Podcast appearances and mentions of sam grover

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 talk about Trump's cabinet picks and report on state/church news around the country. FFRF's Senior Litigation Counsel Sam Grover joins us to talk about our recent complaint over Oklahoma Superintendent of Education Ryan Walters pushing religion in public schools. Then, we hear Annie Laurie Gaylor and Maryam Namazie (Council of Ex-Muslims of Britain) debate the topic "Feminism and Religion are Incompatible" at Cambridge University last week.

In the latest episode of the Cross Examiner podcast, we delve into a contentious legal battle that has significant implications for the separation of church and state in the United States. Our host, an attorney and atheist, interviews Sam Grover, Senior Counsel for Litigation at the Freedom from Religion Foundation (FFRF), to discuss their lawsuit challenging Louisiana's newly enacted law requiring the display of the Ten Commandments in every public school classroom.The episode opens with a strong statement from the host, highlighting the alarming rise of Christian nationalism and the misinformation fueling it. This sets the stage for a deep dive into the legal intricacies of the case. Sam Grover, who has been with FFRF for over a decade, provides a comprehensive overview of the coalition formed to challenge the law. This coalition includes heavyweights like the ACLU, ACLU of Louisiana, and Americans United for Separation of Church and State, along with the law firm Simpson Thacher & Bartlett, which is offering pro bono services.Grover explains the mechanics of how such a coalition operates, from vetting potential plaintiffs to drafting the complaint. He emphasizes the overwhelming response from Louisiana residents who are concerned about the law's implications, highlighting that the coalition's plaintiffs include not just atheists and agnostics but also Christians and members of minority religions.One of the most compelling parts of the episode is the discussion about the real-world implications for plaintiffs. Grover recounts the harassment and threats faced by individuals who stand up against such unconstitutional laws, emphasizing the bravery of the plaintiffs involved in this case.The discussion then shifts to the legal arguments against the law. Grover breaks down the claims under the First Amendment's Establishment Clause and Free Exercise Clause. He argues that the Louisiana law is a blatant constitutional violation, citing the Supreme Court's precedent in Stone v. Graham, which struck down a similar law in Kentucky in 1980. Despite the Supreme Court's recent shift away from the Lemon test, which was used in Stone v. Graham, Grover remains confident that the coercive nature of the law will render it unconstitutional.The episode also touches on the broader implications of the Supreme Court's recent decisions, particularly the move towards a "history and tradition" test for Establishment Clause cases. Grover expresses concern about this shift but remains hopeful that the clear lack of historical precedent for such a law in public schools will work in their favor.The interview concludes with a call to action for listeners to support FFRF and other organizations fighting for the separation of church and state. Grover encourages listeners to become members, highlighting the importance of collective action in safeguarding constitutional rights.This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in constitutional law, religious freedom, and the ongoing battle against Christian nationalism. Grover's insights provide a clear understanding of the stakes involved and the legal strategies being employed to protect the First Amendment.Introduction 00:00:00Interview with Sam Grover 00:02:00Background on FFRF and Legal Career 00:04:00Details of the Louisiana Case 00:10:00Legal Strategies and Challenges 00:20:00Historical Context and Legal Precedents 00:30:00Potential Outcomes and Future Implications 00:45:00Closing Remarks 00:58:00For more information about the Freedom from Religion Foundation and to support their efforts, visit their website at https://www.ffrf.org. To stay updated on future episodes and content, visit our website at https://www.thecrossexaminer.net.If you enjoyed this episode, please consider subscribing, liking, and sharing the podcast. Your support helps us reach more

We announce state/church victories and complaints in Louisiana, Idaho, North Carolina, Texas and Mississippi. FFRF Senior Counsel Sam Grover tells us about the lawsuit FFRF has filed this week with a coalition challenging Louisiana's new law requiring the posting of the Ten Commandments in all public school classrooms. Then, Tony-nominated Broadway producer, director and theater owner Eric Krebs tells us why the theater is his religion.

FFRF attorney Sam Grover joins us to describe our newest amicus brief ("friend of the court") over an Arizona school board member who refuses to stop pushing her religion at the meetings. We announce FFRF's "Godless Gospel" musical show to be performed in Manhattan June 24 and 25 (and hear a sneak preview). Then, we speak with Adam Neiblum, author of the book Rise of the Nones: The Importance of Freedom from Religion.

FFRF litigation attorney Sam Grover tells us about his trip to Little Rock to do oral arguments in FFRF's federal lawsuit challenging the placement of a Ten Commandments monument at the Arkansas capitol. Then we interview the well-known skeptic Michael Shermer about his book Conspiracy: Why the Rational Believe the Irrational.

