes are released.Join Humanists UK: humanists.uk/joinDiscover more Humanist Heritage: heritage.humanists.ukSend us your questions or feedback to unholy@Humanise.LiveUnholy Histories is produced by Humanise Live a production agency creating values-led podcast content. Start podcasting today at humanise.liveMusic: Small Things by Simon FolwarSend us Fan MailSupport the showSupport Humanism Now & Join Our Community!Follow @HumanismNowPod | YouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Facebook | Threads | X.com | BlueSkyHumanism Now is produced by Humanise Live a podcast production agency based in London, serving charities, companies, and individuals across the globe.Contact us to get starting in podcasting today at humanise.live or hello@humanise.liveMusic: Blossom by Light PrismPodcast transcripts are AI-generated and may contain errors or omissions. They are provided to make our content more accessible, but should not be considered a fully accurate record of the conversation.
Subscribe to Unholy Histories wherever you get your podcasts: Apple Podcasts:: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/unholy-histories-the-humanist-heritage-podcast-from/id1893320823 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3HrZ03nnR0IL6PewJUc9mr Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/a72f5775-dd9b-4b6f-bd67-4df519ca5556/unholy-histories-the-humanist-heritage-podcast-from-humanists-uk YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLuiqL_-wjBYa1Owup4iQlUD6TZ-IGjEHj Podcast Addict: https://podcastaddict.com/podcast/unholy-histories-the-humanist-heritage-podcast-from-humanists-uk/6544180 All other Podcast Directories: https://unholyhistories.humanists.uk/2489236/follow Unholy Histories is the new Humanist Heritage Podcast from Humanists UK and inspired by the research of the Humanist Heritage Project. Join Andrew Copson and Madeleine Goodall as they uncover the rebels, reformers, and freethinkers who shaped a more open and compassionate Britain. The first episodes go live very soon. Subscribe now via your preferred podcast app to be notified the moment new episodes are released. Join Humanists UK: humanists.uk/join Discover more Humanist Heritage: heritage.humanists.uk Send us your questions or feedback to unholy@Humanise.Live Unholy Histories is produced by Humanise Live a production agency creating values-led podcast content. Start podcasting today at humanise.live Music: Small Things by Simon Folwar Podcast transcripts are AI-generated and may contain errors or omissions. They are provided to make our content more accessible, but should not be considered a fully accurate record of the conversation.
"Home Office officials do not understand what apostasy is — and this affects how non-religious asylum seekers are recognised, questioned, and believed."Dr Lucy Potter returns to Humanism Now to share the findings of her landmark new report on non-religious asylum claims in the UK, produced in collaboration with Humanists UK. Drawing on three years of in-depth qualitative research, the report is the first study to analyse Home Office decision-making policies for those seeking asylum on the basis of leaving religion or non-religious identity.Things we discuss✔︎ Why the Home Office misunderstands apostasy✔︎ Cultural bias in credibility assessments ✔︎ How interpretation errors can undermine asylum claims✔︎ Policy recommendations for fairer decision-makingRead the reportAvailable from Humanists UK (https://humanists.uk) from 24 March 2026.Attend the report launch
"We're at a time when we need critical thinking more than ever, and sadly, I'm not really seeing it happening." Professor Chris French is one of the world's leading researchers in anomalistic psychology and critical thinking. As former head of the Anomalistic Psychology Research Unit at Goldsmiths, University of London, author of The Science of Weird Sh*t, patron of Humanists UK, and former editor of The Skeptic magazine, Chris has spent decades investigating paranormal claims, debunking fraudsters, and exploring the psychology of belief. In this conversation, he unpacks why the paranormal is worth taking seriously as a scientific and psychological subject, what his own near-miss with precognition research taught him, why deliberate con artists deserve far more condemnation than sincere believers, and why we urgently need better critical thinking in schools, in public life, and in our politics.Connect with Professor FrenchChris's websiteChris's Guardian columnChris's Skeptic columnChris's profile page at GoldmithsChris on BlueskyChris being interviewed on the Plutopia podcastThe Science of Weird Shit on Bookshop.orgSend us Fan MailSupport the showSupport Humanism Now & Join Our Community!Follow @HumanismNowPod | YouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Facebook | Threads | X.com | BlueSkyHumanism Now is produced by Humanise Live a podcast production agency based in London, serving charities, companies, and individuals across the globe.Contact us to get starting in podcasting today at humanise.live or hello@humanise.liveMusic: Blossom by Light PrismPodcast transcripts are AI-generated and may contain errors or omissions. They are provided to make our content more accessible, but should not be considered a fully accurate record of the conversation.
“Chaplaincy is defined by function, it's not defined by belief.”Padre Dr Neil Weddell, the first ever non-religious pastoral carer (humanist chaplain) appointed in the British Army, joins Humanism Now alongside Clare Elcombe Webber, Director of Humanist Care at Humanists UK. We explore what chaplaincy really is, why this appointment is a historic shift for belief-diverse Armed Forces, and what humanist pastoral care looks like in practice for serving personnel and their families. Topics we coverThe evolving purpose of ChaplaincyWhy the Army's first non-religious chaplain is such a landmark moment “Presence”, confidentiality, and sitting outside the chain of commandStoicism, existentialism, and humanistic psychology as practical frameworks for moral and pastoral supportHow humanist chaplaincy strengthens, not replaces, religious chaplaincyWhere chaplaincy fits alongside welfare and medical support in a whole-person wellbeing systemCeremonies in military life: inclusive funerals, namings, and personal milestonesWhat it takes to become a non-religious pastoral carer, and the pathway into the professionResources & further readingRoyal Army Chaplains' Department: https://www.army.mod.uk/learn-and-explore/about-the-army/corps-regiments-and-units/royal-army-chaplains-department/Army Jobs -Chaplain role overview: https://jobs.army.mod.uk/roles/royal-army-chaplains-department/chaplain/Non-Religious Pastoral Support Network (NRPSN): https://nrpsn.org.uk/Humanists UK - First-ever humanist pastoral carer in the UK Armed Forces: https://humanists.uk/2025/10/07/first-ever-humanist-pastoral-carer-in-the-uk-armed-forces-2/Soldier Magazine - “New kinda padre in town”: https://soldier.army.mod.uk/issues/november-2025/update/new-padreSend a textSupport the showSupport Humanism Now & Join Our Community! Follow @HumanismNowPod | YouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Facebook | Threads | X.com | BlueSky Humanism Now is produced by Humanise Live a podcast production agency based in London, serving charities, companies, and individuals across the globe. Contact us to get starting in podcasting today at humanise.live or hello@humanise.liveMusic: Blossom by Light Prism Podcast transcripts are AI-generated and may contain errors or omissions. They are provided to make our content more accessible, but should not be considered a fully accurate record of the conversation.
