Humanism Now | Secular Ethics, Curiosity and Compassionate Change

“It’s on the basis of our shared humanity that we need to try to understand the world and think about how to live in it.”Professor Richard Norman, philosopher and author of What Is Humanism For?, joins us to explore the enduring question at the heart of secular ethics. From his journey out of Christianity to his role shaping humanist thought in the UK, Richard shares why humanism matters, how it offers a coherent framework for living well, and why it must evolve to address urgent global challenges like climate change and artificial intelligence.Topics we cover ✔︎ Defining humanism in plain language for all ages ✔︎ Why naturalism underpins humanist philosophy ✔︎ Core values, cooperation, compassion, justice, as products of our social nature ✔︎ Erich Fromm’s “frame of orientation and devotion” and its relevance today ✔︎ How shared values are replacing religion as social glue ✔︎ Climate change and AI as defining issues for future humanist engagement ✔︎ The role of dialogue with religious communities in building understanding ✔︎ Avoiding stereotypes while strengthening humanist identity ✔︎ Inspiring curiosity and critical thinking through school talksResources & referencesWhat Is Humanism For? – Richard Norman (2025) On Humanism – Richard Norman (2nd ed., 2012) Understanding Humanism – Andrew Copson, Luke Donnellan & Richard Norman (2022) Humanist Climate Action – https://humanists.uk/climate-actionHumanists UK School Speakers Programme – Humanists UK  https://humanists.uk/community/school-speakersThe Sane Society  – Erich Fromm (1955)“Values are the New Religion” – Linda Woodhead  (Cadbury Lectures, University of Birmingham, 2021) Send 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.

“I believe in autonomy, I believe in choice, I believe in human freedom, and I believe in having less suffering… all of which are fundamentally humanist values.” –  Lizzi Collinge MPLizzi Collinge—Labour MP for Morecambe & Lunesdale and Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Humanist Group—shares how openly declaring “I am a humanist” now shapes her work on championing freedom, autonomy and human rights through cross-party collaboration at Westminster. Lizzi Collinge MP🏛️ Parliament contact –Lizzi Collinge MP 𝕏 Twitter – @LizziCollinge📸 Instagram – @lizzicollinge👍 Facebook – @LizziCollingeTopics we cover ✔︎ Owning a humanist identity in Parliament ✔︎ Lizzi’s life experiences, values & advice for future politicians ✔︎ Putting values into action: autonomy, freedom, less suffering ✔︎ Why transparency about values builds better policy ✔︎ Assisted Dying Bill process & progress ✔︎ APPGs as engines for cross-party problem-solving ✔︎ Confronting illegal schools and protecting children’s education ✔︎ Standing up for persecuted people worldwideReferencesHighest number of MPs ever take secular affirmation – Humanists UK Lizzi Collinge’s maiden speech (“I am a humanist”) - HansardTerminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill – UK ParliamentAll-Party Parliamentary Humanist Group – Humanists UKIllegal Faith Schools – Humanists UK  Mubarak Bala Update – Humanists InternationalSend 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.

"Compassion has no borders"  - Katherine LacefieldKatherine Lacefield—founder of Just Be Cause Consulting—shares why swapping confrontational animal-rights tactics for compassion-first community building creates deeper, lasting change for animals, people and the planet.Connect with KatherineWebsite – justbecause.consultingFacebook – @JustBeCauseConsultingInstagram – @just.because.consultingTikTok – @justbecauseconsultingThreads – @just.because.consultingLinkedIn – /in/katherine-mac-donaldTopics we cover ✔︎ From “I hate people” to human-centred advocacy ✔︎ Closing the values–action gap ✔︎ Why confrontation backfires—and what works instead ✔︎ One Health: linking human, animal & environmental wellbeing ✔︎ Letting go of perfectionism in activismResources & further readingJust Be Cause Consulting – Fundraising & strategy for mission-driven orgs – www.justbecause.consultingJust Be Cause PodcastPodcast (Apple) – https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-just-be-cause-podcast/id1743692401Podcast (Spotify) – https://open.spotify.com/show/3IKpckZtQIwrUrXL8i0IY0WHO “One Health”- an integrated, unifying approach that aims to sustainably balance and optimize the health of people, animals and ecosystems.Send 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.

