Humanism Now | Secular Ethics, Curiosity and Compassionate Change

Humanise Live
  • 4.8 (4)
  • SOCIETY & CULTURE
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Humanism Now is the weekly podcast for everyone curious, interested or actively engaged in secular humanism. Each Sunday, host James Hodgson—founder of Humanise Live—welcomes scientists, philosophers, activists, authors, entrepreneurs and community leaders who are challenging the status quo and building a fairer, kinder world. Together we unpack today’s toughest ethical questions—using reason and compassion instead of dogma—and champion universal human rights and flourishing. Expect in-depth interviews on today's pressing issues, from climate action, protecting freedoms, equality & justice to AI ethics and cosmic wonder. Every episode delivers practical take-aways for living an ethical, purpose-driven life while discovering more about ourselves, others and the universe. Whether you’re a lifelong secular humanist or simply curious about a naturalistic worldview, hit follow for insight-packed conversations that challenge ideas, celebrate human potential and inspire positive change. Join our global community working toward a fairer, kinder and more rational world—for this generation and the next.

  1. 63. Powering A Humane Future with Zion Lights

    5D AGO

    63. Powering A Humane Future with Zion Lights

    “I changed my mind because I cared about alleviating energy poverty.” Order now: Energy is Life: Why Environmentalism Went Nuclear, by Zion Lights AmazonGuardian BookshopNatural History Book ServiceZion Lights is an award-winning science communicator and environmental advocate whose work sits at the intersection of energy, climate, and public understanding of science. In this conversation, Zion shares her journey from prominent renewable-only activism to evidence-led support for a broader clean energy mix, and why energy abundance matters for health, dignity, and human progress. Connect with Zion  Website – zionlights.co.ukNewsletter –substack.com/@zionlights1Topics we cover How Zion’s views shifted after revisiting the evidence on nuclear risk, safety, and climate mitigation Why “clean energy” beats “renewables-only,” and what grid reality means for net zero pathways Energy poverty, global fairness, and what reliable power enables for health systems and developmentSMRs, fusion, and what is realistic now versus what is still “next decade” techResources & further reading “Could we even ‘just stop oil’?” – The Holyoake Lecture 2023, with Zion Lights (video)Global Warming of 1.5°C (SR15) – Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (2018)Death rates per unit of electricity production – Our World in DataWhat are the safest and cleanest sources of energy? – Our World in DataSend us a text Support the show Support Humanism Now & Join Our Community! Follow @HumanismNowPod | YouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Facebook | Threads | X.com | BlueSky Humanism 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.live Music: Blossom by Light Prism Podcast 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.

    43 min
  2. 62. From Commons Victory To Lords Gridlock: Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill Update with Nathan Stilwell, Humanists UK

    JAN 27

    62. From Commons Victory To Lords Gridlock: Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill Update with Nathan Stilwell, Humanists UK

    In this short update epsiode, we are pleased to welcome back 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 explains what has happened since the Assisted Dying Bill passed the House of Commons, why it now risks falling in the House of Lords, and what supporters can do to help ensure it becomes law. This episode follows Nathan’s first appearance on Humanism Now in November 2024 and offers a timely update on one of the most significant ethical debates in UK politics. References & further reading Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill – Publications   – UK Parliament, bill text, amendments, and parliamentary documentsAsk the House of Lords to support assisted dying – Humanists UK campaign tool for contacting peers26. Nathan Stilwell on the Need for Compassionate Assisted Dying Legislation & End of Life Care – Humanism Now, November 2024.MPs back proposals to legalise assisted dying – BBC News, 29 November 2024.What has happened to the assisted dying bill? – BBC News, 12 December 2025.Assisted dying bill ‘near impossible’ to pass House of Lords, say supporters – The Guardian, 22 January 2026.Send us a text Support the show Support Humanism Now & Join Our Community! Follow @HumanismNowPod | YouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Facebook | Threads | X.com | BlueSky Humanism 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.live Music: Blossom by Light Prism Podcast 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.

    17 min
  3. 61. Empowering Leaders for Secular Groups that Thrive, with Darrel Ray

    JAN 19

    61. Empowering Leaders for Secular Groups that Thrive, with Darrel Ray

    “Most people want community, and yet these communities keep disappearing.” Dr. Darrel Ray is a psychologist, author, and organizational leader who has spent decades helping individuals leave religious belief systems and supporting secular communities around the world. He founded Recovering from Religion and the Secular Therapy Project, wrote influential books such as The God Virus, and recently launched the Institute for Secular Leadership to strengthen secular and humanist organisations through better leadership practices Register interest in the Secular Leadership Course here. Dr. Ray's Organisations & Projects Recovering from Religion – international nonprofit supporting people leaving religionSecular Therapy Project – connects secular clients with vetted secular therapistsInstitute for Secular Leadership – newly launched leadership training for secular organisations Books by Dr. Ray The God Virus: How Religion Infects Our Lives and Culture – Darrel Ray (2009) Sex and God: How Religion Distorts Sexuality – Darrel Ray (2012)Teaming Up: Making the Transition to a Self-Directed, Team-Based Organization – Darrel W. Ray & Howard BronsteinThe Performance Culture: Maximizing the Power of Teams – Darrel W. Ray & Howard BronsteinSend us a text Support the show Support Humanism Now & Join Our Community! Follow @HumanismNowPod | YouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Facebook | Threads | X.com | BlueSky Humanism 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.live Music: Blossom by Light Prism Podcast 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.