We applaud President Biden's repeal of religious discrimination. FFRF joins in an abortion appeal to the United Nations, and appreciates a State Department reward for Avijit Roy's killers. Vashti McCollum's heroic lawsuit is honored and Gov. Greg Abbott's idea of education is exposed as indoctrination. FFRF attorney Sam Grover explains our brief challenging the Ten Commandments monument in Arkansas. Then we hear five black atheists explain why they left religion and discuss the special challenges African American nonbelievers face in today's world.

We have many state/church victories to report, including against the National Prayer Breakfast and proselytizing Colorado coach Deion Sanders. FFRF litigation counsel Sam Grover describes our newest federal court win against Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, who censored our display in the state Capitol. Then we hear Nebraska state Sen. Megan Hunt, an atheist working to keep religion and government separate, as she accepts FFRF's "Champion of the First Amendment" award.

Sam is a PT and online coach who I have nicknamed 'The Training King'. This episode covers what you need to know when you start your fitness journey in the gym, as well as Sam's on experience moving away from training for aesthetics and competing in strong man competitions. Follow Sam and send him your squats over on Instagram @samgroverpt and let us know what you think of the episode!Remember to like, share and review the podcast! ANTI-FITNESS FITNESS EVENT INFO:https://facebook.com/events/s/the-anti-fitness-fitness-event/5506843139362673/

FFRF attorney Sam Grover helps us dissect the disappointing Carson v. Makin decision by the U.S. Supreme Court that now allows public tax dollars to directly fund religious education. Then we hear from four winners of FFRF's David Hudak Memorial student essay contest for Black, Indigenous and People of Color: Galilea Baca (1st-place, pictured), Fadima Tall, Tylinn Wilson and Everett Viego. Then the new student scholar for FFRF and Secular Students of America Sami Al Asadi explains how he became an atheist and an activist.

Guests: Sam Grover; Ian Millhiser. After we report on national state/church news, FFRF attorney Sam Grover joins us to talk about the oral arguments he gave last week before the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in our lawsuit challenging a Texas judge who opens sessions with a prayer. Then we speak with journalist and author Ian Millhiser about his new book The Agenda: How a Republican Supreme Court is Reshaping America.

Guest: Alice Greczyn. FFRF attorney Sam Grover updates us on the oral arguments in our "Do mess with Texas" lawsuit before the federal 5th Circuit Court of Appeals challenging Gov. Greg Abbott's censorship of our Bill of Rights nativity display at the state Capitol. Then the actress and author Alice Greczyn offers a scientific explanation for ecstatic religious experiences, which she describes in her talk: "Drunk, High and Hypnotized: How Neurotheology Healed My Religious Trauma."

Dr Samantha Grover is back! This time she teaches us about soil carbon including how it gets out of the air and into the ground, and why we want it there in the first place. It turns out carbon isn't evil, in fact it forms the basis of life on earth for all of us carbon-based life forms!EPISODE LINKSHere's a link to that carbon cycle diagram that I mentioned in the episode: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carbon_sinkCheck out a Youtube video where Sam speaks about soil carbon: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LHV-xUo0JiASoil Science Australia: https://www.soilscienceaustralia.org.au/ RMIT: https://www.rmit.edu.au/ Sam mentioned she's learnt a lot from Gardening Australia: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzzsltdnAgTMSlPOvjko_DwFOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIATwitter: @PlantsGrowHere / Facebook: @PlantsGrowHerePodcast - Join our Facebook group!VISIT OUR WEBSITEYou'll find heaps of educational blog articles, including What Is Healthy Soil, And How Can We Build It?, How To Encourage Soil Biodiversity In The Garden & 8 Types Of Soil-Dwelling Organisms, and Organic vs Artificial Fertilisers & The Best Options To Keep Your Plants Satisfied.LET'S WORK TOGETHERAre you in the industry or an enthusiast with something of value to share? We're always on the hunt for interesting people, doing interesting things. If you'd like to work with us send a message via our online form or a direct email to plantsgrowhere@gmail.com.

What links food, bush poetry and millions of litres of raw sewage? No it's not the world's fastest-cancelled country fair - they're all part of agriculture. Featuring comedians Alice Fraser, Angus Gordon and Dr Samantha Grover, a soil scientist from RMIT in Melbourne.

