Glass City Humanist - podcast cover

Glass City Humanist

Douglas Bergerglasscityhumanist.show
Explaining Humanist values, how we can live our values to support social justice issues, and responding to science denying Christian Nationalists bent on smashing the wall between church and state. Human problems require human solutions. There will be interviews, from time to time, with Humanists and other secular people in Northwest Ohio and beyond.
Last refreshed:
Follow this podcast in the Metacast mobile app to refresh it and see new episodes.
Download Metacast podcast app
Podcasts are better in Metacast mobile app
Don't just listen to podcasts. Learn from them with transcripts, summaries, and chapters for every episode. Skim, search, and bookmark insights. Learn more

Episodes

Get Younger or Die

Organized groups are having trouble with declining numbers because younger people don't think the groups address their concerns like social justice. Secular groups should address those issues because they have long roots in the conflict between church and state. Show Notes Subscribe to our free newsletter Check out our merch 00:50 Our upcoming events 06:18 Get Younger or Die...

Aug 02, 202229 minEp. 45

Banning Abortion Violates Religious Freedom

Our guest is Marcee Lichtenwald, a member of SHoWLE, who is a volunteer patient escort with the Toledo Abortion Center We talk about the post Roe landscape for reproductive rights, her time as a patient escort, and what we can do to support abortion rights. Show Notes Subscribe to the newsletter Check out our Merch 01:00 A Post Roe World 07:34 Ban is a violation of the 1st amendment 11:06 Why we need patient escorts 21:19 I Fund Abortions 25:15 What to know when protesting 27:26 Protesting churc...

Jul 12, 202237 minEp. 44

Separation of Church and State Had A Bad Week

In this episode, we look at the just concluded US Supreme Court term and how it shakes out for religious freedom. It isn't good. Show Notes Get our free newsletter See Our Merch 02:28 Boston Flag Case 13:15 Free Money for religious schools 20:12 Coach is kneeling on a prayer...

Jul 01, 202239 minEp. 43

Blumner Is Wrong: All Individuals Are Important To Humanism

Robyn Blumner of the Center of Inquiry took the opportunity, in a recent editorial, to slam identity politics, woke progressives, and took a cheap shot at the American Humanist Association. Show Notes Subscribe to our free newsletter Check out our merch 01:22 Why aren't all individuals important to Humanism? 13:55 Richard Dawkins the Snowflake...

Jun 03, 202231 minEp. 42

Conferences, Events, and Fairs OH, MY!

We interview Bob Barnes from Bluewater Atheists Humanists and Agnostics in Sarnia Ontario, about their conference coming up in August. Then we note other conferences and events this summer and fall. Show Notes Subscribe to our free newsletter Checkout our merch 01:27 Talking BAHACon with Bob Barnes 21:22 Other Conferences and events this summer and fall...

May 20, 202233 minEp. 41

Evangelicals Have Bible Verses To Justify Their Hate with Bruce Gerencser

Bruce Gerencser knows something about evangelical Christians. He pastored Evangelical churches for twenty-five years in Ohio, Texas, and Michigan. He left the ministry in 2005, and in 2008 he left Christianity. Bruce is now a humanist and an atheist. We talk to him about his journey to freethought and we get his intimate insights about evangelical Christians and why we need to be wary of them. Show Notes Subscribe to our free newsletter Check out our merch 01:12 Bruce's Journey to Humanism 20:40...

May 06, 202241 minEp. 40

Everyone Is Wrong About Everything with The Friendly Atheist

We talk to Hemant Mehta, also known as the Friendly Atheist about his move to OnlySky.media, how he came to atheism, his thoughts on banning books and other Christian Nationalist activities, and his mantra that if you don't like something get active. Show Notes Subscribe to our free newsletter Check out the Merch 01:20 Moving To The Onlysky Platform 10:49 Becoming The Friendly Atheist And Dealing With Evangelicals 21:17 The Problem Of Christian Nationalism 28:04 If You Don't Like Something, Get ...

Apr 22, 202235 minEp. 39

Release Time Religious Instruction Is Unethical

We look at the use of Release Time Religious Instruction in some Northwest Ohio public schools and why the mixing of religion and the schools might be legal but it is at best unethical. We also share an update about the Secular Humanists of Western Lake Erie and this podcast. Show Notes Subscribe to our Newsletter See Our Merch 01:15 Some announcements 10:33 Release Time Religious Instruction in Elwood 30:00 Correction...

Apr 06, 202232 minEp. 38

Making Amends and Having Children

Does making amends decades after a wrong choice fix anything? Can having children actually be immoral? and what two women with Toledo connections have played a part in the history of Humanism? Show Notes Subscribe to our free newsletter Check out our Merch 00:45 New Cover Art 02:52 Making Amends 17:59 Anti-natalism 24:58 Two Humanist Women with Toledo Connections...