    40 min
  4. 60. Dr Alfredo Carpineti on Invisible Rainbows, the Unseen Universe and Pride in STEM

    JAN 11

    60. Dr Alfredo Carpineti on Invisible Rainbows, the Unseen Universe and Pride in STEM

    "I blame dinosaurs, and I blame London."  Astrophysicist and science communicator Dr Alfredo Carpineti (IFLScience, The Big Questions; creator of The Astroholic Explains; founder and chair of Pride in STEM) joins Humanism Now  to explore why the cosmos still sparks childlike wonder, how great science communication balances accuracy with storytelling, and why his upcoming book Invisible Rainbows pairs “unseen light” with the human stories too often left out.  Connect with Alfredo Carpineti Website – https://www.theastroholic.co.uk/X (Twitter) – @DrCarpineti LinkedIn – Alfredo-CarpinetiResources & Further Reading Book (Invisible Rainbows) – https://www.rarewaves.com/products/9781806770441-Invisible-Rainbows FacebookPride in STEM – https://prideinstem.org/The Astroholic Explains Podcast – https://open.spotify.com/show/6dbgVUYZDYQ95Uci2RlCFNIFLScience: The Big Questions Podcast – https://iflsciencethebigquestions.podbean.com/Meet Alfredo in London! Space and Humanism in Fiction and Reality, with Dr Alfredo Carpineti London Humanists | Wednesday, 28 Jan 2026 | 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM GMT | Old Diorama Arts Centre, NW1, London Send us a text Support the show Support Humanism Now & Join Our Community! Follow @HumanismNowPod | YouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Facebook | Threads | X.com | BlueSky Humanism 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.live Music: Blossom by Light Prism Podcast 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.

    42 min
  5. 59. 2025 in Humanism - Deconstruction, Collaboration, Resistance & TikTok

    12/31/2025

    59. 2025 in Humanism - Deconstruction, Collaboration, Resistance & TikTok

    As Humanism Now wraps up 2025, host James Hodgson is joined by familiar voices from across the UK humanist movement to reflect on the year just gone and look ahead to 2026. Together, they explore community-building, youth engagement, activism, collaboration, and why humanism continues to resonate in uncertain times. Guests & Links Lola Tinubu – Association of Black Humanists (ABH) Association of Black Humanists – https://www.meetup.com/association-of-black-humanists/Festival of Freethinking 2025 – https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/festival-of-freethinking-2025-tickets-1755211267149/Secular Sankofa podcast – https://secularsankofa.buzzsprout.com/2532796/followABH on TikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@assoc_of_black_humanistsMark Agathangelou – Central London Humanists (CLH) Central London Humanists – https://www.centrallondonhumanists.org.uk/CLH on Meetup – https://www.meetup.com/central-london-humanists/What Humanism Means To Me Event - https://www.meetup.com/central-london-humanists/events/310597525/Nicole Shashar – Leicester Humanists & Young Humanists Leicester Humanists – https://humanists.uk/local-group/leicester/Young Humanists – https://humanists.uk/community/young-humanistsLooking Ahead: Major 2026 Events Humanists UK Convention & Festival 2026 – https://humanists.uk/events/festival2026/ World Humanist Congress 2026 – https://humanists.international/event/world-humanist-congress-2026/ Send us a text Support the show Support Humanism Now & Join Our Community! Follow @HumanismNowPod | YouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Facebook | Threads | X.com | BlueSky Humanism 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.live Music: Blossom by Light Prism Podcast 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.

    38 min
  6. 58. Dr. Lois Lee on the Magic of Santa, Secular Rituals and Why Christmas Still Matters

    12/24/2025

    58. Dr. Lois Lee on the Magic of Santa, Secular Rituals and Why Christmas Still Matters

    “[Magical beliefs in childhood] serve an important function.”  - Dr Lois Lee For our festive special, Dr. Lois Lee, Senior Lecturer in Religious Studies at the University of Kent and one of the world’s leading scholars of non-belief, joins Humanism Now to explore why atheism spreads culturally and what Christmas reveals about humanist meaning in everyday life. Connect with Dr. Lee University of Kent profileExplaining Atheism ProfileExplaining Atheism ProjectTopics we cover  ✔︎ Why atheism still needs explaining in the 21st century  ✔︎ Why socialisation and cultural visibility matter more than intelligence or education  ✔︎ What children’s belief in Santa reveals about evidence, reason, and doubt  ✔︎ Magical belief as a bridge between childhood and adult worldviews  ✔︎ Christmas as a modern, child-centred ritual with humanist ethics  ✔︎ Ritual, meaning, and non-religious culture  ✔︎ Humanist privilege, school Christmas, and questions of inclusion Resources & further reading Becoming Non-Believers (childhood research) – Dr. Lee & Dr. Anna StrhanTowards a Sociology of Irreligion – Colin Campbell (1971)A Christmas Carol – Charles DickensA Visit from St. Nicholas (“’Twas the Night Before Christmas”) The Snowman –  Raymond Briggs“Father Christmas Executed” – Claude Lévi-StraussSend us a text Support the show Support Humanism Now & Join Our Community! Follow @HumanismNowPod | YouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Facebook | Threads | X.com | BlueSky Humanism 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.live Music: Blossom by Light Prism Podcast 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.