We start this election week with John Lennon's "Power to the People." FFRF attorney Sam Grover describes two state/church amicus briefs FFRF has filed in federal court: one in Maine (a victory), and another in Pennsylvania (currently before the U.S. Supreme Court). After hearing Dan's song "We, The People," we talk with historian Kimberly A. Hamlin about her new book that focuses on the woman most responsible for ushering in the 19th Amendment giving "power to women voters": Free Thinker: Sex, Suffrage, and the Extraordinary Life of Helen Hamilton Gardener

Dr Sam Grover is a lecturer at RMIT university and is president of the Victorian branch of Soil Science Australia. We go through some of the basics of soil science that every gardener, professional or amateur, really does need to know.Check out this soil ribbon test, and this soil structure test on YouTube. Also check out this Manutec soil pH test demonstration on YouTube.Read more about soil through the articles I've written titled What Is Healthy Soil, And How Can We Build It?, How To Encourage Soil Biodiversity In The Garden & 8 Types Of Soil-Dwelling Organisms, and Organic vs Artificial Fertilisers & The Best Options To Keep Your Plants Satisfied.Visit our website, where you'll find heaps of educational blog articles on the topics of pruning, plant biology, identification and much more.Follow us on Twitter, join our Facebook group and subscribe to our email list on our website so you can learn more and stay up to date with what we're doing.

We are preserving social distancing between state and church. FFRF attorney Sam Grover describes our recent free-speech victory against Texas Gov. Greg Abbott who removed our winter-solstice display from the state capitol. After hearing more comfort music — including Tom Lehrer's "Vatican Rag" — we talk with eminent British philosopher and author A.C. Grayling about his new books, The History of Philosophy and The Good State.

We filed our first lawsuit in Puerto Rico, with the Humanistas Seculares as plaintiffs. FFRF attorney Sam Grover explains that the public schools in Puerto Rico have been forcing Christian prayer on all students. Then we talk with investigative journalist Nandini Archer about her Open Democracy expose, "Trump-linked religious 'extremists' target women with disinformation worldwide," proving that American anti-abortion evangelicals are funding dishonest Crisis Pregnancy Centers all over the world.

This week we respond to President Trump's guidelines for prayer in school. FFRF litigation attorney Sam Grover tells us about the friend-of-the-court brief we filed in the U.S. Supreme Court dealing with state money for religious schools. After hearing atheist comedian and actor Patton Oswalt talk about "the insanity of faith," retired Kentucky postal worker Ben Hart tells us what it feels like, after three years of litigation, to finally mount his irreverent "I'M GOD" license plate on his vehicle.

In this episode, Natasha Taylor talks to Sam Grover about the innovative way in which she has designed her soil science course. Working in groups, students are heavily involved in the design and delivery of classes – they curate content, present it and facilitate class activities/discussion. Central to the success of the approach is the early establishment of an empowering team dynamic – this is achieved through the use of Lego Serious Play.

In this Episode, Sam Grover describes the approaches she uses to engage students as partners in curriculum and assessment design.

Demons on airplanes. Democrats deleting God. Courtroom prayer by judges. Bible classes in public schools. We talk about all of this, and more, plus Icelandic and other international humanists on today's show. After FFRF attorney Sam Grover describes our newest lawsuit, challenging a proselytizing judge in Texas, we talk with Mark Dann, FFRF's new Director of Governmental Affairs, a full-time DC lobbyist, about how to raise the national profile of freethinkers and the Freedom From Religion Foundation in order to promote secular legislation that honors the separation of state and church.

We fact check on book of record, iPhone X problems, compromised accounts, Dread Pirate Roberts, Law of Diffusion of Innovation, C55 H104 O6, Curiosity on Twitter, Futurama SE1E02. We discuss 2FA on developer accounts, strategies for bent iPad Pros, Unlocking the Mac with Apple Watch, Apple & Alipay offer iPhone for $30/mo, Apple Stock price problems are over, Apple & Facebook are battling international encryption. Apple is planing sleep tracking on the Apple Watch. Apple allows developers to offer discounted subscriptions. Microsoft rolls out the HoloLens 2. Picks: Futurama S01E02: The Series Has Landed, A Recipe for Building Grocery 2.0, Notes From the Margins.

For our summer solstice show, FFRF attorney Sam Grover announces two state/church victories in Texas. FFRF's Director of Strategic Response Andrew Seidel reveals the connection between the White House bible study and Attorney General Jeff Sessions' claim that President Trump's inhumane immigration policy is based on the bible. Then we are joined by FFRF Director of Communications Amit Pal to talk with author and researcher Frederick Clarkson of Political Research Associates about his recent revelation of "Project Blitz," a nationwide scheme to introduce Christian nationalist legislation into state laws.