Mar 13, 202237 minEp. 37

When Heroes Turn Out To Be Mere Human

In this episode we find out that even Humanists have concerns about people we honor as Humanists of the Year and that is a good thing. Douglas then talks about the recent report released by the Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty and the Freedom From Religion Foundation about the connection of Christian nationalism to the January 6th Insurrection. Show Notes Subscribe to our free newsletter Check out our Merch 00:51 AHA Humanists of the Year Hindsight 19:08 Christian nationalism & ...

Feb 11, 202228 minEp. 36

Can We Find Personal Responsibility Again?

In this episode, we have a panel discussion about personal responsibility with some members of the Secular Humanists of Western Lake Erie. Then as a free bonus we talk about a church and state case recently before the US Supreme Court concerning flying the Christian flag in front of Boston City Hall. Show Notes Subscribe to our free newsletter Check out our merch 00:58 Show Intro 03:55 Personal Responsibility Discussion 23:24 Boston City Hall Flag Case...

Jan 21, 202236 minEp. 35

Thank a Pagan for Christmas

In this episode, we look at the real reason for the season and how our holidays began with early humans marking the shortest day of the year in hopes that light would return. Next Douglas talks about actor Wil Wheaton's recent social media post admitting to his homophobic past and how Humanists and others can follow his current path to be better people then finally we note how some Star Trek fans, in an effort to maintain their bigotry, miss the entire point of Star Trek. Show Notes Subscribe to...

Dec 24, 202139 minEp. 34

Poems from a Heathen Mommy with Megan Rahm

In this episode our guest is poet Megan Rahm. We discuss her book of poetry 'Free to Roam: Poems from a Heathen Mommy' and her journey to freethought. She not only shares some selections from the book but also talks about her mental health struggles, her chosen artform, and her upcoming memoir. Show Notes Subscribe to our free newsletter Check out our Merch 00:58 Quintessential Midwest mom 08:49 Girl Mom and other selections 17:12 Future Plans...

Dec 02, 202124 minEp. 33

Secular Student Alliance: The Cool People on Campus with Kevin Bolling

In this episode we talk to Kevin Bolling, the executive director of the Secular Student Alliance, which is the only national organization dedicated to atheist, humanist, and other non-theist students. We discuss what the SSA is and does, its efforts to protect real religious freedom on campuses across the country, and what SSA is looking forward to in the future. Show Notes Subscribe to our free newsletter Check out our Merch 00:58 We Are Secular Students 12:44 Real Religious Freedom on Campus 2...

Nov 16, 202130 minEp. 32

Beware Rose Colored Glasses of Forced Patriotism with Emily Newman

In this episode we talk to Emily Newman from the American Humanist Association about forced patriotism, the false narrative about Critical Race Theory being taught in school and what's coming up from the AHA as it looks for a new executive director. Show Notes Subscribe to our free newsletter 00:57 Forced Patriotism 08:39 The Myth of Critical Race Theory 17:41 An AHA Update...

Nov 02, 202125 minEp. 31

Spiders, Science, and Avoiding Pedestals with PZ Myers

In this episode we talk to the well known and respected Dr. PZ Myers about the war on science, spiders, and why we shouldn't put heroes on pedestals including PZ himself. Show Notes Subscribe to our free newsletter Bonus content is available to show donors and members 1:34 PZ's Origin Story 3:17 The War On Science 9:00 How PZ Became An Atheist 13:19 Calling Out Bad Atheists 17:49 The Myth Of Cancel Culture 22:11 Spiders! Oh My!!...

Oct 19, 202131 minEp. 30

Humanism is on the Right Side of History

In this episode we take a look at our history through two individuals who expressed a humanist outlook even if they weren't humanists as we think of today. Albert Sabin and Pauline Steinem came from poor backgrounds to accomplish renown in their time. We also look at some news for the group. Show Notes & Transcript Subscribe to our free newsletter Donate to the show 01:12 Pauline Perlmutter Steinem 10:33 Dr. Albert Sabin 23:34 Group News...

Sep 24, 202129 minEp. 29

Building Interfaith Bridges with Chris Highland

In this episode, we talk to Chris Highland a former Protestant minister for 14 years and an Interfaith chaplain for 25 years. We discuss his journey to Humanism, his efforts trying to build bridges between people of faith and freethinkers, and his various writings on the topic including a weekly column in his local newspaper. We'll also touch on his recent controversial remarks about "Angry, Anti-religious Atheists". Show Notes & Transcript Subscribe to our free newsletter Buy us a Ko-fi 01:...

