RationalistUK

Sanal Edamaruku: Fighting Blasphemy Charges in India

webcontact@newhumanist.org.uk (Paul Sims) — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 17:16:48 +0000

Leading Indian rationalist Sanal Edamaruku with the latest on his fight against blasphemy charges in India, filed one year ago after he debunked a supposed miracle at a Catholic Church in Mumbai. Please sign the petition calling on the Indian Prime Minister to intervene in the case: http://www.change.org/en-GB/petitions/drop-blasphemy-charges-against-sanal-edamaruku

Rationalist Association Podcast March 2013

webcontact@newhumanist.org.uk (Paul Sims) — Thu, 14 Mar 2013 17:34:03 +0000

In the March edition of the RA Podcast, Alom Shaha discusses Islam's problem with evolution, the new President of the BHA Jim Al-Khalili tells us why it's time for a more accommodating approach to religion, humanist chaplain Chris Stedman makes the case for inter-faith, and comedian Stewart Lee bemoans the lengths to which parents must go to get their kids into faith schools. Length: 25:36 Music by Andrea Rocca

New Humanist Advent Podcast 24 December: Richard Dawkins

webcontact@newhumanist.org.uk (Paul Sims) — Thu, 20 Dec 2012 13:52:11 +0000

It's Christmas Eve, and in the final Advent Podcast Richard Dawkins tells Robin Ince why we should celebrate Alfred Russel Wallace alongside Charles Darwin as the co-discoverer of natural selection. Recorded in 2008. Music by Andrea Rocca.

New Humanist Advent Podcast 23 December: Dara Ó Briain

webcontact@newhumanist.org.uk (Paul Sims) — Thu, 20 Dec 2012 13:39:46 +0000

In the 23rd Advent Podcast, comedian Dara Ó Briain speaks to Robin Ince backstage at Nine Lessons and Carols for Godless People 2008, and is rudely interrupted by Ricky Gervais. Recorded in 2008. Music by Andrea Rocca.

New Humanist Advent Podcast 22 December: Philip Jeays

webcontact@newhumanist.org.uk (Paul Sims) — Thu, 20 Dec 2012 13:24:18 +0000

For the 22nd Advent Podcast singer-songwriter Philip Jeays very kindly provided us with the song he performed at the 2008 Nine Lessons and Carols for Godless People shows, "Death Bed" (just in case your kids are around, be warned the song features some colourful language). Recorded in 2008. Additional music by Andrea Rocca.

New Humanist Advent Podcast 21 December: Tim Minchin

webcontact@newhumanist.org.uk (Paul Sims) — Thu, 20 Dec 2012 13:09:02 +0000

On 21 December, Tim Minchin talks to Robin Ince about the scientist or philosopher he would like to hold an annual celebration for. Recorded in 2008. Music by Andrea Rocca.

New Humanist Advent Podcast 20 December: Josie Long

webcontact@newhumanist.org.uk (Paul Sims) — Thu, 20 Dec 2012 12:51:09 +0000

In the 20th Advent Podcast, comedian Josie Long tells Robin Ince that she would like to celebrate Kurt Vonnegut at Christmas. Recorded in 2008. Music by Andrea Rocca.

New Humanist Advent Podcast 19 December: Ann Druyan

webcontact@newhumanist.org.uk (Paul Sims) — Wed, 19 Dec 2012 10:38:47 +0000

In the 19th Advent Podcast, science author and broadcaster Ann Druyan explains why she would like to celebrate eight scientists, each one represented by a Hanukkah candle. Recorded in 2008. Music by Andrea Rocca.

Nine Days of Godless Christmas Day 9: Mitch Benn on the true meaning of Christmas

webcontact@newhumanist.org.uk (Paul Sims) — Tue, 18 Dec 2012 16:13:10 +0000

Musician and comedian Mitch Benn explains the true meaning of Christmas. Taken from the 20-track CD recording of Nine Lessons and Carols for Godless People 2010, available for £12 from Gofasterstripe.com

Nine Days of Godless Christmas Day 8 Jo Neary

webcontact@newhumanist.org.uk (Paul Sims) — Tue, 18 Dec 2012 16:06:51 +0000

Comedian Jo Neary has some handy Christmas gift ideas. Taken from the 20-track CD recording of Nine Lessons and Carols for Godless People 2010, available for £12 from Gofasterstripe.com

