Secular Left - Progressive Religion Free View of the News

How far are you willing to go for the truth? How much are you ready to risk for justice and freedom of speech? Join us as we traverse the treacherous terrain of investigative journalism with our guest Dr. Anthony Feinstein, author of the book 'Moral Courage 19 Profiles of Investigative Journalists'. Dr. Feinstein takes us through the intricate concept of moral courage, a crucial attribute for journalists navigating danger, standing on principles, and displaying extraordinary endurance.

Imagine getting up every day, knowing your job could be a life and death situation, and still choosing to do it. That's the reality for conflict journalists covering the ongoing strife amd corruption in the world. Our episode takes a detour into the heart of this hazardous world with a researcher and filmmaker, who shares the psychological burden journalists bear.

We pivot towards the significance of journalism in authoritarian regimes. What does it mean to report the truth in perilous environments? How does one navigate the daunting challenges and psychological impacts? Our guest explores these questions and more, unmasking the alarming tactics of authoritarian leaders that suppress the press and can even infiltrate democratic societies. We uncover the dangers of corporate sway on media and the critical need to safeguard a free press. Tune in, as this isn't just about journalists fighting oppressive regimes, but a battle for preserving democracy and freedom of speech. And remember, every word matters.

Full Show Notes

00:40 All About The Moral Courage Research Project
11:49 Importance Of Moral Courage To A Free Press
16:21 Attacks On The Press Are Dangerous To Democracy
30:41 State Of Journalism In The Social Media Era

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

Subscribe to our free newsletter
Check out our Merch

Follow us on Bluesky
Find us on Twitter(for now)
Find us on Instagram
Find us on Counter Social
Find us on Mastadon

Ever wondered why the separation of church and state is a formidable pillar of modern democracies? Join us as we dissect this essential concept with no other than Andrew Seidel, the vice president of strategic communications for Americans United, an accomplished author, and a relentless defender of the First Amendment. With over a decade of experience in law, Andrew's insights into the legal concept of 'standing' and how the ever-important separation of church and state influences the issues we face today, promise to be both fascinating and educational.

This not so subtle weaponization of religious freedom threatens democracy by privileging a select few such as the new speaker of the US House Michael Johnson, a Christian Nationalist of the first order. As we weave through the integral threads of church-state separation within the fabric of our republic, the significance of authentic religious freedom and the strive for unexceptional equality becomes evident. Andrew concludes our engrossing dialogue on a positive note, expressing optimism in the growing awareness of people towards this significant struggle. Eye-opening and enlightening, this conversation is a must for those keen on comprehending the profound correlation between religion, state, and the fight for equality in America.

Show Notes

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

Subscribe to our free newsletter
Check out our Merch

Follow us on Bluesky
Find us on Twitter(for now)
Find us on Instagram
Find us on Counter Social
Find us on Mastadon

Jam-packed with insights and experiences, we sit down with Keith Semple, an eminent musician with a quarter-century-long journey in the industry. Starting his career in Northern Ireland, he's now making waves in the US, not just with his music, but with his engaging podcast, The Semple Truth. Keith shares his thoughts about his secular humanist beliefs and how atheists often demonstrate the highest level of religious literacy. His straightforward and bold views on the importance of challenging stereotypes and misconceptions are sure to strike a chord!

We step into the realm of music as Keith shares the inspiration behind his songs, his bands, and his religious observances. His song "Double X" stirred a discussion, inspired by Roe vs. Wade. Also, an upcoming song focusing on climate change teases to add a new dimension to his repertoire. He speaks candidly about his time on "The Voice" and the shocking religious undertones he experienced on the show.

Our conversation takes a fascinating turn as we explore the captivating world of fiction, focusing on the works of fantasy author R. A. Salvatore, particularly his protagonist, Drizzt Do'Urden. We look at how Salvatore's characters navigate through religion, morality, and social issues. We also shed light on the influence of progressive activists such as Liz Plank on their communities. And as a cherry on top, we share some useful insights on inviting potential guests for the podcast and the diversity they bring to the table. Tune in to savor this eclectic mix of music, religion, and fiction!

Show Notes

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

Subscribe to our free newsletter
Check out our Merch

Follow us on Bluesky
Find us on Twitter(for now)
Find us on Instagram
Find us on Counter Social
Find us on Mastadon

We delve into the life and philosophy of Herb Kay, a man with diverse experiences ranging from being an NSA analyst, a salesman, to serving time in prison. His stint in prison, as result of bad choices during the 2008 real estate collapse, helped him experience people with underprivileged backgrounds and shaped his views on issues such as gun control, mass incarceration, other societal issues and inspired him to conceive 'The 1964 Plan'.