Just like his uncle, even the Prince of Wales (William, that is!) cannot entirely stay out of the Epstein-files, as his charity gets tangled up in it. In TWISH we take a look at famed Giordano Bruno to see if he was truly a skeptic or more of a trouble make (admittedly, you can be both). Then we have the news:UK: More than 60 children infected in north London measles outbreakAUSTRIA: Group of scientists on how difficult it is to try to uphold scientific standardsINTERNATIONAL: Climate change confusion?INTERNATIONAL: Study finds deepfake to be alarmingly prevalentOn the same topic as two weeks ago, the Really Wrong Award goes to the UK education system for their very questionable religious education syllabus, while the Humanists UK get the Really Right Award for fighting back.Enjoy!https://theesp.eu/podcast_archive/theesp-ep-519.htmlSegments:0:00:27 Intro0:00:52 Greetings0:09:46 TWISH0:19:07 News0:41:30 Really Wrong / Really Right0:45:54 Quote0:47:43 Outro0:49:06 Outtakes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Churches across the country are bracing themselves for a significant new financial challenge. Until now, they've been able to reclaim VAT on essential repairs for everything from leaky roofs to dilapidated towers. But from April, that protection goes, and they'll have to pay a 20-per-cent tax to the government. William Crawley speaks to Sir Philip Rutnam, Chair of the National Churches Trust. At the start of the year, the Jamia Usmania mosque in Bradford posted a video on social media of its pilates class for older men, and it went viral. William hears from the mosque's general secretary Mohammed Ilyas and pilates instructor Zafar Kayani and tries a few pilates moves in the studio. Over the past few weeks, we've devoted a series to faith and Gen Z: rising Bible sales, social media influencers, and the online “orthobro” phenomenon. We've also previously reported on the battle between statisticians about whether or not the data points to a "quiet revival". But this week, Humanists UK offered a new analysis of the British Social Attitudes Survey which, they say, ends the debate once and for all. To explore what's really going on, we hear from Andrew Copson, Chief Executive of Humanists UK and Linda Woodhead, professor of Theology and Religious Studies at King's College London.PRESENTER: William Crawley PRODUCERS: Katy Davis & James Leesley STUDIO MANAGERS: Mike Smith & Lyndsey Akehurst EDITOR: Dan Tierney
In this short update epsiode, we are pleased to welcome back Nathan Stilwell, Humanists UK's Assisted dying Campaign Coordinator, Campaigns and Communications Manager at My Death My Decision and a member of The Assisted Dying Coalition Secretariat.Nathan explains what has happened since the Assisted Dying Bill passed the House of Commons, why it now risks falling in the House of Lords, and what supporters can do to help ensure it becomes law.This episode follows Nathan's first appearance on Humanism Now in November 2024 and offers a timely update on one of the most significant ethical debates in UK politics.References & further readingTerminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill – Publications – UK Parliament, bill text, amendments, and parliamentary documentsAsk the House of Lords to support assisted dying – Humanists UK campaign tool for contacting peers26. Nathan Stilwell on the Need for Compassionate Assisted Dying Legislation & End of Life Care – Humanism Now, November 2024.MPs back proposals to legalise assisted dying – BBC News, 29 November 2024.What has happened to the assisted dying bill? – BBC News, 12 December 2025.Assisted dying bill ‘near impossible' to pass House of Lords, say supporters – The Guardian, 22 January 2026.Send us a textSupport the showSupport Humanism Now & Join Our Community! Follow @HumanismNowPod | YouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Facebook | Threads | X.com | BlueSky Humanism Now is produced by Humanise Live a podcast production agency based in London, serving charities, companies, and individuals across the globe. Contact us to get starting in podcasting today at humanise.live or hello@humanise.liveMusic: Blossom by Light Prism Podcast transcripts are AI-generated and may contain errors or omissions. They are provided to make our content more accessible, but should not be considered a fully accurate record of the conversation.
Raffael Fasel is University Assistant Professor in Public Law at the Cambridge Law Faculty and Fellow of Jesus College. He specialises in public law, with a particular interest in constitutional theory, human rights law, and animal rights law. Raffael is co-founder and co-director of the Cambridge Centre for Animal Rights Law. John Adenitire is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Law at Queen Mary University London and a Co-Director of the Forum on Decentering the Human. He is also a trustee of Humanists UK . John's research is primarily focused on Public Law, Legal Theory, and Comparative Constitutional Law, with distinct specialisations in conscientious exemptions and including non-human animals in constitutional law.Together, they are the co-authors of "Animals and the Constitution: Towards Sentience-Based Constitutionalism"In Sentientist Conversations we talk about the most important questions: “what's real?”, “who matters?” and "how can we make a better world?"Sentientism answers those questions with "evidence, reason & compassion for all sentient beings." The video of our conversation is here on YouTube.00:00 Clips00:57 Welcome- John's appearance on Sentientism #703:30 John and Raffael Intros06:33 What Are Constitutions and Why Are They Important?Maneesha Deckha, Jane Kotzman, Josh Milburn, Michael Dorf Sentientism episodes and our Sentientist Law playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLcXzG-dxoZHBBwA0Ek2k29sh2MqLjdLBz RF: “…Constitutions are the most fundamental legal documents… the apex documents that a legal system has… that contain its most fundamental principles…”“…very difficult to amend those principles and indeed some constitutions don't even allow the amendment of certain very fundamental things like democracy or human rights.”“…the most important legal tools that exist if we're interested in in doing anything, including improving the lives of animals.”06:33 What Are Constitutions and Why Are They Important?21:03 Why Include Sentient Beings and Who Is Sentient?30:15 What Protections Do Constitutions Provide?38:52 What Rights Should Constitutions Provide?58:52 Trade-offs and Proportionality01:06:18 Rule of Law01:13:25 Democracy01:21:41 How Would the World Change Under Sentientist Constitutions?01:26:45 How Would a Sentientist Constitution Affect Human Sentients?01:29:35 How Do We Make This Happen?01:33:00 Follow Raffael and John:- https://www.qmul.ac.uk/law/people/academic-staff/items/adenitire.html- https://twitter.com/JohnAdenitire- https://www.law.cam.ac.uk/people/academic/rn-fasel/77852- https://bsky.app/profile/raffaelfasel.bsky.social- https://academic.oup.com/book/59826 And more... full show notes at Sentientism.info.Sentientism is “Evidence, reason & compassion for all sentient beings.” More at Sentientism.info. Join our "I'm a Sentientist" wall via this simple form.Everyone, Sentientist or not, is welcome in our groups. The biggest so far is here on FaceBook. Come join us there!
“No one ever said it was going to be easy. Humanists don't think a better world is inevitable—we think a better world is possible, but we have to work for it.”Andrew Copson OBE, Chief Executive of Humanists UK and former President of Humanists International, joins us for our 50th episode to reflect on two decades of humanist leadership. From growing up in a secular working-class community to championing global human rights, Andrew explains why humanism remains vital in a time of rising extremism, technological disruption, and political uncertainty.Connect with AndrewWebsite – Humanists UKX (Twitter) – @andrewcopsonLinkedIn – Andrew CopsonFacebook - @mrandrewcopsonTopics we cover ✔︎ Growing up secular in working-class Britain ✔︎ Why humanist organizations matter: advocacy, representarion and care ✔︎ Misconceptions about humanism today – “too anti-religious” vs. “too pro-human” ✔︎ The challenge of technology and the meaning of mortality ✔︎ Strategic engagement: when to dialogue, and when not to ✔︎ Transforming Humanists International into a diverse, global movement ✔︎ The campaign to free Mubarak Bala ✔︎ UK priorities ahead: assisted dying, curriculum reform, defending equality ✔︎ Why embracing the identity of “humanist” still mattersResources & further readingSecularism: Politics, Religion and Freedom – Copson (2017)The Wiley Blackwell Handbook of Humanism – Copson & Grayling (2015)The Little Book of Humanism Series – Copson & RobertsWhat I Believe – Copson (2025)What I Believe PodcastAndrew Copson's Farewell Speech to the General Assembly, Humanists International 2025Mubarak Bala case – HumaniSend us a textSupport the showSupport Humanism Now & Join Our Community! Follow @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 Podcast transcripts are AI-generated and may contain errors or omissions. They are provided to make our content more accessible, but should not be considered a fully accurate record of the conversation.