Nine Days of Godless Christmas Day 7: The Pub Landlord

webcontact@newhumanist.org.uk (Paul Sims) — Tue, 18 Dec 2012 15:53:56 +0000

Al Murray's Pub Landlord offers the audience an English myth that they can all believe in. Taken from the 20-track CD recording of Nine Lessons and Carols for Godless People 2010, available for £12 from Gofasterstripe.com

Nine Days of Godless Christmas: Day 6 Helen Arney

webcontact@newhumanist.org.uk (Paul Sims) — Tue, 18 Dec 2012 15:43:58 +0000

Singer and comedian Helen Arney with a love song inspired by the habits of animals. Taken from the 20-track CD recording of Nine Lessons and Carols for Godless People 2010, available for £12 from Gofasterstripe.com

Nine Days of Godless Christmas Day 5: Ed Byrne

webcontact@newhumanist.org.uk (Paul Sims) — Tue, 18 Dec 2012 15:36:00 +0000

Comedian Ed Byrne talks about hanging out with Cern physicists and how Brian Cox's Wonders of the Solar System has left him with an intense sense of planetary pride. Taken from the 20-track CD recording of Nine Lessons and Carols for Godless People 2010, available for £12 from Gofasterstripe.com

Nine Days of Godless Christmas Day 4: Jim Bob sings The Impossible Dream

webcontact@newhumanist.org.uk (Paul Sims) — Tue, 18 Dec 2012 15:23:55 +0000

Carter USM frontman Jim Bob performs The Impossible Dream (The Quest), accompanied by Martin White and The Mystery Fax Machine Orchestra. Taken from the 20-track CD recording of Nine Lessons and Carols for Godless People 2010, available for £12 from Gofasterstripe.com

Nine Days of Godless Christmas Day 3: Adam Rutherford

webcontact@newhumanist.org.uk (Paul Sims) — Tue, 18 Dec 2012 15:14:08 +0000

Science writer and broadcaster Adam Rutherford was kind enough to go on the Alpha Course, so you don't have to. (He also gets a room full of 300 rationalists to chant the Lord's Prayer.) Taken from the 20-track CD recording of Nine Lessons and Carols for Godless People 2010, available for £12 from Gofasterstripe.com

Nine Days of Godless Christmas: Day 2 Nick Doody sings My Big Lovely Jesus Hat

webcontact@newhumanist.org.uk (Paul Sims) — Tue, 18 Dec 2012 15:04:00 +0000

Comedian Nick Doody's paean to the Messiah's headgear – My Big Lovely Jesus Hat Taken from the 20-track CD recording of Nine Lessons and Carols for Godless People 2010, available for £12 from Gofasterstripe.com

Nine Days of Godless Christmas: Day 1 Robin Ince reads Richard Feynman

webcontact@newhumanist.org.uk (Paul Sims) — Tue, 18 Dec 2012 14:49:19 +0000

Nine Lessons and Carols for Godless People creator Robin Ince delivers his reading from Richard Feynman, without which no Godless show would be complete. Taken from the 20-track CD recording of the 2010 shows, available for £12 from Gofasterstripe.com

New Humanist Advent Podcast 18 December: Mark Steel

webcontact@newhumanist.org.uk (Paul Sims) — Tue, 18 Dec 2012 11:13:25 +0000

In the 18 December Advent Podcast, comedian Mark Steel tells Robin Ince why the French revolutionary Jean-Paul Marat deserves an annual day in his honour. Recorded in 2008. Music by Andrea Rocca.

New Humanist Advent Podcast 17 December: Marcus Brigstocke

webcontact@newhumanist.org.uk (Paul Sims) — Fri, 14 Dec 2012 12:49:07 +0000

In the Advent Podcast for 17 December, comedian Marcus Brigstocke tells Robin Ince that we should celebrate a different scientist every year. Recorded in 2008. Music by Andrea Rocca.

New Humanist Advent Podcast 16 December: Laurie Taylor

webcontact@newhumanist.org.uk (Paul Sims) — Fri, 14 Dec 2012 12:19:15 +0000

In the 16th Advent Podcast, our very own Laurie Taylor tells us why, if he could celebrate any scientist with an annual day, it would be his own father, Stanley Douglas Taylor. Recorded in 2008. Music by Andrea Rocca.

