Humanism Now
Support Humanism Now and join our community.
Every episode, guest and transcript is at humanism.now.
Humanism Now is a weekly podcast for anyone curious about secular humanism and making the most of the one life we have.
Host James Hodgson, founder of podcast studio Humanise Live, is joined by scientists, philosophers, campaigners, authors and everyday people who are building a fairer world, cultivating human flourishing and celebrating the joy of being human. Every episode is a long-form interview that takes one hard ethical question seriously, using reason and evidence rather than dogma, and always with compassion for the people involved. Recurring themes include:
- secular ethics and moral philosophy
- freedom of religion or belief and human rights
- Resisting nationalism and the future of democracy
- AI ethics, technology and what it means to stay human
- climate action, equality and social justice
- science, scepticism and critical thinking
- awe, meaning and our place in the cosmos
You will come away with ideas you can actually use: better arguments, better questions, and practical ways to live an ethical, purpose-driven life while understanding more about yourself, other people and the universe.
Whether you are a lifelong humanist or simply curious about a naturalistic worldview, hit follow and join a global community working towards a fairer, kinder and more rational world, for this generation and the next.
Every episode, guest and transcript is at humanism.now.
Support Humanism Now and join our community
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Humanism Now is produced by Humanise Live, a podcast production agency based in London, serving charities, companies and individuals across the globe. To start your own podcast, visit humanise.live or email hello@humanise.live.
Music credit: Blossom by Light Prism
Podcast transcripts are AI-generated and may contain errors or omissions. They are provided to make our content more accessible and should not be treated as a fully accurate record of the conversation.
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51. Maggie Ardiente, President of Humanists Int...
"Another form of resistance is joy.” Maggie Ardiente, newly elected President of Humanists International, joins Humanism Now to share how humanism grounded in curiosity, compassion, and community can meet today’s rising threats to democracy and science. From a Catholic upbringing to global leadership, Maggie lays out a practical, joyful vision: build resilient humanist networks and live our values in the one life we know we have. Connect with Maggie: Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/magg...
38 min
52
50. Andrew Copson on Why Humanism Remains Essen...
“No one ever said it was going to be easy. Humanists don’t think a better world is inevitable—we think a better world is possible, but we have to work for it.” Andrew Copson OBE, Chief Executive of Humanists UK and former President of Humanists International, joins us for our 50th episode to reflect on two decades of humanist leadership. From growing up in a secular working-class community to championing global human rights, Andrew explains why humanism remains vital in a time of rising extre...
50 min
53
49. Morgan DeNicola on the Philanthropy of Ever...
“You don’t change the world. You change the way one person views the world—and then you’ve changed the world for that person.” What if true strength lies not in certainty, but in listening with respect? In this episode, Morgan DeNicola, Executive Director of the DeNicola Family Foundation, shares how dialogue across divides, cultural diplomacy and everyday acts of humanity redefine what philanthropy can mean. From working with to fostering cross-cultural understanding worldwide, Morgan shows ...
39 min
54
James Ogude on Ubuntu's Ethical Framework - Per...
Ubuntu: I am because we are. 🌍✨ In this bonus episode of Humanism Now, we’re sharing the live recording of Professor James Ogude’s talk from the online event Understanding Ubuntu Traditions part of the Global Origins of Humanism series (co-hosted by Central London Humanists and the Association of Black Humanists). Prof. Ogude is a Senior Research Fellow at the Centre for the Advancement of Scholarship, University of Pretoria, and a leading authority on Ubuntu—the African ethical tradit...
46 min
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48. David Livingstone Smith on the Psychology o...
“The arc of history bends towards justice only if you keep pushing it in that direction.” David Livingstone-Smith, Ph.D., award-winning author, Professor of Philosophy at the University of New England and a leading authority on dehumanization joins us to unpack how ordinary people come to see others as “less than human,” why that shift makes atrocities feel morally necessary, and what practical tools can help us resist it. His books include Less Than Human (Anisfield-Wolf Award), ...
51 min
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47. Victoria Mattingly on The Human Side of DEI...