Congratulations to friend of the show Deborah Hyde who has been appointed patron of Humanists UK! In TWISH we hear about to unsolved mystery of the disappearance of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry and after that, we dig into the news:IRELAND: Excavation of mass grave of infants in Irish “mother and baby home”INTERNATIONAL: YouTube and Meta seem to finally crack down on political disinformationUKRAINE: Zelensky's new law mandates regular lie detector testsSCOTLAND: Trump caught on tape cheating in golf?DENMARK / INTERNATIONAL: No link between aluminum in vaccines and chronic diseaseUK / INTERNATIONAL: Nominations for the Ockham Awards are now open!Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK and general spreader of disinformation, is demonstrably lying about the crime situation in the UK, and for that he gets this week's award for being Really Wrong.Enjoy!https://theesp.eu/podcast_archive/theesp-ep-490.htmlSegments:0:00:27 Intro0:00:51 Greetings0:14:50 TWISH0:29:34 News1:01:11 Really Wrong1:07:30 Quote1:09:17 Outro1:10:39 Outtakes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Margaret "Mother" Clap stood before a London court on 23rd July, 1726, accused of running a “Molly house” - a social club for gay men that was part-brothel, part-safe haven. She argued, perhaps naively, that as a woman she couldn't possibly be involved in such "unnatural" practices, but the jury was unconvinced: she was fined, sentenced to two years in prison, and subjected to public humiliation on the pillory, where the crowd's abuse was so severe she reportedly fainted multiple times. In the shadowy corners of early 18th-century London, queer life pulsed with secret vitality despite the oppressive laws of the time, which criminalized male same-sex acts with penalties as severe as death. Molly houses like Mother Clap's offered sanctuary—a mix of tavern, drag show, hookup spot, and even mock wedding venue. In this episode, Rebecca, Arion and Olly explain how a raid by the Society for the Reformation of Manners brought about Mother Clap's downfall; discover how London's newspapers revelled in the titillation of the tales, yet also stoked further hatred of homosexuals; and uncover the surprisingly tolerant locals who were queer ‘allies' centuries before such a term existed… Further Reading: • ‘Mother Clap (died c.1726) | Humanist Heritage - Exploring the rich history and influence of humanism in the UK' (Humanists UK, 2024): https://heritage.humanists.uk/mother-clap/ • ‘Beastly Sodomites And The Shameless Urban Future' (Farid Azfar, Swarthmore College, 2014): https://core.ac.uk/download/pdf/76220788.pdf • ‘Molly Houses and Madams: Unravelling Georgian Subcultures' (British Library, 2021): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MTSHC_GmkPk Love the show? Support us! Join
Andrew Copson speaks to actor, writer, and Humanists UK patron Stephen Fry about his life and career, touching on everything from his concerns that near-universal perspectives on equality could be under threat from prejudiced AI models, to the intriguing paradox of human behaviour in relation to the individual vs the mass. He delves into our innate moral sense of right and wrong, as well as the value of uncertainty. Please note: there are some quality issues with Andrew's audio. What I Believe was the title of two separate essays by the philosopher Bertrand Russell and the philosopher EM Forster in the early 20th century. These two humanists set out their approach to life, their fundamental worldview, in a way that was accessible to all. In this podcast, Chief Executive of Humanists UK, Andrew Copson, speaks to humanists today to understand more about what they believe, to understand more about the values, convictions, and opinions they live by. Humanists UK is the national charity working on behalf of non religious people to advance free thinking and promote a tolerant society. If you'd like to support the podcast or find out more about the humanist approach to life or the work that we do, please visit humanists.uk. If you like what you see, please consider joining as a member. You can follow Humanists UK on Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram, X, and TikTok – and please remember to leave a 5 star review! What I Believe is produced by Sophie Castle.
Lord Alf Dubs is a Labour peer and former MP. He came to the UK from Prague in 1939 on one of the Kindertransport trains organised by Sir Nicholas Winton which rescued mostly Jewish children from Nazi-occupied Czechoslovakia.Alf was born in Prague in 1932. His father was from a Jewish background and was brought up in what was then Northern Bohemia while his mother came from Austria. His father left Prague for London as soon as the Nazis invaded Czechoslovakia in March 1939. In June, when he was six-years-old, Alf was put on a Kindertransport train, arriving at Liverpool Street station two days later where he was met by his father. His mother eventually joined them in London the day before war broke out. Alf studied Politics and Economics at the London School of Economics and was elected as the Member of Parliament for Battersea South in May 1979. He lost his seat in 1987 and the following year he was appointed director of the Refugee Council, becoming the first refugee to head up the charity.In March 2016 Alf tabled an amendment to the 2016 Immigration Act (known as the Dubs Amendment) which asked the Government to accept 3,000 unaccompanied refugee children into the UK. The amendment passed but the Government closed the scheme the following year after accepting 480 children.In 2016 Alf received the Humanist of the Year award by Humanists UK of which he is also a patron. In 2021 his Czech citizenship was restored making him the first Czech-British member of the House of Lords.DISC ONE: It's Easy To Remember (Take 4) - John Coltrane Quartet DISC TWO: Smetana: Má Vlast, JB1:112: 2. Vltava. Performed by Czech Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Jiří Bělohlávek DISC THREE: She's Leaving Home - The Beatles DISC FOUR: Bandiera Rossa - Canzoniere del Lame DISC FIVE: Mozart: Horn Concerto No. 1 in D Major, K. 412: I. Allegro. Performed by Barry Tuckwell (French horn), Academy of Saint Martin in the Fields, conducted by Neville Marriner DISC SIX: Danny Boy - Daniel O'Donnell DISC SEVEN: Take This Waltz - Leonard Cohen DISC EIGHT: Ode to Joy. Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven and performed by Gewandhausorchester Leipzig, conducted by Herbert BlomstedtBOOK CHOICE: Germinal by Émile Zola LUXURY ITEM: Walking boots CASTAWAY'S FAVOURITE: It's Easy To Remember (Take 4) - John Coltrane Quartet Presenter Lauren Laverne Producer Paula McGinley
Andrew Copson speaks to Professor of Palaeobiology and Humanists UK patron Anjali Goswami about how her study of the history of life on Earth profoundly shapes her humanist worldview and sense of interconnectedness. Anjali discusses how a childhood encounter with a tiger has led the course of her career as well as humanity's responsibility towards a sustainable future in the face of ‘‘selfish nihilism'. Please note, this episode unfortunately has some audio quality issues. What I Believe was the title of two separate essays by the philosopher Bertrand Russell and the philosopher EM Forster in the early 20th century. These two humanists set out their approach to life, their fundamental worldview, in a way that was accessible to all. In this podcast, Chief Executive of Humanists UK, Andrew Copson, speaks to humanists today to understand more about what they believe, to understand more about the values, convictions, and opinions they live by. Humanists UK is the national charity working on behalf of non religious people to advance free thinking and promote a tolerant society. If you'd like to support the podcast or find out more about the humanist approach to life or the work that we do, please visit humanists.uk. If you like what you see, please consider joining as a member. You can follow Humanists UK on Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram, X, and TikTok – and please remember to leave a 5 star review! What I Believe is produced by Sophie Castle.