New Humanist Advent Podcast 15 December: Ricky Gervais & Stephen Merchant

webcontact@newhumanist.org.uk (Paul Sims) — Fri, 14 Dec 2012 11:47:32 +0000

In the 15th Advent Podcast, Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant tell Robin Ince which thinkers should be celebrated at Christmas, and reveal their surprising decisions to convert to Christianity and creationism. Recorded in 2008. Music by Andrea Rocca.

New Humanist Advent Podcast 14 December: Eddie Izzard

webcontact@newhumanist.org.uk (Paul Sims) — Fri, 14 Dec 2012 11:07:10 +0000

In the Advent Podcast for 14 December, comedian Eddie Izzard tells Robin Ince his thoughts on the personal hygiene of scientists, and the "smelly genius" of Isaac Newton. Recorded in 2008. Music by Andrea Rocca.

New Humanist Advent Podcast 13 December: Andrew Collins

webcontact@newhumanist.org.uk (Paul Sims) — Wed, 12 Dec 2012 15:27:49 +0000

In the 13th Advent Podcast, broadcaster Andrew Collins makes an unusual (and fictional) choice for the thinker he would like to honour with an annual day of celebration. Recorded in 2008. Music by Andrea Rocca.

New Humanist Advent Podcast 12 December: Ben Miller

webcontact@newhumanist.org.uk (Paul Sims) — Wed, 12 Dec 2012 14:37:49 +0000

In the Advent Podcast for 12 December, comedian and actor (and holder of a PhD in quantum physics) Ben Miller explains why Einstein deserves an annual day in his honour. Recorded in 2008. Music by Andrea Rocca.

New Humanist Advent Podcast 11 December: Chris Addison

webcontact@newhumanist.org.uk (Paul Sims) — Tue, 11 Dec 2012 16:39:46 +0000

In the 11th Advent Podcast, comedian and actor Chris Addison decides to nominate a well-known populariser of science for a special annual celebration. He would also like a Spinning Jenny for Christmas. Recorded in 2008. Music by Andrea Rocca.

New Humanist Advent Podcast 10 December: Martin Rowson

webcontact@newhumanist.org.uk (Paul Sims) — Thu, 06 Dec 2012 15:58:08 +0000

On the tenth day of our Advent Podcasts, cartoonist Martin Rowson looks back with great sentimentality on how we lived before the dawn of civilisation, and says we should replace Christmas with a celebration of the anthropologist Christopher Boehm. Recorded in 2008. Music by Andrea Rocca.

New Humanist Advent Podcast 9 December: Ben Goldacre

webcontact@newhumanist.org.uk (Paul Sims) — Thu, 06 Dec 2012 15:40:55 +0000

On the ninth day of our Advent Podcasts, science writer and doctor Ben Goldacre says he would like to hold a celebration for Archie Cochrane, who he calls "the grandfather of evidence-based medicine". Recorded in 2008. Music by Andrea Rocca.

New Humanist Advent Podcast 8 December: Simon Singh

webcontact@newhumanist.org.uk (Paul Sims) — Thu, 06 Dec 2012 15:29:31 +0000

On the eighth day of Advent, Simon Singh celebrates the genius of Galileo. Recorded in 2008. Music by Andrea Rocca.

New Humanist Advent Podcast 7 December: Natalie Haynes

webcontact@newhumanist.org.uk (Paul Sims) — Thu, 06 Dec 2012 15:15:40 +0000

In the Advent Podcast for 7 December, writer and critic Natalie Haynes tells us about why she thinks the Roman philosopher and playwright Seneca deserves to be celebrated with an annual day. Recorded in 2008. Music by Andrea Rocca.

New Humanist Advent Podcast 6 December: Dave Gorman

webcontact@newhumanist.org.uk (Paul Sims) — Thu, 06 Dec 2012 14:08:47 +0000

In the sixth Advent Podcast, Robin Ince talks to Dave Gorman about the mathematician Paul Erdős, and how, where all actors have a "Bacon Number" to denote their degrees of separation from Kevin Bacon, all mathematicians have an Erdős Number. He would also like a Soda Stream for Christmas. Recorded in 2008. Music by Andrea Rocca.

New Humanist Advent Podcast 5 December: Alexei Sayle

webcontact@newhumanist.org.uk (Paul Sims) — Wed, 05 Dec 2012 12:52:15 +0000

On the fifth day of our Advent Podcasts, Robin Ince talks to comedian and novelist Alexei Sayle about which scientist he'd like to honour with an annual celebration. And listen out for his choice of the scientific invention he'd like to receive for Christmas. Recorded in 2008. Music by Andrea Rocca.

