Freethought Radio

Features an interview with Jan Nikolay, spokeswoman and co-chair of the South Dakota Campaign for Healthy Families. Ms. Nikolay was in the South Dakota Legislature for many years and is a Republican who is part of the nonpartisan group. The Campaign is spearheading the referendum on Nov. 7 to overturn the draconian ban on abortion passed by the South Dakota legislature this spring at the behest of the religious right. The show will also feature secular news, Theocracy Alert, a pop disbelief quiz, and a song celebrating "grassroots fury" by the celebrated folksinger Malvina Reynolds. (MP3, 53 min, 24 MB)

Features an interview with attorney Jim McCollum, whose experiences as a 4th grader in his Champaign, Illinois, public classroom with illegal religious instruction caused his mother, Vashti Cromwell McCollum, to challenge the violation in court. The result? The landmark 1948 decision, McCollum v. Board of Education, which is prevailing precedent against religion in public schools. The show includes rare audio clips of Vashti McCollum talking about the case. Vashti died in August at age 93. The show includes a Theocracy Alert, news, a pop disbelief quiz, and music. (MP3, 54 min, 24.5 MB)

Features an interview with Michelle Goldberg, the lively contributing writer of Salon.com, whose new book, Kingdom Coming: The Rise of Christian Nationalism, covers the threat of the ascendancy of the religious right. The show also includes an audio excerpt from Dawkins' British TV documentary on religion, "The Root of All Evil?" (MP3, 52 min, 23.5 MB)

Features an interview with distinguished British atheist and evolutionary biologist Richard Dawkins, author of the just-released book, The God Delusion. Dawkins will talk about his theory of religion as a virus-like cultural "meme," why he wrote "The God Delusion" and current events. The show includes a brief audio excerpt from Dawkins' British TV documentary on religion, "The Root of All Evil?" (MP3, 48 min, 22 MB)

Features an interview with Sam Harris, author of the New York Times bestseller, The End of Faith, whose new book is Letter to a Christian Nation. Music: Reincarnation, words by Wallace Macrae, music by Dan Barker. Freethinkers Almanac looks at H.L. Mencken and Lance Armstrong. (MP3, 48 min, 21.8 MB)

Reports on legal developments in the Freedom From Religion Foundation's major lawsuit against the Department of Veteran Affairs for intermingling faith with medical care. Annie Laurie Gaylor, author of Woe to the Women: The Bible Tells Me So and editor of the anthology Women Without Superstition, will discuss the bible's treatment of women, and its far-reaching effects today with the rise of the religious right. Margaret Sanger is featured in Freethinkers Alamanc, and Dan Barker's tribute to Sanger, the song, "No Gods - No Masters," will be played. (MP3, 52 min, 24 MB)

Features an interview with Mikey Weinstein, who is suing the U.S. Air Forces for out-of-control Christian proselytizing and who blew the whistle on abuses at the Colorado Springs Air Force Academy. Music includes the song, "We, the People." A brief Theocracy Alert sounds the alarm on U.S. Rep. Katherine Harris' recent remarks. Freethinkers Almanac looks at a freethought heroine, Frances Wright. (MP3, 45 min, 20.4 MB)

Features an interview with Prof. Lawrence Lerner, co-author of the Fordham Institute's report grading science and evolution standards in the United States state-by-state. (Hint: Wisconsin was one of many states to flunk.) Timely developments on evolution will also reported. Homage will be paid to the 86th anniversary of Women's Equality Day (Aug. 26, 1920) and the freethinking women who sparked the suffrage movement. For comic relief, enjoy Joe Hill's classic song, "The Preacher and the Slave," performed memorably by Kristin Lems and Dan Barker, from the CD, "Friendly Neighborhood Atheist." (MP3, 48 min, 22 MB)

Features an in-depth interview with Philip Paulson, who courageously has been litigating a 29-foot cross on public property atop Mt. Soldedad in San Diego for 17 years. Last week, Pres. Bush signed into law a bill to seize federal control of the city land, in order to circumvent years of court rulings declaring city hosting of the crossto be unconstitutional. Phil talks about the many ins and outs of the case, and why he intends to prevail. Phil, who served in the military, also talks candidly about an atheist's way of living and dying. Accompanying music: "None of the Above," written and performed by Dan Barker. (MP3, 48 min, 22.1 MB)

Features a special look at the growing religion-based assault against gay rights around the country. Interviewed: former FFRF staff member Ellen Masters, a lesbian mom in a committed relationship who talks about what it's like to be denied equal rights under the law. Her interview is a sneak preview of Ellen's article, "The Churches Have Legalized Discrimination in America," appearing in the upcoming September issue of Freethought Today. Dan Barker's Pagan Pulpit looks at the biblical roots of homophobia. Kristin Lems' timely song, "How Nice!" continues the theme. Robert Green Ingersoll (born on August 11) is profiled in Freethinkers Almanac. Accompanying music: "The Time to Be Happy Is Now," words by Robert G. Ingersoll, music by Dan Barker (with backup children's choir). (MP3, 47 min, 21.4 MB)