Glass City Humanist

We look at the current legislative climate in Ohio, with a focus on the extreme measures being proposed and enacted. The Ohio State legislature this session is exhibiting a troubling trend towards more radical policies, including the controversial SB1, dubbed the Higher Education Destruction Act. This bill threatens to undermine academic freedom and censor educational content while limiting the ri...

In this milestone 100th episode of the Glass City Humanist, we welcome Toledo activist Sean Nestor for an in-depth discussion on activism within our community. Sean shares his journey from high school political engagement sparked by the looming Iraq War to his current role in revitalizing local media and promoting civic involvement. We delve into the nuances of Toledo's political climate, disc...

Our guest is Natalie Hastings, an organizer for Honesty for Ohio Education and Ohioans Against Extremism. The conversation delves deep into the state of public education in Ohio, the implications of grassroots organizing, and the critical importance of maintaining the separation of church and state. Hastings recounts how her experience as a mother and a public school advocate inspired her to engag...

We explore third places, which are crucial for fostering community by providing inclusive and open environments where people from diverse backgrounds can socialize and interact without the pressures of their primary home or work life. These spaces include cafes, parks, and community centers, each serving as an anchor for social interaction. We articulate how our humanist group embodies the essence...

On March 18th, a significant ruling from Ohio's 10th District Court declared the state’s ban on gender-affirming healthcare for transgender youth unconstitutional, a decision made in light of an appeal from the ACLU of Ohio. We explore the implications of this ruling, from its roots in legal arguments to the broader message it conveys about the protection of human rights. Transitioning to our...

In this episode, we look at the pressing issue of rising egg prices in the United States and yet another attempt to inject religion into Ohio public schools. We explore the interplay of economics and environmental factors driving the increases in egg prices influenced by the avian flu which has severely impacted the egg-laying bird population. We break down the economic principles at play, explain...

We look at the urgent and current threats to democracy and how our humanist values compel us to take direct action. The discussion emphasizes that as humanists, we hold accountable our shared principles of social justice, compassion, and critical engagement in times when these ideals are increasingly under siege. We reflect on the challenging political landscape we now face, particularly with the...

We dive into the latest developments regarding the contentious case surrounding Dad's Place Church in Bryan, Ohio. The narrative grapples with complex issues of religious freedom, municipal regulations, and homelessness, ignited by Pastor Chris Avell's decision to operate a homeless shelter within his church premises without the required permits. As tensions mount between the pastor, the l...

In this episode, we have a visit with Fish Stark, the new Executive Director of the American Humanist Association (AHA). Stark, who officially took on the role in August 2024, shares his gripping origin story steeped in familial influences and the core values of humanism, shaped significantly by his father, Pete Stark, the first openly atheist member of the U.S. Congress and 2008 AHA Humanist of t...

We open this episode promoting a workshop Douglas is facilitating in January with the American Humanist Association Center for Education. The topic is helping Humanists speak up through writing letters to the editor, being interviewed by the press and being an advocate for issues Humanists care about. Next we delve into the legislative debates surrounding Substitute House Bill 8, which has been ch...

We dive deep into the ongoing legislative efforts surrounding LifeWise Academy, a Christian nationalist organization seeking to establish Bible classes in public schools during school hours. As the Ohio State Legislature enters its lame duck session, critical issues have arisen concerning the implications of integrating religious instruction into the public education system. We discuss the irony i...

We delve into the complexities of grief and its manifestations in our lives, particularly from the unique perspective of a humanist. Grief is not only reserved for the loss of loved ones but extends to experiences such as a beloved sports team's defeat or the heart-wrenching outcome of an election. After the recent 2024 presidential election, many progressives, including humanists, felt a profound...

Host Douglas Berger recently gave a presentation at the First Unitarian Church of Toledo, where he addressed the controversial topic of Release Time Religious Instruction (RTRI) in Ohio, with a particular focus on LifeWise Academy, which aims to provide religious education during the school day. We start by defining RTRI, explaining its legal background, and detailing how LifeWise Academy, founded...