Andrew Copson speaks to Labour MP for Morecambe and Lunesdale and Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Humanist Group, Lizzi Collinge, about the practical application of humanist principles within the often-turbulent world of politics. It's a glimpse into the unique challenges and 'profound' rewards of being a humanist voice in Westminster, and how MPs can work within the system to create collective and meaningful change. This podcast was recorded on 11 June 2025. What I Believe was the title of two separate essays by the philosopher Bertrand Russell and the philosopher EM Forster in the early 20th century. These two humanists set out their approach to life, their fundamental worldview, in a way that was accessible to all. In this podcast, Chief Executive of Humanists UK, Andrew Copson, speaks to humanists today to understand more about what they believe, to understand more about the values, convictions, and opinions they live by. Humanists UK is the national charity working on behalf of non religious people to advance free thinking and promote a tolerant society. If you'd like to support the podcast or find out more about the humanist approach to life or the work that we do, please visit humanists.uk. If you like what you see, please consider joining as a member. You can follow Humanists UK on Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram, X, and TikTok – and please remember to leave a 5 star review! What I Believe is produced by Sophie Castle.
Andrew Copson speaks to economist James Forder about his view on individual freedom and limited government as a self described 'old-fashioned liberal'. He discusses his belief in free enterprise as not just an economic engine but a powerful moral good that fosters self-reliance and the pursuit of individual goals. He also delves into the profound philosophical implications of our finiteness and how this very limitation gives life its meaning. What I Believe was the title of two separate essays by the philosopher Bertrand Russell and the philosopher EM Forster in the early 20th century. These two humanists set out their approach to life, their fundamental worldview, in a way that was accessible to all. In this podcast, Chief Executive of Humanists UK, Andrew Copson, speaks to humanists today to understand more about what they believe, to understand more about the values, convictions, and opinions they live by. Humanists UK is the national charity working on behalf of non religious people to advance free thinking and promote a tolerant society. If you'd like to support the podcast or find out more about the humanist approach to life or the work that we do, please visit humanists.uk. If you like what you see, please consider joining as a member. You can follow Humanists UK on Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram, X, and TikTok – and please remember to leave a 5 star review! What I Believe is produced by Sophie Castle.
Andrew Copson speaks to a leading voice in human-technology interaction, Dr Kate Devlin, about becoming the unexpected 'face of sex robots' and why our fascination with artificial companions reveals more about us than the machines. Kate discusses repeating patterns of human fear and adaptation in the face of new technology, the critical ethical challenges of AI – from algorithmic bias impacting facial recognition to the darker side of its supply chain – as well as the need for value-driven and human-centric AI development. This episode was recorded in April 2024. What I Believe was the title of two separate essays by the philosopher Bertrand Russell and the philosopher EM Forster in the early 20th century. These two humanists set out their approach to life, their fundamental worldview, in a way that was accessible to all. In this podcast, Chief Executive of Humanists UK, Andrew Copson, speaks to humanists today to understand more about what they believe, to understand more about the values, convictions, and opinions they live by. Humanists UK is the national charity working on behalf of non religious people to advance free thinking and promote a tolerant society. If you'd like to support the podcast or find out more about the humanist approach to life or the work that we do, please visit humanists.uk. If you like what you see, please consider joining as a member. You can follow Humanists UK on Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram, X, and TikTok – and please remember to leave a 5 star review! What I Believe is produced by Sophie Castle.
Andrew Copson speaks to bestselling author Sarah Bakewell who discusses her intellectual journey through the lives and ideas of history's great thinkers. From Montaigne's enduring wisdom to the existentialists' quest for meaning and the rich tapestry of humanism, Sarah discusses how she uncovers the 'inhabited philosophy' of fascinating individuals from the past and what these explorations reveal about the particularities and universalities of being human. What I Believe was the title of two separate essays by the philosopher Bertrand Russell and the philosopher EM Forster in the early 20th century. These two humanists set out their approach to life, their fundamental worldview, in a way that was accessible to all. In this podcast, Chief Executive of Humanists UK, Andrew Copson, speaks to humanists today to understand more about what they believe, to understand more about the values, convictions, and opinions they live by. Humanists UK is the national charity working on behalf of non religious people to advance free thinking and promote a tolerant society. If you'd like to support the podcast or find out more about the humanist approach to life or the work that we do, please visit humanists.uk. If you like what you see, please consider joining as a member. You can follow Humanists UK on Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram, X, and TikTok – and please remember to leave a 5 star review! What I Believe is produced by Sophie Castle.
Andrew Copson speaks to journalist and political powerhouse Ian Dunt about the uncomfortable truths of liberalism, the rise of populism, and tensions between freedom to Vs freedom from. This episode was recorded in January 2024. What I Believe was the title of two separate essays by the philosopher Bertrand Russell and the philosopher EM Forster in the early 20th century. These two humanists set out their approach to life, their fundamental worldview, in a way that was accessible to all. In this podcast, Chief Executive of Humanists UK, Andrew Copson, speaks to humanists today to understand more about what they believe, to understand more about the values, convictions, and opinions they live by. Humanists UK is the national charity working on behalf of non religious people to advance free thinking and promote a tolerant society. If you'd like to support the podcast or find out more about the humanist approach to life or the work that we do, please visit humanists.uk. If you like what you see, please consider joining as a member: You can follow Humanists UK on Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram, X, and TikTok – and please remember to leave a 5 star review! What I Believe is produced by Sophie Castle.
Andrew Copson speaks to acclaimed novelist and Humanists UK patron Jane Fallon about the beliefs that have shaped her journey from vegetarianism to veganism, her lifelong love for animals, and her transition from TV producer to the author of 14 bestselling books. What I Believe was the title of two separate essays by the philosopher Bertrand Russell and the philosopher EM Forster in the early 20th century. These two humanists set out their approach to life, their fundamental worldview, in a way that was accessible to all. In this podcast, Chief Executive of Humanists UK, Andrew Copson, speaks to humanists today to understand more about what they believe, to understand more about the values, convictions, and opinions they live by. Humanists UK is the national charity working on behalf of non religious people to advance free thinking and promote a tolerant society. If you'd like to support the podcast or find out more about the humanist approach to life or the work that we do, please visit humanists.uk. If you like what you see, please consider joining as a member: You can follow Humanists UK on Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram, X, and TikTok – and please remember to leave a 5 star review! What I Believe is produced by Sophie Castle.