“Rituals are in the roots of our humankind.” —  Iván AntezanaAdrián Núñez and Iván Antezana—leading organisers of the Peruvian Association of Atheists (APERAT)—reveal how their victory in the 2025 Humanist Accelerator Program is turning the dream of legally-recognised humanist ceremonies into a nationwide reality, challenging deep-rooted stigma and funding vital support for Peru’s growing secular community.Topics we cover ✔︎ Founding APERAT and its legal battles for recognition ✔︎ Why “the atheist closet” remains so deep in Peru ✔︎ Lessons from the Humanist Ceremonies Accelerator ✔︎ Designing inclusive, inter-faith-friendly ceremonies ✔︎ Building a social enterprise to fund legal and social aid ✔︎ Partnering with wedding planners and funeral homes ✔︎ Strategies for nurturing a visible humanist communityThe Peruvian Atheist Association (APERAT) continues to work toward a freer, more rational, and truly secular Peru. In a context of growing authoritarianism, censorship, and setbacks in fundamental rights, secular activism is more urgent than ever. APERAT invite individuals, collectives, and organizations who share these values to get in touch and, if possible, offer financial support to sustain public campaigns, events, and advocacy efforts in defence of freedom of conscience and the separation of church and state.Connect with APERATWebsite – aperat.org.peCeremonies – ceremoniaslaicas.latEmail – contacto@aperat.org.peAdrián Núñez, Instagram – @sobranmagufosIván Antezana Quiroz, Instagram – @iaq66Episode References & Resources📘Les Couleurs de l’Humanisme – Cloutier (2009) 📺 Humanist Ceremonies Accelerator Finale – from Happy Human (Lithuania), Humanists International & Humanise Live📺 What is a Humanist Ceremony?  –Stephen Fry & Humanists UKSend 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.

 “Research has found that the amount of questions kids ask dramatically decreases once they start formalized education.”  – Bridget ShirvellJournalist and climate-communicator Bridget Shirvell joins Humanism Now to share a four-part roadmap—feel, love, build, act—for raising climate-resilient kids. Drawing on her new book Parenting in a Climate Crisis, she explains how families can turn eco-anxiety into everyday action, nurture curiosity, and help children transform concern into hope. Hachette Book GroupConnect with BridgetWebsite – https://breeshirvell.com Newsletter – Raising Climate Resilient Kids -Substack Instagram– @breeshirvellLinkedIn – /in/breeshirvell Topics we cover✔︎ Bridget’s feel-love-build-act framework for climate-conscious parenting ✔︎ Turning daily habits—into social tipping points ✔︎ Teaching stewardship through family pets without gender stereotypes ✔︎ Countering the curiosity slump that formal schooling often creates ✔︎ Balancing individual choices with systemic change & local activism ✔︎ Practical ways to ease eco-anxiety while fostering genuine hope ✔︎ Food, waste-reduction and other low-lift actions kids can leadResources & further readingParenting in a Climate Crisis – Bridget Shirvell (2025) Tipping point for large-scale social change  – Science (2018) Parenting and the climate crisis –The Ecologist (2025)Send 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.

“Focusing on the positive outcomes gives you agency; you can literally see the progress happening and that keeps you moving forward.” - Nick CooneyNick Cooney is a social entrepreneur, alternative‑protein investor, and author. He joins Humanism Now to discuss to unpack the hidden moral cost of doing nothing. Drawing on insights from his new book What We Don’t Do, Nick explains why inaction outweighs mis‑action, how to count the suffering we can prevent, and why business, capital and compassion must pull in the same direction.Topics we cover✔︎ The four‑quadrant framework of action vs inaction✔︎ Measuring impact: turning empathy into numbers✔︎ Beating overwhelm with data‑driven altruism✔︎ Alternative proteins and the end of factory farming✔︎ Lever VC’s investment thesis & the business case for good✔︎ Animal suffering as a neglected moral emergency✔︎ Effective altruism, long‑termism and their critiques✔︎ Habits that keep the “do‑more” muscle strongConnect with NickWebsite – nickcooney.comLinkedInInstagramMediumResearchGateResourcesWhat We Don’t Do – Nick Cooney (2025)Nick Cooney BooksChange of HeartVeganomicsHow to Be Great at Doing GoodLever VC – global VC fund for sustainable food innovationLever Foundation – non‑profit accelerating humane food systemsThe Humane League – farm‑animal advocacy organisationGood Food Institute – think‑tank for alt‑protein R&D and policySend 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.

“We need to care more about believing what is true than being right and being proved right.” - Bo BennetWith outrage-bait, memes and “gotcha” clips swarming every feed, being able to think about our thinking is no longer optional. Social psychologist, entrepreneur and Positive Humanism author Dr Bo Bennett joins host James Hodgson to show why critical thinking is a life skill for everyone, not a luxury for academics. Drawing on decades spent dissecting logical fallacies (plus a generous dose of humour), Bo maps out how we can swap combativeness for curiosity—and outrage for evidence—in our daily conversations. In this episodeSystem 1 vs System 2: knowing when to hit the cognitive brakes25 “greatest-hits” fallacies—from appeal to authority to the straw manAristotle’s trio of logic, emotion & character (and why emotion is only fallacious when it replaces reason)The Socratic method for lowering defences and dodging the back-fire effect“You need to care more about believing what is true than being right and being proved right.” —BoExpertise-transfer traps: why even humanists can slip up on politics or scienceHandling contrarian takes on settled research: focus on the scientific processA practical habit: run emotional posts through AI for a fast, source-linked fact-check before you hit shareFollow Dr Bo BennettWebsite & books: bobennett.comLogical fallacy database: https://www.logicallyfallacious.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertsbennett/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bobennett7750ResourcesLogically Fallacious — Dr Bo BennettThinking, Fast and Slow — Daniel KahnemanEnjoying the show? Please rate, review and subscribe so you never miss a conversation that moves humanism forward.Send 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.