We start out by looking into the complex intersection of politics and disaster recovery. Recent events, particularly the devastating impacts of Hurricane Milton—following closely on the heels of Hurricane Helene—prompt a reflection on how political narratives can distort the truth of emergency assistance. As communities in Florida and the Carolinas grapple with severe weather damage, misinformatio...

Ron Millar is our guest. He is the political action committee (PAC) manager for the Center for Freethought Equality, which operates under the American Humanist Association. With over 40 years of experience in nonprofit education and advocacy, including a significant tenure at the Secular Coalition for America, Millar shares his insights into the intersection of politics and humanist values. We dis...

We engage in a compelling conversation with Kyle Herman, the newly elected city council member from Stow, Ohio. With a rich background that includes experiences in both national politics and international democracy promotion, Kyle shares his journey back to his hometown and the pivotal moments that inspired his decision to serve locally. Kyle offers insight into his political career, which began w...

Nick Fish is our guest. He is the fourth president of American Atheists in its 60-year history. We discuss his journey to the organization, the strategic plan for the next 60 years, the current climate of religious freedom in the U.S., and how groups can collaborate to uphold secular values. Nick shares his background as a civil rights activist and his path into the secular movement. His frustrati...

We look into the complex religious dimensions of Project 2025, a strategic initiative shaped by the Heritage Foundation and influenced by various far-right and religious conservative groups. This document serves as a comprehensive playbook for a future conservative presidential administration, detailing policies aimed at reconstituting government to align with a conservative ideology. Building upo...

We look at the details of refreshing our group's Ten Commitments prize wheel for information booths at community events. Our focus is on engaging kids with fun activities while also educating them about humanism. We redesigned the wheel, creating new wedges with shortened, inspirational messages to convey the essence of each commitment effectively. We discuss our ongoing efforts to engage with...

We start with concerns surrounding politics, particularly Christian nationalism, in the United States. The focus is on the worrisome alignment between the Republican Party and Christian nationalists who wrongly believe that the US was founded as a Christian nation. We recommend two documentaries, "Bad Faith" and "God and Country," which shed light on the politics and beliefs of...

We have a special announcement about the upcoming winter solstice potluck event in December. We reflect on the challenges the group faced during the pandemic and the excitement around reviving this tradition. The decision to have a potluck instead of a catered banquet is discussed, highlighting the importance of inclusivity and removing financial barriers for attendees. Excitement peaks when plans...

We discuss the impact of genetics on society, touching on both the positive and dark aspects of the field. We reflect on the work of Dr. Anthony Fauci in combating infectious diseases like HIV-AIDS, Ebola, Zika, and COVID-19. Dr. Fauci's dedication to saving lives and his experiences with various administrations are highlighted, along with the unfortunate security threats he faces due to polit...

Join us as we tackle the controversial presence of LifeWise Academy in Ohio's public schools. LifeWise, a well-funded evangelical group, has been pushing religious classes under the guise of release time religious education. We discuss how they manipulate state laws to recruit elementary students to attend Bible classes off-campus, often misleading parents and school districts about their true...

In this episode, we confront the realities of urban development and its impact on local communities. Peggy Daly-Masternak, coordinator of the I-475 Neighborhoods Coalition, sits down with us to discuss the group's determined fight against the proposed widening of Interstate 475 in Toledo. Peggy details the coalition's efforts to ensure that the voices of affected neighborhoods are heard, a...

Have you ever wondered how to mark life's transitions without relying on traditional religious ceremonies? Megan Sheldon, co-founder and CEO of Be Ceremonial, joins us to illuminate the world of humanist rituals. Megan shares her inspiring journey from personal grief to empowering others in creating secular ceremonies that resonate with their authentic selves. We delve into the heart of why it...