Freethought Radio

The May 27, 2006 broadcast of Freethought Radio features two timely interviews. The death penalty (a hot topic in Wisconsin) is discussed with humanist and attorney Arthur K. Thexton, of Madison, Wis. Also featured is an interview with Foundation member John Scalise, who has fought to stop public school support of the discriminatory Boy Scouts of America in his Michigan school district. "Pagan Pulpit" dissects biblical contradictions and dictates regarding the death penalty. The unique show includes on-target music and Freethinkers Almanac. Music includes: "No Hurry to Die" by Dan Barker and "Y BSA," a parody performed by Dan Barker. (MP3, 47 min, 21.5 MB)

Featuring guest Richard Sloan, Ph.D., author of the forthcoming book, "Blind Faith," critiquing prayer and religion health studies. Music includes Dan Barker's "Beware of Dogma," Ask-an-Atheist tackles the myth that there are no atheists in foxholes, and freethought almanac looks at several famous freethinkers born in late May. (MP3, 47 min, 21.3 MB)

Guest: Mike Newdow, litigant of "under God" in the Pledge of Allegiance. Music: Newdow's "Those Pledge of Allegiance Need Some Old Religion Blues." Freethinkers' Almanac: featuring Irving Berlin, the godless composer of "God Bless America." Music: Irving Berlin's 1923 "Pack Up Your Sins & Go to the Devil in Hades," Dan Barker, vocal & keyboard. Mother's Day segment, featuring Anne Gaylor, FFRF founder, and director of the Charitable Women's Medical Fund. Music in honor of Mother's Day: "Bread & Roses" feminist anthem, performed by Dan Barker. (MP3, 53 min, 24 MB)

Robin Morgan (Sisterhood Is Powerful) is an atheist whose new book Fighting Words is a counter to the religious right. Her novel The Burning Times is based on the true case of the first woman put to death as a witch by the Roman Catholic Church in Ireland. Also hear "Theocracy Alert," "Freethinkers' Almanac," and the debut of "Pagan Pulpit." (MP3, 45 min, 20.5MB)

Featuring interview with Ernie Harburg, president of the Yip Harburg Foundation, on the great American lyricist Yip Harburg ("Somewhere Over the Rainbow," "Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?," "April in Paris"), a self-described "ardent agnostic," and author of Rhymes for the Irreverent, recently republished by the Freedom From Religion Foundation. Also featuring a segment with Prof. Penny Edgell, University of Minnesota, on her study, "Atheists as 'Other'." (MP3, 49 min, 22.3MB)