“Curiosity isn’t a trait — it’s a practice. And like any practice, we have to keep doing it even when it’s hard.” — Dr. Julie PhamIn this episode of Humanism Now, we explore curiosity as a practice. Dr. Julie Pham — social scientist, community builder, and author of the bestselling 7 Forms of Respect® — joins us to unpack how curiosity, respect, and communication transform not just workplaces, but our relationships and communities.As the founder and CEO of CuriosityBased, Dr. Pham teaches leaders and teams how to embed curiosity into daily practice — through self-awareness, relationship-building, and clear communication. Drawing from her personal story and professional insight, Julie shares how our assumptions about listening, respect, and disagreement shape the way we connect and collaborate.In this episode:Why curiosity is a skill, not a trait — and how to develop itHow to approach difficult conversations using the CAFA method (Context, Action, Feeling, Ask)The difference between hearing and believing — and why it mattersRespect is relative: how upbringing and culture shape our communicationHow curiosity bridges differences — even across generational, cultural, and political dividesWhen not to have the conversation: the two questions to ask before engagingFeatured Resources:📕 7 Forms of Respect: www.formsofrespect.com🧠 CuriosityBased: www.curiositybased.com🎥 TEDx TalkCuriosity as a Practice: Watch here🎧 Curiosity at Work podcast: Listen hereFollow Dr. Julie Pham:📸 @juliephamphd on Instagram🎵 @juliephamphd on TikTok📸 @curiositybased on Instagram💼 @curiositybased on TikTok📘 CuriosityBased FacebookSend 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.

“Surviving isn’t just about leaving — it’s about learning to trust yourself again after someone else’s voice has lived in your head for years.”  — Rachael ReignIn this powerful episode of Humanism Now, Rachael Reign, survivor and founder of Surviving Universal UK, shares her deeply personal story of escaping spiritual abuse and coercive control and her ongoing campaign to protect others.As founder of Surviving Universal UK, Rachael supports other survivors of high-control groups and leads a growing campaign to amend Section 76 of the UK Serious Crime Act.In this episodeRachael's journey into, and out of, UCKGWhat draws vulnerable young people into high-control groupsHow unpaid labour and spiritual obedience become normalisedWhat led Rachael to walk away and how she supports other survivorsThe warning signs of cultic or coercively controlling groupsWhere UK law falls short in protecting against coercive control outside domestic settingsHow we can hold abusive systems accountableThe role the public  and policymakers can play in driving survivor-led legal reformSurviving Universal UK🔗Surviving Universal UK📧 info@survivinguniversaluk.org📸 @survivinguniversaluk🎵 @survivinguniversalukContact Rachael🌳linktr.ee 🎤Speaker bookings - Rachael Reign📸 @MsrachaelreignResourcesBBC PanoramaThe GuardianThe LondonerNeed support?If you or someone you know has been affected by the topics discussed in this episode, Faith to Faithless are here to help.Faith to Faithless Helpline (UK): 0800 448 0748 Email: Send 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.

 "Inclusion isn’t about ticking boxes. It’s about creating a space where people feel safe enough to stay." - JC CandanedoArtist, activist, and humanist JC Candanedo shares his journey from a Catholic school in Panama to the art studios of London. His work weaves together identity, displacement, and community action, exploring how creativity can challenge injustice and build inclusive, compassionate societies.In this epsiode, JC reflects on growing up atheist in a deeply religious culture, navigating migration and marginalisation, and why the arts are one of the most powerful tools we have for social transformation. JC shares the challenges of creating welcoming spaces within the humanist community, and how diversity and solidarity must be more than just aspirations—they must be action.Key Topics CoveredHow JC’s atheist upbringing in Catholic Panama shaped his identity and activismArt as language: using creativity to open space for difficult but vital conversationsWhy Latin American and Arab/North African diasporas are "invisibilized" in UK systemsThe work of the Noria Collective in building solidarity among Global Majority communitiesHow JC discovered humanism later in life—and how it changed his view of religionPractical advice for humanist groups on inclusion, outreach, and community careFollow JC🔗 JC’s Work: jccandanedo.com🔗 Noria Collective: wearenoria.com / 📷 @we.are.noria🔗 Axis: axisweb.org📣 Campaign: banconversiontherapy.com📷 Instagram: @jccandanedo💼 LinkedIn: jccandanedoSend 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.