Humanism Now | Secular Ethics, Curiosity and Compassionate Change

"Transcendence is the connection with something wider; the world, the cosmos, nature, other fellow human beings, and doing good in this life"— Dr Lindsay De Wal When Dr Lindsay De Wal became the first non-religious head of chaplaincy in the NHS, she redefined what spiritual support can look like in modern healthcare. From sceptical colleagues to international media headlines, her appointment marked a turning point for inclusive pastoral care. In this powerful and personal conversation, Lindsay shares how she built a humanist framework for care grounded in deep listening, horizontal transcendence and unwavering compassion.In This EpisodeWhy only 4% of hospital chaplaincy visits serve non-religious patientsHow the Netherlands became a global leader in humanist pastoral careWhat “horizontal transcendence” means—and why it matters in non-religious careThe art of active listening and the power of silence in emotional supportHow to become a humanist pastoral carer—and why demand is growing fastThe rise of the Non-Religious Pastoral Support Network across the NHSFollow Dr. Lindsay de WalLinktree: https://linktr.ee/Dr.LdWUK Non‑religious Pastoral Support NetworkEpisode References: Become a Pastoral Carer, UK Non-Religious Pastoral Support NetworkThe Development of Non-Religious Pastoral Support in the UK, Dr David Savage History of The Netherlands Humanists Association, Humanistisch VerbondInterview with Lindsay de Wal: UK’s First Humanist NHS Chaplain on Non-Religious Pastoral Care, The Humanist 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.

“The highest value, the most precious value we have is not peace—it’s freedom.”  — Michael Bauer This week on Humanism Now, we’re joined by Michael Bauer, CEO of Germany’s Humanistische Vereinigung—a 175-year-old humanist organisation offering professional community services without religion, grounded in ethics, dignity, and freedom.From ceremony to solidarity, Bauer shows how organised humanism is more than a philosophy—it’s a movement of services, institutions, and action. Discover how practical humanism is creating a visible, inclusive, and values-driven future.We discuss:How the Humanist Association of Germany began in the 1848 and how it survived twice being bannedThe importance of physical infrastructure and visible presence for secular communitiesHow humanism serves as an ethical alternative providing meaning, guidance, and community—without supernatural beliefWhy inclusive, values-led services matter in a plural society, and how secular support systems can serve everyoneThe Humanists Shelter Program and the three-year diplomatic effort to bring humanist Mubarak Bala to safetyThe need for political engagement, funding, and infrastructure to build influence and lasting changeA powerful personal reflection on defending humanist values in times of crisisAbout Michael Bauer  🔗  michaelbauer.info📰 Interview with In-sight PublishingConnect with Humanistische Vereinigung   🔗 humanistische-vereinigung.de📷  @humanistischevereinigung🐦  @HV_Presse🌳 Linktree: humanistischevereinigungReferences:Humanists Shelter Program, Humanistische VereinigungCause for celebration: Mubarak Bala arrives in Germany, 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.

This episode was originally recorded in May 2024."What we have in common is what is taking us forward." — Lola Tinubu In May 2024, the High Court ruled that Michaela Community School’s “prayer ban” did not unlawfully interfere with students’ rights to religious freedom. This landmark decision reaffirmed the importance of secular education in promoting social cohesion — and raised questions about how schools should handle religion in increasingly diverse societies.In this episode, Audrey Simmons and Lola Tinubu — co-leaders of the Association of Black Humanists and long-time Central London Humanists members — apply their legal and education expertise to unpack the implications of the case for humanists, educators, and advocates of a secular society.Key Topics CoveredThe background of Michaela Community School and its secular ethosWhy the court upheld the school’s ban under Article 9 of the European Convention on Human RightsThe tension between parental influence, religious identity, and student rightsWhy secular school environments can better accommodate diversity within religionsHow education must focus on shared humanity to address collective global challengesWhy this ruling gives schools confidence to protect inclusive and evidence-based educationEpisode resources:BBC News: Michaela School: Muslim student loses prayer ban challengeHumanists UK: Humanists UK respond to Michaela School ‘prayer ban’ rulingSend 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.