Andrew Copson speaks to Labour peer, campaigner, humanist, and former child refugee Lord Alf Dubs who shares the beliefs that have shaped his lifelong quest for social justice, including a childhood encounter with discrimination in 1940s UK and finding himself unexpectedly part of history as a hospital patient on the day the NHS began. He also opens up fleeing the Nazis, travelling as a child refugee on Nicholas Winton's Kindertransport. What I Believe was the title of two separate essays by the philosopher Bertrand Russell and the philosopher EM Forster in the early 20th century. These two humanists set out their approach to life, their fundamental worldview, in a way that was accessible to all. In this podcast, Chief Executive of Humanists UK, Andrew Copson, speaks to humanists today to understand more about what they believe, to understand more about the values, convictions, and opinions they live by. Humanists UK is the national charity working on behalf of non religious people to advance free thinking and promote a tolerant society. If you'd like to support the podcast or find out more about the humanist approach to life or the work that we do, please visit humanists.uk. If you like what you see, please consider joining as a member: You can follow Humanists UK on Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram, X, and TikTok – and please remember to leave a 5 star review! What I Believe is produced by Sophie Castle.
As everyone else these days we are moving from X to Bluesky, any help in driving traffic our way is much appreciated. The Humanists UK has published a new exciting book called What I Believe, named after podcast by the same name. You should check it out! In TWISH we hear about how the (then) Prince of Wales got his favorite charity for SCAM (So-Called Alternative Medicine) struck from the UK Charity Commission. Then, we head for the news:INTERNATIONAL: 2024 will be the first year above 1.5°CINTERNATIONAL: Climate crisis to blame for dozens of ‘impossible' heatwaves, studies revealINTERNATIONAL: Retraction Watch is hiring!SPAIN: Video does not show ‘HAARP ship' floating near Spain before floodsINTERNATIONAL: WHO teams up with TikTok to combat misinformation on social mediaThe Really Wrong Award goes to the Vrije Universiteit in Amsterdam for making a chiropractor professor.Enjoy!https://theesp.eu/podcast_archive/theesp-ep-454.htmlSegments:0:00:27 Intro0:00:50 Greetings0:11:56 TWISH0:16:37 News0:36:14 Really Wrong0:40:55 Quote0:42:32 Outro0:43:47 Outtakes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
At the end of this month, MP's will debate and vote on the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill. Kim Leadbeater, the Labour member behind the proposal, says that the current ‘status quo is not fit for purpose' as it leads to people ‘having very harrowing, very distressing deaths – both for themselves and for their family.'But, is the legalising of assisted dying the best answer to this dilemma? Would there be adequate safeguards? And when traditional Christian teaching has always affirmed that human life is sacred, how much of the argument is still swayed by religious faith? In the studio to discuss these issues are Dr Idris Baker, a palliative medicine consultant in Swansea and a Church elder; Kathy Riddick – Wales coordinator for Humanists UK; and Rev Simon Walkling – a United Reformed Church minister and former hospice chaplain.
Since the election of an overwhelmingly secular Labour government, people who describe themselves as humanists have a spring in their step: for example, there's a prospect that humanist weddings will be legally recognised in England and Wales (they already are in Scotland). But what exactly is a humanist? Definitions vary and there's a heated debate about to what extent the ethical but firmly atheist beliefs of the rather loosely organised modern humanist movement are descended from Christianity. In this episode of Holy Smoke we'll hear from Andrew Copson, CEO of Humanists UK since 2010 & President of Humanists International, and the theologian and Spectator contributor Theo Hobson, author of God created Humanism: the Christian Basis of Secular Values. Damian Thompson spoke to them earlier and, as you'll hear, it was a lively encounter. Produced by Patrick Gibbons.
Since the election of an overwhelmingly secular Labour government, people who describe themselves as humanists have a spring in their step: for example, there's a prospect that humanist weddings will be legally recognised in England and Wales (they already are in Scotland). But what exactly is a humanist? Definitions vary and there's a heated debate about to what extent the ethical but firmly atheist beliefs of the rather loosely organised modern humanist movement are descended from Christianity. In this episode of Holy Smoke we'll hear from Andrew Copson, CEO of Humanists UK since 2010 & President of Humanists International, and the theologian and Spectator contributor Theo Hobson, author of God created Humanism: the Christian Basis of Secular Values. Damian Thompson spoke to them earlier and, as you'll hear, it was a lively encounter. Produced by Patrick Gibbons.
After a new bill attempting to legalise assisted dying in the UK was introduced to the House of Commons, the Green Party MP Sian Berry, former Lord Chancellor and Labour Peer Lord Falconer, and Nathan Stillwell, assisted dying campaigner at Humanists UK, join host Alain Tolhurst to look at how likely Kim Leadbeater's private member's bill is to eventually become law, the scope it might cover, how other countries like Canada have introduced and managed the process, and how to assuage the concerns of those worried about coercion, and that passing the law might start a slippery slope towards legalised euthanasia. To sign up for our newsletters click here Presented by Alain Tolhurst, produced by Nick Hilton for Podot
An accessible and gratifying introduction to the world of paranormal beliefs and bizarre experiences.Ghostly encounters, alien abduction, reincarnation, talking to the dead, UFO sightings, inexplicable coincidences, out-of-body and near-death experiences. Are these legitimate phenomena? If not, then how should we go about understanding them? In this fascinating book, Chris French investigates paranormal claims to discover what lurks behind this “weird shit.” French provides authoritative evidence-based explanations for a wide range of superficially mysterious phenomena, and then goes further to draw out lessons with wider applications to many other aspects of modern society where critical thinking is urgently needed.Using academic, comprehensive, logical, and, at times, mathematical approaches, The Science of Weird Shit convincingly debunks ESP, communicating with the dead, and alien abduction claims, among other phenomena. All the while, however, French maintains that our belief in such phenomena is neither ridiculous nor trivial; if anything, such claims can tell us a great deal about the human mind if we pay them the attention they are due. Filled with light-bulb moments and a healthy dose of levity, The Science of Weird Shit is a clever, memorable, and gratifying read you won't soon forget.Chris French is Emeritus Professor and Head of the Anomalistic Psychology Research Unit in the Psychology Department at Goldsmiths, University of London. He is a Fellow of the British Psychological Society and of the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry and a Patron of Humanists UK. He is the coauthor of Anomalistic Psychology: Exploring Paranormal Belief and Experience.Buy the book from Wellington Square Bookshop - https://www.wellingtonsquarebooks.com/book/9780262048361