    48 min
  7. 57. Will Gervais on the Origins of Religion, Disbelief, and Morality

    12/14/2025

    57. Will Gervais on the Origins of Religion, Disbelief, and Morality

    “Humans didn’t evolve to believe in gods — we evolved to learn from culture, and sometimes culture points away from gods.” Dr Will M. Gervais, psychologist and author of Disbelief, joins Humanism Now to examine one of the most persistent puzzles in the study of religion: why a species capable of deep religiosity also produces millions of convinced non-believers. Drawing on cultural evolution, cognitive science, and cross-cultural data, Will shows why belief and disbelief are shaped less by raw rationality than by social signals, security, and learning environments. Contact & resources; Website – http://willgervais.com/University profile – https://www.brunel.ac.uk/people/will-gervaisResearchGate – https://www.researchgate.net/scientific-contributions/Will-M-Gervais-16312567Disbelief – Gervais (2023) – https://blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/product/Disbelief-by-Will-M-Gervais/9781633889248 Topics we cover • Why humans evolved a capacity for religion, not a destiny to believe • The twin puzzles of belief and disbelief explained scientifically • Why comfort-based and “God-spot” theories fall short • Cultural signals, credible displays, and how communities transmit belief • Why atheism often emerges where signals are mixed or muted • Weak and fragile links between analytic thinking and non-belief • Moral distrust of atheists — and what behavioural data actually show • Differences in moral style rather than moral behaviour • Agnosticism as a distinct epistemic position, not a midpoint • Existential security and why stable societies secularise • Cultural evolution and the “big gods” hypothesis • Why scientific self-correction matters more than tribal loyalty Send us a text Support the show Support Humanism Now & Join Our Community! Follow @HumanismNowPod | YouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Facebook | Threads | X.com | BlueSky Humanism 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.live Music: Blossom by Light Prism Podcast 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.

    39 min
  8. 56. Indian Rationalism to Global Humanist Resistance - Alavari Jeevathol on Duty, Dialogue & Youth Power

    11/30/2025

    56. Indian Rationalism to Global Humanist Resistance - Alavari Jeevathol on Duty, Dialogue & Youth Power

    “Activism is the rent we pay to live on this world.”  Alavari Jeevathol AJ  board member of Humanists International, founding trustee of the National Multifaith Youth Centre, and National Coordinator of Young Humanists UK — returns to Humanism Now to explore a humanism shaped by South Indian pluralism, UK youth organising, and a lifelong commitment to duty, solidarity, and awe. This conversation traces India’s rationalist heritage, the case for humanistic spirituality, and why resistance must be global, hopeful, and rooted in material realities. Connect with AJ Website – alavari.infoInstagram – @alavarijFacebook – @alavariX (Twitter) – @alavarijLinkedIn – in/alavari/TikTok – @alavarijYoung Humanists UKNational Multifaith Youth Centre Resources & further reading Disenchanting India: Rationalist Criticism and Cultural Politics – Quack (2012) Humanist Society Scotland  Statement on Palestine & Israel (2023) AJ's events & talksHumanists UK Event: “India’s Rationalist Heritage” CLH Discussions | Gaza: genocide, ceasefire, and future prospectsCLH Talk:  Roots of Rationalism in India - Origins of Humanism SeriesHumanists International World Humanist Congress 2026 Send us a text Support the show Support Humanism Now & Join Our Community! Follow @HumanismNowPod | YouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Facebook | Threads | X.com | BlueSky Humanism 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.live Music: Blossom by Light Prism Podcast 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.

    50 min
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Ratings & Reviews

4.8
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Humanism Now is the weekly podcast for everyone curious, interested or actively engaged in secular humanism. Each Sunday, host James Hodgson—founder of Humanise Live—welcomes scientists, philosophers, activists, authors, entrepreneurs and community leaders who are challenging the status quo and building a fairer, kinder world. Together we unpack today’s toughest ethical questions—using reason and compassion instead of dogma—and champion universal human rights and flourishing. Expect in-depth interviews on today's pressing issues, from climate action, protecting freedoms, equality & justice to AI ethics and cosmic wonder. Every episode delivers practical take-aways for living an ethical, purpose-driven life while discovering more about ourselves, others and the universe. Whether you’re a lifelong secular humanist or simply curious about a naturalistic worldview, hit follow for insight-packed conversations that challenge ideas, celebrate human potential and inspire positive change. Join our global community working toward a fairer, kinder and more rational world—for this generation and the next.

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