New Humanist Advent Podcast 4 December: Christina Martin

webcontact@newhumanist.org.uk (Paul Sims) — Tue, 04 Dec 2012 12:07:27 +0000

On the fourth day of the New Humanist Advent Podcasts, comedian and writer Christina Martin tells us why she's like to replace Christmas with a day in honour of Vasily Dokuchaev, the founder of modern soil science. Recorded in 2008. Music by Andrea Rocca.

New Humanist Advent Podcast 3 December: Robin Ince

webcontact@newhumanist.org.uk (Paul Sims) — Mon, 03 Dec 2012 14:58:55 +0000

In the third New Humanist Advent Podcast, comedian Robin Ince explains why the world needs an annual Carl Sagan Day. Recorded in 2008. Music by Andrea Rocca.

New Humanist Advent Podcast 2 December: PZ Myers

webcontact@newhumanist.org.uk (Paul Sims) — Fri, 30 Nov 2012 17:19:24 +0000

In the second of the New Humanist Advent Podcasts, PZ Myers tells us which scientist from history he'd like to honour with an annual celebration, and which scientific gift he'd most like to receive. Recorded in 2008. Music by Andrea Rocca.

New Humanist Advent Podcast 1 December: Stephen Fry

webcontact@newhumanist.org.uk (Paul Sims) — Fri, 30 Nov 2012 17:06:42 +0000

In the first of the New Humanist Advent Podcasts, Stephen Fry tells us which scientist from history he'd like to honour with an annual celebration, and which scientific gift he'd most like to receive. Recorded in 2008. Music by Andrea Rocca.

Jonathan Miller: A Reasonable Life

webcontact@newhumanist.org.uk (Paul Sims) — Tue, 06 Nov 2012 16:41:23 +0000

The President of the Rationalist Association, Sir Jonathan Miller, in conversation with Laurie Taylor about his life, work and dedication to reason. Recorded at the Bishopsgate Institute, London, on Friday 19 October 2012.

Rationalist Association Podcast November 2012

webcontact@newhumanist.org.uk (Paul Sims) — Fri, 02 Nov 2012 16:24:06 +0000

Abby Ohlheiser on the role of religion in the US Presidential election (0:45), Rob Leese Jones of Paranoid Android films on an exciting new project to bring an Iain Banks short story to life (7:20), and musician Darren Hayman on his new album The Violence, inspired by the events of the 17th century East Anglian witch trials (12:33). Featuring two tracks from the album, "We Are Not Evil" and "The Laughing Tree".

Does Christianity make sense? (with Pod Academy)

webcontact@newhumanist.org.uk (Paul Sims) — Mon, 22 Oct 2012 11:30:32 +0000

Caspar Melville talks to Francis Spufford, author of a new book defending religion from New Atheism Co-produced with Pod Academy

New Humanist Podcast October 2012

webcontact@newhumanist.org.uk (Paul Sims) — Fri, 12 Oct 2012 10:44:24 +0000

In the October 2012 edition of the New Humanist podcast, editor Caspar Melville talks to three of the contributors to our September/October issue. First, he meets the writer and documentary producer Toby Lichtig to discuss one of the hot issues of the moment – male circumcision (00:40). Since a court in Germany ruled that the circumcision of infant boys constitutes "bodily harm", the ethics of the procedure have been widely debated, and the subject is explored by Toby in his piece in the current issue of New Humanist. Is it a violation of human rights to circumcise a child, or is it a harmless ethnic signifier? And what about the supposed health benefits? Tune into the podcast to hear Toby's take on the debate. We go from one contentious issue to another, as in the second part of the podcast Caspar talks to Sarah Ditum, who has written about forced marriage in the latest magazine (09:53). Each year, hundreds of children in the UK are forced into marriages against their will, and the authorities often lack the knowledge or the power to intervene. In the podcast, Sarah explains the cultural origins of forced marriages, and discusses what is being done to protect those at risk. In the final section, Caspar speaks to cultural historian Roger Luckhurst, who has just written a fascinating new book on the myth of the mummy's curse (19:40). Where does the myth come from (not from Ancient Egypt, you may be surprised to hear), and why does it have such resonance in Western culture? Music by Andrea Rocca.