Do books have a future in the new digital world order? And can we engage productively with problematic cultural content?This week luminary philosopher A.C Grayling and cultural content creator Mary McGillivray join host Lloyd Vogelman on the couch for an unfiltered conversation that digs into the personal side of the Principle of Charity.A. C. Grayling CBE MA DPhil is the Principal of Northeastern University London and its Professor of Philosophy. He is a Supernumerary Fellow of St Anne's College, Oxford. He is the author of over thirty books of philosophy, biography, history of ideas and essays. He was a columnist for The Guardian, The Times and Prospect Magazine. He has twice been a judge for The Booker Prize, in 2014 serving as the Chair of the judging panel. He is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature, a Vice President of Humanists UK, Patron of the Defence Humanists, Honorary Associate of the Secular Society and a Patron of Dignity in Dying.Mary McGillivray is a content creator making visual culture analysis accessible for the next generation. She holds a Masters degree in History of Art and Architecture from The University of Cambridge and is currently a PhD candidate at The University of Melbourne. Mary has worked with art galleries and cultural institutions across Australia, the UK and Europe to bring their collections to a massive online audience of highly engaged young viewers and she also appears on ABC Arts.CREDITSYour hosts are Lloyd Vogelman and Emile Sherman This podcast is proud to partner with The Ethics CentreFind Lloyd @LloydVogelman on Linked inFind Emile @EmileSherman on Linked In and XThis podcast is produced by Jonah Primo and Sabrina OrganoFind Jonah at jonahprimo.com or @JonahPrimo on Instagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode, we are joined by Alastair Lichten, a humanist community builder with Humanists UK, and the author of the blog, Humanist Dad. Alastair has been using the blog to explore how his humanist worldview informs the challenging decisions he makes as a parent raising children in the UK. We talk about the ways humanist values are reflected in addressing thorny issues like what (if anything) to teach kids about religion, what kind of rituals humanist parents perform without religion, and how to deal with intrusive influences from the dominant religious culture. We also learn whether a True Humanist wishes their kids grow up to be humanists.Read more on Alastair's blog, Humanist Dad: https://humanistdad.uk/Follow Nathan on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/nathgalexander.bsky.social Beyond Atheism is produced and distributed by Atheists United Studios: https://www.atheistsunited.org/au-studios
Sonia Sodha of The Observer assesses the latest developments at Westminster. Following the Prime Minister's speech on global insecurity she speaks to former Conservative Defence Secretary, Sir Liam Fox MP, and former Labour International Development Secretary, Douglas Alexander. Theo Bertram, director of the Social Market Foundation and a former Labour adviser, discusses whether election 'pledge' cards are a good idea following Sir Keir Starmer's campaign event this week. After a knife-edge vote on excluding from Parliament MPs accused of serious offences, Sonia speaks to Liberal Democrat Chief Whip Wendy Chamberlain MP and Conservative MP Nigel Mills. And, after claims a Liberal Democrat candidate was deselected because of his Christian faith, Sonia brings together the Rt Rev Nick Baines, Bishop of Leeds, and Polly Toynbee, journalist and vice president of Humanists UK, to discuss whether Christianity and modern politics are compatible.
As the malaria vaccine is rolled out across sub Saharan Africa, medical experts are concerned about the impact of anti vaccine sermons from influential religious figures. An example is Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, a multi-millionaire televangelist in Nigeria whose promotion of anti-vax conspiracy theories risks undercutting the country's efforts to deal with malaria. William Crawley speaks to Julius Ogunro, a media and political consultant in Abuja who's been writing about the pastor's anti-vax views.Lady Bushra has been gracing stages across the UK and America with a drag and comedy act representing South Asian communities, wearing traditional Desi makeup and rocking a Saree. Behind the make-up is the Bradford-born artist and performer Amir Dean, who spoke to William Crawley just before one of his shows in Manchester.As Humanists UK release a book of interviews called ‘What I Believe', we ask what they do believe, apart from the assertion that there is no God. We hear from Andrew Copson, Chief Executive of Humanists UK and Nichola Raihani, Professor of Evolution and Behaviour at University College London.Presenter: William Crawley Producers: Bara'atu Ibrahim & Peter Everett Production Coordinator: David Baguley Editor: Jonathan Hallewell
Professor Francesca Stavrakopoulou is a biblical scholar and broadcaster. She is Professor of Hebrew Bible and Ancient Religion at the University of Exeter in the UK. Her research is on ancient Israelite and Judahite religions, and portrayals of the religious past in the Hebrew Bible. Her most recent book deals with ancient constructs of God's body, it's called ‘God: An Anatomy'. It won the PEN Hessell-Tiltman Prize for non-fiction; was shortlisted for the Wolfson History Prize; named a best book of the year in both the Economist and Sunday Times, and was serialised on BBC Radio 4's Book of the Week. Francesca is also very active as a public speaker and in the media, appearing on and presenting various tv shows in the UK including ‘The Bible: A History' and ‘The Bible's Buried Secrets'. She is an atheist and a Patron of Humanists UK… and as you can imagine that really pisses off a lot of people interested in her work.Francesca Stavrakopoulou's faculty page: https://theology.exeter.ac.uk/staff/stavrakopoulou/Twitter: https://twitter.com/ProfFrancescaWikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Francesca_Stavrakopoulou‘God: An Anatomy' publisher's page: https://www.panmacmillan.com/authors/francesca-stavrakopoulou/god/9781509867370NOTES: In Indonesia, a Blurred Boundary Between the Living and the Dead (New York Times): https://www.nytimes.com/2020/12/14/travel/torajan-death-rituals-indonesia.htmlHans Holbein's The Body of the Dead Christ in the Tomb: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Body_of_the_Dead_Christ_in_the_TombWhy Greeks are exhuming their parents (BBC) https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-34920068The Cluster F Theory Podcast is edited by Julian Mayers at Yada Yada.Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-cluster-f-theory-podcast/id1736982916Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5V4bBn54hiImeoyDNmTcIr?si=729367e48b0940d9Thanks for reading The Cluster F Theory Podcast! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support the show. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theclusterftheory.substack.com
Adam Rutherford is a scientist, writer, broadcaster and President of Humanists UK.He is a Lecturer in Biology and Society at University College London, where he teaches the history of eugenics, race science, genetics, and science communication.He is one of the UK's most well-known science communicators and in 2021 was awarded The Royal Society David Attenborough Award in recognition of his contribution to strengthening public confidence in science through radio, TV, films, talks and books, and in particular, for challenging racist pseudoscience.His BBC programmes include Start The Week, Inside Science and The Curious Cases of Rutherford and Fry. He's written several books including 'A Brief History Of Everyone Who's Ever Lived', 'How To Argue With A Racist' and 'Control: The dark history and troubling present of eugenics'.https://www.adamrutherford.com/https://www.ucl.ac.uk/biosciences/people/dr-adam-rutherfordhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adam_Rutherfordhttps://twitter.com/AdamRutherfordhttps://www.youtube.com/live/hIIgAIB5AWw?si=Cgj0Q8DATkF2ucRdNOTES: When Adam mentions 'the Hammersmith Apollo with Brian and Robin', he's talking about an annual science, comedy and music charity event in London held at the Eventim Apollo (which depending on your age you actually refer to as the Hammersmith Odeon or the Hammersmith Apollo, rather than its current name) or at the Royal Albert Hall, hosted by Professor Brian Cox and comedian Robin Ince.Trump's Obsession with Genetic Superiority and Bloodlines https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V6iSgqFahoMNick Bostrom's paper ‘Existential Risks: Analyzing Human Extinction Scenarios and Related Hazards' (pdf): https://nickbostrom.com/existential/risks.pdfElon Musk Is Totally Wrong About Population Collapse (paywall): https://www.wired.com/story/elon-musk-population-crisis/The Cluster F Theory Podcast is edited by Julian Mayers at Yada Yada.Subscribe for free to The Cluster F Theory Podcast. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theclusterftheory.substack.com
This week the Media Bill has been scrutinised and debated in the House of Lords. The aim is of the bill is to reform decades-old legislation for Public Service Broadcasters (including the BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and S4C), but in its current form it will remove the requirement for specific genres of programmes on religion, arts and science.With religious programming already in decline, some groups are concerned that this will deal a serious blow to faith broadcasting. Others argue it's a necessary step, giving broadcasters greater flexibility and reflecting a post-Christian Britain. What might happen if there isn't a a requirement to make programmes about religion and belief? With a rapidly changing religious landscape in Britain, do current faith programmes meet audience needs? To what extent does religious broadcasting matter? Azim Ahmed is joined by four guests to explore the issues; Tony Stoller, Chair of the Sandford St. Martin Trust, Tim Pemberton, Head of Religion and Ethics for BBC Audio, Kathryn Riddick from Humanists UK and journalist and broadcaster Remona Aly.
