Secular Left - Progressive Religion Free View of the News

We delve into the Ohio 2024 primary elections where three white Republican candidates in the congressional race are resorting to racist rhetoric in their campaign ads. These candidates include State Representative Derek Merrin, who is a Christian nationalist known for his anti-LGBT stance and attacks on trans kids. The episode explores how these candidates dehumanize undocumented individuals by pe...

Do political and religious conservatives really understand DEI? We challenge popular misconceptions about Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, confronting the unfounded fears that it poses a threat to traditional values. We dissect the essence of DEI, illustrating how it nurtures communities where every individual, irrespective of their background, is acknowledged, valued, and given equitable opportu...

We explore the controversial subject of police conduct, particularly in situations where an individual seeks to commit 'suicide by cop.' We then shift to the media's fixation on President Biden's age, questioning why it garners such attention and criticizing how coverage distracts from more substantive political discourse. Finally, we share our thoughts on the disappointing ret...

Former evangelical minister Bruce Gerencser joins us to unravel a legal tangle where religious freedom clashes with municipal zoning laws. We dissect the contentious situation surrounding Pastor Chris Avell, a friend of Bruce's, who's currently embroiled in a federal lawsuit against the city of Bryan, Ohio. We dissect the merits of Avell's decision to transform his church into a 24/...

Humanists International just released their 2023 Freedom of Thought Report that documents the efforts to protect or not protect religious freedom in all the countries in the world. The US government created the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom in 1998 to call out countries that violate religious freedom. One of these efforts is trying to hold the powerful accountable for...

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 attribut...

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...

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 h...

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...

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 signific...

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 tac...

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 particula...

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...

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 high...

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 the...

We tackle the controversial Supreme Court decision, 303 Creative LLC versus Elenis. This case revolves around a Christian graphic designer from Colorado who refuses to provide services to same-sex couples. We unpack the court's ruling, which distorts the First Amendment, and the potential implications for both religious and non-religious individuals. We explore the nuances of the case, includ...

Can you imagine converting a historic church into a rock climbing gym? This week, we tackle the controversy surrounding the potential repurposing of St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Toledo, Ohio. As plans emerge to transform the church, we question the suitability of one idea for the distressed neighborhood and explore possible alternatives. We also touch on the deletion of a scene in the 197...

We meet Ohio House Representative Pastor Gary Click who introduced an anti-Trans bill and lies about his motivation for it. Next Republican bullies try to intimidate Ohio public school boards complaining about vouchers. And finally we find out that Nebraska legislator Megan Hunt, a darling of the secular democratic movement doesn't like labels or atheism. Show Notes 00:50 Rep. Gary Click Lied...

The last time the word contagion was used to scapegoat a group of people, six million Jews perished in the Holocaust. Transgender people, a minority of a minority, are currently the target of scapegoating in statehouses across the country. These efforts are being lead by conservatives to distract from their failed policies and unconstitutional gerrymandering. Show Notes 00:50 CBS Fumbles Zooey Zep...

Rep. Jim Jordan attempts to obstruct a state criminal case, VP Kamala Harris is a master politician, a rule giving religious student groups that discriminate school funding should go away, and we find out that vaccine hesitancy is NOT a new thing. Show Notes 00:45 Rep. Jim Jordan Attempts To Obstruct Trump's Indictment 13:06 VP Kamala Harris Deflects Comedian's Question 23:28 Student Gro...

In Ohio, a proposed amendment to protect abortion was allowed to start collecting signatures. Meanwhile, the forced-birth zealots are spending $5 million dollars to lie to Ohio voters about the amendment and their friends at the state house want to change the rules. Why do Republicans hate democracy?? Show Notes 00:45 Forced-birth Ad Lies 15:09 Changing the rules 23:15 Other Shenaigans Send us Fan...

Protestors on the left are more likely to be charged as domestic terrorists. MAGAs are more threatened by drag shows than guns and Universal vouchers reward conservative selfishness. Show Notes 00:35 Protesting Cops Gets You A Terrorism Charge 19:45 Maybe Drag Shows Should Hand Out Guns To Kids 36:25 Universial Vouchers Take Money Away From Public Schools Send us Fan Mail Support the show Subscrib...

It isn't everyday that a conservative wants to be a guest on a secular left podcast but it happened. Doug talks to a conservative podcast host about topics they will never agree on and there was no name calling. Slowly drive past the scene of this accident. Show Notes [00:45] Why would a religious conservative want to guest on a secular left podcast? [19:17] What if God was a liberal? [35:47]...

Republicans take over the US House and immediately use the mythical debt ceiling to demand cuts to social security and medicare. Landlords in Maumee Ohio don't like regulations to make their housing safe and affordable and did you know abortion bans violate the separation of church and state. Show Notes [00:40] The Debt Ceiling Myth [17:47] Landlords Don't Want Safe And Affordable Housin...

GOP gerrymandering shenanigans caused an Ohio GOP State Senator to lose her seat and we look at more fun from the lame duck session of the Ohio legislature. You really didn't want your right to choose to be restored did you? Show Notes 00:35 Ohio State Senator Loses Seat Over Gerrymandering Fracas 14:24 Bad Bills Fail To Pass - whew! 31:13 More Lame Duck Voter Suppression Fun Send us Fan Mail...