“If we focus so much on the 5% that divides us, we miss the 95% we already share.” — Alan PalmerAlan Palmer is the former Chair of Central London Humanists, a trustee of Humanists UK, and a long-time NHS Trust Director. With over 17 years of experience in grassroots organising, Alan shares how London’s most active humanist group grew from pub chats to public campaigns, and how dialogue, ethics, and diversity remain central to its mission.In This EpisodeHow Central London Humanists became the UK’s largest humanist groupWhy participation is harder in a more secular, but less mobilised, societyLessons from pioneering Catholic-Humanist and Muslim-Humanist dialogueThe power of repeating others’ views honestly in effective dialogueWorking on COVID-19 triage ethics as an NHS Trust DirectorWhy diversity, campaigning, and neutrality all matter in modern humanismReflections on political inclusivity and unity across difference🔗 Learn more or join a CLH event www.centrallondonhumanists.org.uk🔗 Learn more or join The Blackham Societyhttps://humanists.uk/join-the-blackham-society/This episode was originally recorded in January 2024.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.

Katherine Stewart, an award-winning journalist and author, dives deep into the alarming rise of religious nationalism and its ties to billionaires. She discusses how the 'Good News Club' reveals the stealth tactics of these nationalists and the historical roots that have made abortion a political tool. Stewart emphasizes the manipulation of religious sentiments for power and the global ramifications of these movements. Yet, she also offers a glimmer of hope, advocating for voter engagement and a focus on core societal issues to counteract the erosion of democracy.

"Isn't it true that we are the stories we tell ourselves?" — S.I. MartinThis week on Humanism Now, we’re joined by S.I. Martin—historian, author, and patron of Humanists UK—whose work has reshaped how we understand Black British history and the power of storytelling.From his upbringing in a religious family in Bedford to decades spent uncovering erased narratives, Steve shares how early exposure to music, books, and doubt led him to scepticism and ultimately humanism.We discuss:The importance of embedding Black British history into everyday landscapes and classroomsRobert Wedderburn, revolutionary preacher and free thinkerUnique challenges faced by Black atheists in religious communitiesHow historical fiction can reshape cultural imagination and offer new identitiesWhy humanist groups must evolve to become more inclusive, especially for younger generationsThe hidden social history of Black-owned pubs in 18th- and 19th-century LondonExplore S.I. Martin’s work:🌐simartin.org.uk📖 Books by S.I. Martin ❌ @simartin on X📺 A History of Black Freethought (Humanists UK Convention 2023)📺 The Beliefs of Black Georgians (Humanist Heritage)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.

This special episode of Humanism Now is released as part of Podcastathon 2025, the world’s largest podcast charity initiative. We’re proud to dedicate this episode to Faith to Faithless, a programme by Humanists UK supporting those leaving high-control religious groups. Three incredible guests—George, Leena, and Sarah—share raw, courageous accounts of their journeys out of fundamentalist religions and the new communities they're helping to build.Faith to Faithless is proudly marking its 10th anniversary in 2025, celebrating a decade of support, solidarity, and advocacy for apostates.⭐ Episode HighlightsLife inside high-control religious groupsThe emotional toll of shunning and "thought crimes"How Faith to Faithless supports apostates across the UKStarting new peer groups and reclaiming lost experiencesWhy public services and mental health professionals must understand apostasy better📺 Introducing Faith to Faithless | Helping people leaving high-control religious groups (2 mins)Need 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📞Opening hours (Wed 10am–1pm, Thu 4pm–7pm, Fri 8am–11am)📧 Email: helpline@faithtofaithless.com 🌐 More info: www.faithtofaithless.com********Also mentioned in this episode:Recovering from Religion offers peer and professional support offering  hope, healing, and support to those struggling with issues of doubt and non-belief. Contact RFR here.********Podcastathon is the world’s largest podcast charity initiative — a global wave of inspiring episodes released simultaneously by podcasters everywhere, all in support of causes they care about. The aim? To raise awareness for hundreds of charities by uniting storytellers in one powerful, coordinated moment each March. 🎧 Be part of the movement: podcasthon.org/register Let’s amplify stories that matter.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.