Andy Kind hosts today's Unbelievable where the debate topic is Does Secular Humanism or Christianity offer a brighter future for the UK? We have teamed up with our friends at Aylesbury Vale Youth For Christ a pioneering youth ministry that holds debates in UK schools in the style of Unbelievable to engage the students in the big questions of life, faith and differing worldviews. A key component is that the students get to put their questions directly to the debaters. So grab your schoolbag as we join a fascinating debate held at the end of 2023 between secular humanist Neil McKain and Christian apologist Sara Stevenson. Neil McKain is also the vice-chairman of Humanists UK, and a religious studies teacher. Sara Stevenson who is a writer, speaker and theologian from the Oxford Centre for Christian Apologetics. This was a debate held at St Michaels School in Aylesbury, UK. The debate was moderated by head of Religious Studies, Mark Smallwood. https://www.theocca.org/ https://aylesburyvale.yfc.co.uk/ https://standrewsbookshop.co.uk/product/hidden-in-plain-sight-2-2/ • Subscribe to the Unbelievable? podcast: https://pod.link/267142101 • More shows, free eBook & newsletter: https://premierunbelievable.com • For live events: http://www.unbelievable.live • For online learning: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/training • Support us in the USA: http://www.premierinsight.org/unbelievableshow • Support us in the rest of the world: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/donate
Andrew Copson speaks to award-winning writer, comedian, and former doctor Adam Kay who shares the beliefs that have shaped his life and career. From the original values of the NHS, to questions about its future, he lifts the lid on one of the UK's most cherished institutions, founded by humanist Nye Bevan, and offers a glimpse into the challenges facing patients, healthcare workers, and the NHS as a service. Adam's new book, Kay's Incredible Inventions, is out now: https://www.waterstones.com/book/kays-incredible-inventions/adam-kay/henry-paker/9780241540787 He is a patron of Humanists UK: https://humanists.uk/about/our-people/patrons/adam-kay/ In May 2023, Humanists UK held an 'In Conversation Event' with Adam Kay, hosted by its President, Adam Rutherford: https://humanists.uk/2023/05/17/humanists-uk-presents-adam-kay-with-the-voltaire-lecture-medal/ What I Believe was the title of two separate essays by the philosopher Bertrand Russell and the philosopher EM Forster in the early 20th century. These two humanists set out their approach to life, their fundamental worldview, in a way that was accessible to all. In this podcast, Chief Executive of Humanists UK, Andrew Copson, speaks to humanists today to understand more about what they believe, to understand more about the values, convictions, and opinions they live by. Humanists UK is the national charity working on behalf of non religious people to advance free thinking and promote a tolerant society. If you'd like to support the podcast or find out more about the humanist approach to life or the work that we do, please visit humanists.uk. If you like what you see, please consider joining as a member: You can follow Humanists UK on Twitter (X), Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok – and please remember to leave a 5 star review! What I Believe is produced by Sophie Castle.
Andrew Copson speaks to Liberal Democrat peer and patron of Humanists UK, Baroness Lynne Featherstone who shares her political experiences as a Minister of the Conservative–Liberal Democrat Coalition Government (2010-2015). From being the chief architect of the same-sex marriage act, to the values that drive her liberal beliefs, it's must-listen episode about an individual whose actions have left a significant impact on the world of politics and social change. What I Believe was the title of two separate essays by the philosopher Bertrand Russell and the philosopher EM Forster in the early 20th century. These two humanists set out their approach to life, their fundamental worldview, in a way that was accessible to all. In this podcast, Chief Executive of Humanists UK, Andrew Copson, speaks to humanists today to understand more about what they believe, to understand more about the values, convictions, and opinions they live by. Humanists UK is the national charity working on behalf of non religious people to advance free thinking and promote a tolerant society. If you'd like to support the podcast or find out more about the humanist approach to life or the work that we do, please visit humanists.uk. If you like what you see, please consider joining as a member: You can follow Humanists UK on Twitter (X), Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok – and please remember to leave a 5 star review! What I Believe is produced by Sophie Castle.
Andrew Copson speaks to science communicator Alom Shaha who shares his experiences as a teacher and author. From growing up in a strict Bangladeshi Muslim area in south-east London, to the role of his teachers in shaping his worldview, it's a thought-provoking episode about the power of education and the thrill of intellectual endeavour. Alom Shaha is a patron of Humanists UK. In 2012, he published The Young Atheist's Handbook: Living a Good Life Without God. The book chronicles his upbringing in a strict Bangladeshi Muslim area in south-east London in the 1970s and 80s and outlines the intellectual journey which led him to identify as a humanist. It was launched at an event organised by Humanists UK, which later ran a successful crowdfunder to distribute copies of the book to every school in the country. Alom is also a former trustee of Humanists UK. What I Believe was the title of two separate essays by the philosopher Bertrand Russell and the philosopher EM Forster in the early 20th century. These two humanists set out their approach to life, their fundamental worldview, in a way that was accessible to all. In this podcast, Chief Executive of Humanists UK, Andrew Copson, speaks to humanists today to understand more about what they believe, to understand more about the values, convictions, and opinions they live by. Humanists UK is the national charity working on behalf of non religious people to advance free thinking and promote a tolerant society. If you'd like to support the podcast or find out more about the humanist approach to life or the work that we do, please visit humanists.uk. If you like what you see, please consider joining as a member: You can follow Humanists UK on Twitter (X), Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok – and please remember to leave a 5 star review! What I Believe is produced by Sophie Castle.