We have a fun “April Fool’s” show this week. After discussing the partial (but strong) victory in our Indiana school nativity lawsuit with FFRF attorney Sam Grover, we hear Irish comic Dave Allen rip into the Catholic Church. Then we talk with New Orleans “dark humor” novelist Patty Friedmann about her new book, Organized Panic, which comically explores the challenges of living in a “mashed up” family of believers and nonbelievers.

After analyzing President Donald Trump’s unctuous, divisive and erroneous remarks at a right-wing “March For Life,” we dissect Vice President Mike Pence’s biblically based address to the Israeli Kenesset where he mistook myth for historical fact while embracing the “people of the book.” FFRF attorney Sam Grover tells us about positive developments in our lawsuit challenging a Texas judge who forces people in his courtroom to pray. Then we speak with Debra Deanne Olson, granddaughter of a California governor. Her biography (with co-author Dr. Craig Wilkinson) is The Honorable Culbert Levy Olson: Governor of California 1939-1943, Humanitarian, Ex-Mormon, Atheist.

Clarence Darrow statue (paid for by FFRF) is unveiled in Dayton, Tennessee, at the site of the 1925 Scopes Trial. FFRF attorney Sam Grover testifies before a Wisconsin congressional committee opposing a bill to limit abortion training in Wisconsin schools. After hearing Rupert Brooke’s irreverent poem “Heaven,” set to music by Dan Barker, we talk with Egyptian-American ex-Muslim Noura Embabi, president of Muslimish, which fosters dialogue between current and former Muslims.

The Ten Commandments at a Pennsylvania high school is finally moved! An Arkansas school district considers dropping prayer after FFRF complains. We celebrate Gloria Steinem's birthday by hearing part of her speech about the "taliban" in politics and Catholic bishops' opposition to women's rights. Staff attorney Sam Grover tells us about FFRF's newest lawsuit challenging a Texas judge who forces his courtroom to engage in Christian prayer. Then we speak with Iranian-born feminist, atheist, and human-rights activist Maryam Namazie, spokesperson for "One Law For All" and host of "Bread and Roses" TV show, who will tell us about the July 22-23 London conference on "Freedom of Conscience and Expression."

Learn how you can take action to stop religion from invading our secular government: complain about the bible as the state book of Arkansas, “Choose Life” license plates in Nebraska, a Christian cross in a Florida city hall, state bills banning life-saving research, and the federal attack on women’s reproductive rights. After we play the peace/spring anthem “One Sweet Morning” by Yip Harburg and Earl Robinson, FFRF staff attorneys Sam Grover and Patrick Elliott, fresh back from lobbying in DC, tell us what it was like to “Educate Congress” about the school voucher program and the effort to repeal the Johnson Amendment.

We celebrate the anniversary of the January 16, 1786, adoption of Jefferson’s Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom and the January 17, 1706 birthday of Benjamin Franklin, who opposed public funding for education. FFRF attorneys Patrick Elliott and Sam Grover describe the questions we submitted for the confirmation hearings of Jeff Sessions for Attorney General and Betsy DeVos for Secretary of Education, both of whom have shown a disrespect for state/church separation. Then we talk with professor of philosophy and prolific author A. C. Grayling (founder and Master of New College of the Humanities in London) about his book, The Challenge of Things: Thinking Through Troubled Times.

This week we protest the Iowa Governor’s proclamation to read the bible. We speak with FFRF attorney Sam Grover about our lawsuit successfully removing Christian crosses from Brewster County, Texas, police vehicles. After hearing the witty and brilliant Julia Sweeney on CNN talking about the Reason Rally, we interview Marie Schaub, the courageous plaintiff in an FFRF lawsuit challenging the Ten Commandments monument in her daughter’s Pennsylvania high school.

We are suing the US House Chaplain! Dan Barker, with the help of FFRF attorneys Andrew Seidel and Sam Grover and litigation attorney Rich Bolton, filed a federal lawsuit May 5 challenging Chaplain Father Conroy’s refusal to allow an atheist to offer a secular invocation before Congress. Andrew and Sam join us on the show to discuss the 2-year saga that led to this lawsuit. After hearing Irving Berlin’s irreverent 1922 song “Pack Up Your Sins and Go To the Devil in Hades,” we talk with sociologist and author Phil Zuckerman about his newest book Living the Secular Life: New Answers to Old Questions.