AI technologies pose significant threats to fundamental human rights, reinforcing historical biases and power imbalances. This week, we are joined by Susie Alegre, international human rights lawyer and author, to explore the impact of generative AI on gender and racial equality, labour markets, and information ecosystems.Susie has worked for international NGOs like Amnesty International and organisations including the UN, the EU and the Council of Europe. Susie has published two books covering the critical issue or technology's impact on human rights; “Freedom to Think” (2022) was a Financial Times Technology Book of the Year 2022 and shortlisted for the Royal Society of Literature Christopher Bland Prize 2023 and “Human Rights, Robot Wrongs: Being Human in the Age of AI” published in 2024.  The episode covers; How AI systems, like ChatGPT, perpetuate gender and racial biasesThe "Pygmalion" pattern in AI designPotential longterm effects on skills, education and social interactionsThe rise of "ultra-processed information" and its consequences for the internetLegal risks and the role of effective regulationEnforcement in addressing AI's human rights risksWhen AI applications may be valuable—and when they are not📅 To learn more about Susie Alegre’s work, visit: 🔗 susiealegre.com 🔗 alegre.ai 🔗 CIGI Profile📩 info@susiealegre.com 📷  @susiealegre 💼 Linkedin: Susie AlegreSend 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.

Humanist ceremonies—weddings, namings, and funerals—are growing rapidly worldwide, offering non-religious, deeply personal ways to mark life’s most significant moments. Laimingas Žmogus (Happy Human) is a social enterprise based in Lithuania, dedicated to making these ceremonies accessible and meaningful. This week we are delighted to be joined by Urtė Žukauskaitė-Zabukė, Founder and CEO, and Gerda Surgautaitė, Co-Founder of Laimingas Žmogus to share insights into establishing meaningful non-religious ceremonies that resonate with diverse populations and the launch of the Humanist Ceremonies Accelerator, a pioneering initiative designed to help humanist organisations around the world establish sustainable social enterprises through humanist ceremonies.  The episode covers;- The rapid growth of humanist ceremonies globally - Introduction of the Humanist Ceremonies Accelerator programme- Addressing the unique challenges to secularism in Lithuania- Inspiring stories of uniquely tailored ceremonies - Practical advice for starting humanist social enterprises If you’re interested in the Humanist Ceremonies Accelerator, visit the Humanist International webpage for details about participation. Apply here by 14th March 2025: https://humanists.international/blog/join-the-humanist-ceremonies-accelerator/Follow Laimingas Žmogus (Happy Human Lithunia)🔗 laimingaszmogus.lt📷 @laimingas.zmogusSend 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.

Welcome back to Humanism Now for a special episode coinciding with the critical upcoming UK Parliament vote on assisted dying — a pivotal moment we've long campaigned for and debated. In this episode we hear how what the bill entails, why it matters and how safe assisted dying aligns with values of compassion and autonomy.Joining us is 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 joins us to discuss the context of this crucial vote, why Humanists UK champions this cause, and why now is the right time for change. We also address key societal concerns and shares how you can get involved to promote this cause and other important humanist issues. SUPPORT THE CAMPAIGN - WRITE TO YOUR MPContact & follow Nathan Stilwell📧 nathan@humanists.uk ℹ️ Humanists UK Assisted Dying Campaign✖️ Twitter Episode References:MPs to get first vote on assisted dying for nine years, BBCHumanists UK Statement on scope of the Assisted Dying Bill (22 Oct 2024)Former archbishop of Canterbury urges bishops in Lords to back assisted dying bill, The GuardianMedic MPs urge support for assisted dying bill, BBCBBC: Right-to-die man Tony Nicklinson dead after refusing food, BBC (2013)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.