Herb claims his political approach transcends party lines and addresses societal problems like the breakup of the nuclear family, the war on drugs and the welfare state. He claims government welfare implementation replaced familial support leading to poverty more permanent than temporary.

He decided to call his plan 'The 1964 Plan' to refer to Lyndon B. Johnson's Great Society program which Herb claims had good intentions but institutionalized poverty across generations. The plan also talks about the importance of involvement of fathers - traditionally providing discipline and setting boundaries contrasted with the nurturing role mothers play. Kay also emphasizes the impact on child development including lessons like deferred gratification. Herb also believes that women were happier before the sexual revolution.

Our discussion burns hot at times as Herb defends his ideas and his plan. How is it not just warmed over conservative 'hate the poor' with a dash of misogyny? After the interview our host, Doug, offers some final thoughts.

Show Notes

01:45 Prison is just an extension of the welfare state
08:16 Destruction of the Nuclear Family - Fatherlessness
13:03 Women unhappy since the sexual revolution
19:32 Equality of the sexes is a myth
24:47 The problem with progressives
27:43 Prison Reform
31:12 Welfare shouldn't be a federal program - leave it to the states
38:51 Drug Legalization
41:12 Doug's Epilogue

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

Subscribe to our free newsletter
Check out our Merch

Follow us on Bluesky
Find us on Twitter(for now)
Find us on Instagram
Find us on Counter Social
Find us on Mastadon

We meet the person behind the Rooster, DJ Byrnes. He is a renowned video blogger and former political candidate, known for his audacity in unveiling the political landscape of Ohio and who sparks fear in the religious zealots infecting the Ohio Statehouse. He made his name when he posted the infamous video that ultimately cost Urban Meyer his NFL job. Rooster shares how video blogging can significantly impact politics, his experiences capturing content on social media platforms and his insights into Ohio's battles on cultural war issues.

As we dabble in Ohio's most hot-button issues, Rooster's perspectives on the upcoming constitutional amendment for reproductive rights, and the court case regarding the ballot language, are especially enlightening. We tackle the possible overturning of the vote for legal weed in the Ohio legislature and the role popular issues play in shaping the state's political landscape. Rooster's thoughts on potential investments for the amendment, Center for Christian Virtue's prayer hour at the Statehouse, and the contentious ads by anti-abortion groups make for an engaging conversation that you wouldn't want to miss.

Finally, we touch on the issues closest to Rooster's heart - the decline of local newspapers in rural districts and the subsequent political apathy. His take on the power of video as a social change tool and his upcoming projects promise hope and action for the future. As a bonus, he also talks about his merch store and how you can support his efforts to fight social injustice in Ohio. Get ready to be inspired and enlightened by Rooster's politically charged journey.

Show Notes

02:41 Urban Meyer Bar Story
08:11 Ruining Derek Merrin Speakership
12:40 Holding the powerful accountable
21:33 House Taco
23:47 State Issue 1 and 2 Prospects
36:33 Future Plans

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

Subscribe to our free newsletter
Check out our Merch

Follow us on Bluesky
Find us on Twitter(for now)
Find us on Instagram
Find us on Counter Social
Find us on Mastadon

Can a reformed Islamophobe be redeemed and can a non-Muslim speak about the complex relationship between progressive and orthodox Islam with any creditability? Eric Brazau's look at Islam began in an unexpected place - while he was incarcerated. His enlightening perspectives and observations are shared in his book, 'Muslim Reformers versus Fundamentalists.' This provocative work tackles the pressing question of how Islam is interacting with, and shaping, Western civilization. Eric's book further raises inquiries on which form of Islam - the reformist or fundamentalist - will ultimately gain prominence. But beyond pointing out the differences he offers no solutions or why we should really care.

We challenge Eric on his complaints about laws to prevent Islamophobia, the same kind that landed him in jail years ago. Personal harassment of religious people is just wrong. Get ready for an information-loaded session that fails to offer fresh perspectives on Islam and lightly touches on the western concern about radical Islam which is really no different than concern about Christian Nationalism here in the US.

Show Notes
04:28 Muslim Reformers versus Fundamentalists
18:29 Religious Extremism: both sides of the same coin
36:10 Hate Speech Laws in Canada
49:46 Host Note

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

Subscribe to our free newsletter
Check out our Merch

Follow us on Bluesky
Find us on Twitter(for now)
Find us on Instagram
Find us on Counter Social
Find us on Mastadon

Prepare yourself for an enlightening ride into the obscure frontiers of political intrigue and misinformation warfare, as we shine a light on a heated conflict unfolding in Ohio. Learn about the conservative and Christian Nationalist groups opposing the Reproductive Rights Amendment, the sly tactics they employ, and the false narratives they propagate to hinder its passage. We focus on a particular social media post that has been circulating and scrutinize the distortion of facts in it. We also delve deep into the history and activities of the American Policy Roundtable, founded as a Christian ministry but now known for their advocacy of school voucher and their attempts to block gambling in the state.