We welcome the spring with some light music by freethinking songwriter Yip Harburg (who wrote “Over The Rainbow”) and country singer-songwriter Robbie Fulks (“God Isn’t Real”). After FFRF staff attorney Sam Grover updates us on some state/church victories in southern states, we announce a new drawing for the Yip Harburg book Rhymes For The Irreverent. Then we talk with author, historian, and cultural critic Susan Jacoby about her new book, Strange Gods: A Secular History of Conversion.

FFRF staff attorney Sam Grover updates us on our amended complaint adding more plaintiffs to our lawsuit (filed along with the ACLU) challenging the live nativity scene performed by Concord High School in Elkhart, Indiana, and the accompanying harassment and death threats. Then Abigail Cantor, an award-winning national water management expert (as well as musician) tells us about the science behind what needs to be done in Flint, Michigan (and other cities) to improve water quality.

We talk about the Kountze, Texas, bible-banner cheerleaders, and the FFRF state/church victory over a restaurant offering a discount for prayer. Then we celebrate the birthday of freethinking composer Claude Debussy. Our guest this week is FFRF attorney Sam Grover, who will explain how he convinced the Navy to remove Christian bibles from Naval Accommodations.

612-643-1108 to call the show and leave voicemail feedback. If you found yourself angry at the Hobby Lobby Supreme Court decision because the Supreme Court got it wrong AND nobody bothered to point out to Hobby Lobby there gross misunderstanding of human reproductive biology, then this episode is for you.  Sam Grover of the Freedom from Religion Foundation goes over the court case, and Jennifer Aulwes communications director for Planned Parenthood Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, explains how the contested birth control methods do not cause abortion.  Perhaps 5 of those justices should start listening to this show, it might improve their ability to think critically, and base government policy on facts rather than beliefs. You can find Planned Parenthood Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota here http://www.plannedparenthood.org/planned-parenthood-minnesota-north-dakota-south-dakota Planned Parenthood main page is here http://www.plannedparenthood.org/ For more information on the Freedom From Religion Foundation http://ffrf.org/ You can watch the whole Ron Reagan FFRF ad on YouTube here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7INIhD9P0Pw For more information on RFRA, here's a Bing search for you http://www.bing.com/search?q=religious+freedom+restoration+act&src=IE-SearchBox&FORM=IE11SR Parker Malloy's piece on Jane Doe can be found at http://www.advocate.com/politics/transgender/2014/07/24/even-conn-agency-concerned-dcfs-handling-trans-teen-jane-doe Ten Mouth Electron Ten Mouth Mouth Electron's "Happy Birthday (Bang! Bang!)" starts right about minute 31, don't forget to check their page for new music in the middle of August. Main Band Page: http://tenmouthelectron.com/ Download & Purchase Music http://tenmouthelectron.bandcamp.com/ Interesting story about the owner of the boat that became the band's namesake: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donald_Crowhurst If you're a transgender artist or musician and would like your work featured on the show, contact me using one of the links below. Opening & bumper music provided by Obsidian Shell, find them on iTunes or by visiting http://obsidianshell.com/ You can like A Minnesota Trans-Atheist on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/transatheistpod  Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/transatheistpod Send an email to transatheistpod@outlook.com leave a voicemail for the show at 612-643-1108 or ask me whatever you want on Tumblr http://transatheistpod.tumblr.com/ Have a free app coming soon for all mobile platforms :) Thanks for being the best listeners, as a reward here's your really bad joke: What's brown and sticky?  A stick! (I warned you it was bad) -Maddy

You can read more about the solitary confinement of a transgirl in Connecticut here at Mother Jones http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2014/05/transgender-16-year-old-solitary-cell-adult-prison Visit the Freedom From Religion Foundation at http://ffrf.org/ where you can also view the commercial from Ron Reagan played in this episode and featured on Comedy Central. For information on the Nothing Fails Like a Prayer contest head over to http://ffrf.org/outreach/nothing-fails-like-prayer  To hear more great music from Obsidian Shell head over to http://www.obsidianshell.com/ or find them in iTunes. Find the show on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/transatheistpod or on the show page at http://www.trans-atheist.net Go Mobile and listen on Stitcher at http://www.tinyurl.com/stitchertrans Leave a message at 612-643-1108 Thanks for listening! -Maddy Love

The highly intelligent and hardworking Sam Grove, FFRF's summer intern from the law school at Boston University, will talk about his varied legal experiences working for FFRF, and promises to give the "inside story" on what it's like to work for FFRF. The hosts also report on the Vatican's decision to go after pedophile priests. Not!