Andrew Copson speaks to SNP MP Tommy Sheppard about his life and career as a politician. From his childhood in Northern Ireland during the Troubles, to his unwavering commitment to Scottish independence, it's an engaging episode that explores the importance of collective endeavour, democracy, and the need for progressive change in a rapidly changing world. Tommy Sheppard MP is the Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Humanist Group, a cross-party group of Members of the House of Commons and the House of Lords of all the main parties, including members from the Crossbenches in the Lords: https://humanists.uk/about/humanists-in-parliament/ He secured a backbench business debate on the presence of 26 unelected bishops in the House of Lords in July 2023: https://humanists.uk/2023/07/06/mps-slam-automatic-right-for-bishops-to-sit-in-the-house-of-lords/ What I Believe was the title of two separate essays by the philosopher Bertrand Russell and the philosopher EM Forster in the early 20th century. These two humanists set out their approach to life, their fundamental worldview, in a way that was accessible to all. In this podcast, Chief Executive of Humanists UK, Andrew Copson, speaks to humanists today to understand more about what they believe, to understand more about the values, convictions, and opinions they live by. Humanists UK is the national charity working on behalf of non religious people to advance free thinking and promote a tolerant society. If you'd like to support the podcast or find out more about the humanist approach to life or the work that we do, please visit humanists.uk. If you like what you see, please consider joining as a member: You can follow Humanists UK on Twitter (X), Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok – and please remember to leave a 5 star review! What I Believe is produced by Sophie Castle.
Andrew Copson chats to multi award-winning journalist, writer, and broadcaster Samira Ahmed who shares the secrets and skills behind her successful career. From questioning those in power, to taking an equal pay case against the BBC, it's an inspiring episode about the fight for equality and challenging the status quo. Samira Ahmed is a regular contributor to New Humanist magazine: https://newhumanist.org.uk/contributors/5253/samira-ahmed She also regularly chairs Humanists UK events: https://www.youtube.com/@HumanistsUK What I Believe was the title of two separate essays by the philosopher Bertrand Russell and the philosopher EM Forster in the early 20th century. These two humanists set out their approach to life, their fundamental worldview, in a way that was accessible to all. In this podcast, Chief Executive of Humanists UK, Andrew Copson, speaks to humanists today to understand more about what they believe, to understand more about the values, convictions, and opinions they live by. Humanists UK is the national charity working on behalf of non religious people to advance free thinking and promote a tolerant society. If you'd like to support the podcast or find out more about the humanist approach to life or the work that we do, please visit humanists.uk. If you like what you see, please consider joining as a member: https://humanists.uk/ You can follow Humanists UK on Twitter (X), Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok – and please remember to leave a 5 star review! What I Believe is produced by Sophie Castle.
“A humanist celebrant or humanist officiant is a person who performs humanist celebrancy services, such as non-religious weddings, funerals, child namings, coming of age ceremonies and other rituals. Some humanist celebrants are accredited by humanist organisations, such as Humanists UK, Humanist Society Scotland (HSS), The Humanist Society (US), and the Humanist Association of Canada (HAC). Typically, a Humanist Chaplain works within an organisation, and within that organisation provides a Humanist perspective for those who want it. That can be anybody who just wants a friendly chat, education about Humanism, or discuss more difficult issues. Humanists have a positive outlook on life, guided by rational thought and focus on the importance of human cooperation and compassion for solving problems.” I will make the proper referrals when I need to in areas of resources. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/antonio-myers4/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/antonio-myers4/support
Andrew Copson chats with geneticist and author of How to Argue With a Racist Adam Rutherford about the motivations behind a career spent challenging false claims from religion and pseudoscience. From unshackling ourselves from the constraints of evolution, to charting the trajectory of our long history, it's a reflective discussion that emphasises our common humanity and capacity to build a better society. Adam Rutherford is the current President of Humanists UK. He delivered Humanists UK's 2019 Voltaire Lecture, How to argue with a racist, which became the basis for his 2020 bestselling book of the same name: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cYf-xNsIb2I What I Believe was the title of two separate essays by the philosopher Bertrand Russell and the philosopher EM Forster in the early 20th century. These two humanists set out their approach to life, their fundamental worldview, in a way that was accessible to all. In this podcast, Chief Executive of Humanists UK, Andrew Copson, speaks to humanists today to understand more about what they believe, to understand more about the values, convictions, and opinions they live by. Humanists UK is the national charity working on behalf of non religious people to advance free thinking and promote a tolerant society. If you'd like to support the podcast or find out more about the humanist approach to life or the work that we do, please visit humanists.uk. If you like what you see, please consider joining as a member: https://humanists.uk/ You can follow Humanists UK on Twitter (X), Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok – and please remember to leave a 5 star review! What I Believe is produced by Sophie Castle.
Andrew Copson explores the life and work of eminent neurosurgeon and writer Henry Marsh who reflects on living with advanced prostate cancer and the motivations behind his world-renowned career. From his unconventional route into medicine, to his experiences as both doctor and patient, it's a thought-provoking discussion about the complexities of healthcare and the role of assisted dying in modern society. Henry Marsh addressing parliament on assisted dying in 2022: https://humanists.uk/2022/05/25/dr-henry-marsh-addresses-parliamentary-humanists-on-assisted-dying/ Henry Marsh calling for an assisted dying parliamentary inquiry in 2021: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9arXH8D1tbo What I Believe was the title of two separate essays by the philosopher Bertrand Russell and the philosopher EM Forster in the early 20th century. These two humanists set out their approach to life, their fundamental worldview, in a way that was accessible to all. In this podcast, Chief Executive of Humanists UK, Andrew Copson, speaks to humanists today to understand more about what they believe, to understand more about the values, convictions, and opinions they live by. Humanists UK is the national charity working on behalf of non religious people to advance free thinking and promote a tolerant society. If you'd like to support the podcast or find out more about the humanist approach to life or the work that we do, please visit humanists.uk. If you like what you see, please consider joining as a member: https://humanists.uk/ You can follow Humanists UK on Twitter (X), Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok – and please remember to leave a 5 star review! What I Believe is produced by Sophie Castle.
This week on Taking The Myth, Stephen Knight (@GSpellchecker) and Iram Ramzan of sedaa.org (@Iram_Ramzan) discuss all the big topics. 0:00 Intro 0:28 Barbie or Oppenheimer? 3:34 Iram stays overnight in a Welsh mine. 10:04 Kevin Spacey found not guilty in court. 18:49 Nigel Farage being ‘debanked' by Coutts 35:03 Sadiq Khan's ‘maaate' campaign and gender lunacy. 49:05 Keir Starmer causes controversy by saying a woman is an ‘adult human female'. 50:48 Ending membership with Humanists UK 55:20 Audience Question: Test Cricket in Manchester 56:30 Audience Question: Fight or leave in the face of institutional capture? 59:22 Audience Question: More on ‘maate'. 59:43 Tobias Ellwood's comments on Afghanistan Iram's Welsh mine article: https://www.mailplus.co.uk/edition/features/292700/now-thats-what-you-call-a-deep-sleep Stephen Knight's Substack: www.sknight.substack.com Sedaa: www.sedaa.org Support the podcast at www.patreon.com/gspellchecker Also available on iTunes, Stitcher, YouTube & Spotify.
This week we spend the whole episode looking at the issues arising out of the Coronation. The Bible as the Word of God. Maintaining the Protestant Reformed Religion. A Hindu reading that Jesus is the only Creator. A disappointing sermon. Great music. The anointing of the Holy Spirit. Marriage and hypocrisy. The rehabilitation of Queen Camilla. Prince William and the new Civic Religion. Humanists UK. The Right to Protest. NIck Cave. The True Cross. Psalm 24.
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