Show Notes

00:41 Introducing the American Policy Roundtable
08:13 Refuting the top partion of APR's amendment social media post
25:56 Refuting the bottom partion of APR's amendment social media post

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

Subscribe to our free newsletter
Check out our Merch

Follow us on Bluesky
Find us on Twitter(for now)
Find us on Instagram
Find us on Counter Social
Find us on Mastadon

We explore the latest twist in the tale of closed St Anthony Church in Toledo. Saved from demolition to be a place for affordable housing and/or a community event space. The Lucas County Land Bank decided to ditch what the community wanted and went with the idea of converting the church into a climbing gym, a project proposed by a company known for a similar creation near Wildwood Metro Park. Why did the Land Bank ignore the community?

Our episode also looks at controversial decisions around chemical abortions and public schools. We'll dissect the Republican attorney generals' lawsuit in Texas aimed at removing FDA authorization of one abortion drug, the surprising argument used by Judge James Ho, and the latest from the US Supreme Court. Then, we'll address the controversy around State Senator Theresa Gavarone's presence at a school opening despite her support for universal vouchers and lack of support for adequate public school funding. All this and more awaits. Don't miss out!

Show Notes

01:14  St. Anthony's Totally Uncalled For Transformation
24:42 Gov. DeWine and the Bishops
32:40 Abortion Pill Court Decision
41:36 State Senator Gaverone and the Public School Photo-op

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

Subscribe to our free newsletter
Check out our Merch

Follow us on Bluesky
Find us on Twitter(for now)
Find us on Instagram
Find us on Counter Social
Find us on Mastadon

Today's episode takes us to Northwest Ohio as we probe into the intriguing life and ideologies of Professor Lee Strang. Engulfed in legal and societal debates, Strang plays multiple roles - a University of Toledo Law School professor, public charter school founder, anti-abortion activist, and advocate for conservative think tanks at Ohio law schools. We navigate the highs and lows of his highly charged Christian nationalist perspective, addressing his influence on law, education, and society.

We peer into Strang's interpretation of the First Amendment and discuss why atheism and secular humanism do not fit into his definition of religion. We unveil his stance on the constitutional protection of unborn fetuses and how this belief fuels his anti-abortion activism. Unmasking the educational philosophy behind the Northwest Ohio Classical Academy, Strang's brainchild, we bring to light its approach to controversial topics and commitment to a classical education curriculum that tries to hide its religious underpinnings.

Finally, we bare the threads of Strang's Christian Nationalist influence and the appearance of a quid pro quo with the leaders of the Ohio Republican Party and state anti-abortion groups like the Center for Christian Virtue. We scrutinize his endeavors to pass State Issue 1 alongside State Senator and former student Rob McColley and the implications for Ohio's political landscape. Regardless of personal agreement or dissent with Strang's beliefs, his impact on Ohio and beyond is undeniable. Tune in for an exploration of modern conservatism through the lens of one influential figure.

Show Notes

00:45 Wanting To Hear Different Voices On The Podcast
04:48 Introducing Professor Lee Strang
11:01 Strang Supports Originalism
17:32 Strang Claims 1St Amendment Doesn't Apply To Atheists And Secular Humanists
24:50 Strang Is An Anti-Abortion Activist
29:45 Strang Founds Religiously Based Charter School Disguised As A Non-Religious School
43:23 Strang Gets Favorable Local Press Stories Because Of Personal Connections

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

Subscribe to our free newsletter
Check out our Merch

Follow us on Bluesky
Find us on Twitter(for now)
Find us on Instagram
Find us on Counter Social
Find us on Mastadon

People like Christian Nationalist Charlie Kirk and the US Supreme Court get affirmative action in college admissions wrong. The racist assumption is a marginalized group would be automatically unqualified to attend an elite college without it. Affirmative action doesn't elevate unqualified people it levels the playing field. Then we look at Christian Nationalists who use the argument that they must save the children when targeting gender affirming care and Drag Queens, while ignoring religious exemptions to child abuse and vaccination laws that can cause real harm. It isn't about protecting children.

Show Notes

[00:35] Charlie Kirk Is Wrong About Affirmative Action
 [15:16] Using Children To Cram Your Religious Bigotry Down Our Throat

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

Subscribe to our free newsletter
Check out our Merch

Follow us on Bluesky
Find us on Twitter(for now)
Find us on Instagram
Find us on Counter Social
Find us on Mastadon