“Inclusion is the behaviors that result in others feeling valued, respected, seen and heard.” Dr. Victoria Mattingly (Dr. V)—industrial-organizational psychologist, CEO & founder of Mattingly Solutions, and co-author of Inclusalytics—joins us to show how rigorous data and deeply human connection can coexist. We unpack practical, measurable ways to build cultures of belonging—at work and in communities—where people can thrive as their authentic selves. Connect with Dr. Victoria Mattingly W...
37 min
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46. Bill Angus on Divorcing Jesus: Finding Auth...
“If humanism is anything, it’s self-education. It’s progressing, becoming more educated, more enlightened.” - Dr Bill Angus Dr Bill Angus takes us on a provocative journey through his transition from devout evangelical Christian to secular humanist in this candid, thought-provoking conversation. After 30 years of committed faith, Angus found himself re-examining the foundations of Christianity, leading to what he calls a “divorce” from Jesus. With humour and clarity, he challenges us to rethi...
36 min
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45. Richard Norman on What is Humanism For?
“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 chal...
30 min
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44. Lizzi Collinge MP on Applying Humanist Valu...
“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 MP Lizzi 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 🏛️ Parliamen...
38 min
60
43. Katherine Lacefield on Moving from Confront...
"Compassion has no borders" - Katherine Lacefield Katherine 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 Katherine Website – justbecause.consultingFacebook – @JustBeCauseConsultingInstagram – @just.because.consultingTikTok – @justbecauseconsultingThreads – @just.because.consultingLinkedIn – /in/katherine-mac-do...
36 min
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42. Peruvian Association of Atheist on How Huma...
“Rituals are in the roots of our humankind.” — Iván Antezana Adrián 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 ...
35 min
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41. Bridget Shirvell on Parenting in a Climate ...
“Research has found that the amount of questions kids ask dramatically decreases once they start formalized education.” – Bridget Shirvell Journalist 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 ho...
32 min
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40. Nick Cooney on Going Beyond Good Intentions...
“Focusing on the positive outcomes gives you agency; you can literally see the progress happening and that keeps you moving forward.” - Nick Cooney Nick 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 compassi...
44 min
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39. Dr Bo Bennett on Sharpening Critical Thinki...
“We need to care more about believing what is true than being right and being proved right.” - Bo Bennet With 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...
38 min
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38. Julie Pham on Mastering Curiosity as a Prac...
“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 Pham In 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 l...
32 min
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37. Rachael Reign on Coercive Control Beyond th...
“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 Reign In 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 le...
49 min
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36. JC Candanedo on Art as Activism for Solidar...
"Inclusion isn’t about ticking boxes. It’s about creating a space where people feel safe enough to stay." - JC Candanedo Artist, 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 cult...
41 min
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35. Lindsay de Wal on Redefining Chaplaincy & t...
"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 conversa...
31 min
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34. Michael Bauer on Community Services Without...
“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. Dis...
31 min
70
33. Audrey Simmons & Lola Tinubu on Keeping the...
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, Audr...
23 min
71
32. Alan Palmer on Finding Common Ground Throug...
“If we focus so much on the 5% that divides us, we miss the 95% we already share.” — Alan Palmer Alan 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 Episode How Central London Humanists became ...
18 min
72
31. Katherine Stewart on Money, Lies & God: How...
The pro-life religion we see today is a modern creation. It was created for political purposes." — Katherine Stewart Katherine Stewart is an award-winning journalist and author, who has investigated the rise of religious nationalism and its impact on democracy for over 15 years. Her work appears in The New York Times and The New Republic. She is the author of The Good News Club, The Power Worshippers, and the new release Money, Lies, and God. Key Topics Covered How the "Good News Club" expos...
34 min
73
30. S.I. Martin on Uncovering Britain's Hidden ...
"Isn't it true that we are the stories we tell ourselves?" — S.I. Martin This 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 import...
29 min
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29. Faith to Faithless on Finding Community aft...
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 10...
45 min
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28. Susie Alegre on the Algorithmic Assault on ...
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...
39 min