Sep 05, 202145 minEp. 28

Diversity By Itself Is Not Enough with John Lombard

In this episode, we talk to John Lombard, a former evangelical missionary and church planter, who spent over 25 years in China. We talk about his journey to Humanism, his important work as a Cultural Diversity consultant for businesses, and his long time efforts to educate the west about the Mosuo, an ethnic minority in China. Show Notes (including a transcript) Subscribe to our free newsletter Support the show and buy the host a Ko-fi 01:02 Journey to Humanism 07:03 What is Cultural Diversity 2...

Aug 22, 202139 minEp. 27

Critical Thinking Instead Of Dogma With Reggie Finley

In this episode, Douglas talks to science teacher and communicator Reggie Finley about the importance of science and critical thinking especially in this time of the pandemic. Reggie also discusses his personal journey from angry atheist and host of The Infidel Guy Show to a science educator reaching out and changing the lives of his students. Show Notes Subscribe to our free newsletter Donate to the show through Ko-fi 1:06 Science Education 7:54 The Infidel Guy Show 13:41 Critical Thinking 22:4...

Aug 07, 202139 minEp. 26

Justice Centered Humanism

In this episode Douglas gives an update on upcoming activities of the Secular Humanists of Western Lake Erie. Next he gives his thoughts about social justice, Humanism, and a new book about that very subject from Roy Speckhardt. Show Notes Subscribe to our free newsletter

Jul 23, 202138 minEp. 25

Cancer is Non-Religious

In this episode, we talk to Pam Niese, a Registered Nurse from Glandorf, Ohio, who volunteers with the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network. Pam helps fundraise and lobby on issues important to cancer patients and survivors. We find out that Cancer sucks and is not political or religious in its destruction. She also lets us know what we can do to help including purchasing a "Lights of Hope" bag. Show Notes Sign up for our free newsletter...

Jun 28, 202131 minEp. 24

One Battle Over Abortion Is A Parking Lot

In this episode, we find out why the next local battle over abortion takes place in an old parking lot. Next Douglas talks about plans for a post pandemic restriction time for our local group and finally he talks about how Humanists can respond to a recent religious freedom violation while still rejecting the religious beliefs being violated. Show Notes Subscribe to our free newsletter Donate to the show [01:12] One Battle Over Abortion Is A Parking Lot [20:46] SHoWLE Plans for in-person meeting...

Jun 08, 202143 minEp. 23

The Pandemic Of Magical Thinking

In this episode, Douglas talks about the large amount of hoaxes, conspiracy theories, and other magical thinking brought on by the response to the pandemic and what Humanists and others can do to get through the cloud of problem thinking. Show Notes Subscribe to our free newsletter Donate to the show...

May 15, 202131 minEp. 22

How Richard Dawkins Drove Me To Wokeism

Richard Dawkins is a well known figure in the freethought community. His books have been best sellers and have helped lead many people to ditch religion. In recent years, Dawkins has not been a decent human being and on April 10th a transphobic tweet reminded us all we need to stop putting science communicators on a pedestal. The support Dawkins received for "Just Asking Questions" reminds us what Humanism really means as we reject his questioning of the basic dignity and worth of a group of peo...

Apr 26, 202130 minEp. 21

Tag Lines and Long Voter Lines

In this episode Douglas goes through the process his Humanist group took to create a new tag line to help market the group to the public. When some groups are dropping the word Humanism from their name SHoWLE rejected that direction. Then Douglas talks about the new election laws being passed as a result of the massive turn out in the 2020 election and how these laws aren't reform but just Jim Crow laws in another form. Show Notes Subscribe to our free newsletter Donate Tag Lines [01:19] Long Vo...

Apr 09, 202133 minEp. 20

Cancel Culture Is A Hoax

Free speech doesn't mean free from consequences. Cancel culture is just the complaints about Political Correctness dressed in different clothes. Douglas gives a primer about what the 1st amendment really means and it doesn't cover using bigotry disguised as jokes on social media. Finally, we look at the need for transparency as the American Humanist Association looks for a new executive director. Show Notes Subscribe to our free newsletter 00:47 Cancel Culture Is A Hoax 23:40 Looking for the new...

Mar 26, 202133 minEp. 19

Arrogance Will Hurt People

Did you know you don't really need to spend years going to medical school to become a doctor in order to affect the health of people? All you need is to be elected to the state legislator. In this episode, Douglas will talk about the Ohio Legislature's arrogant push to override the public health orders made my Governor DeWine during our current pandemic. Finally, he will talk about a good proposed law that will protect women trying to obtain an abortion in Toledo. Show Notes Subscribe to our fre...

Mar 09, 202128 minEp. 18

Insurrection and Democracy

In this episode, Doug talks about the attempted coup that happen in Washington DC on January 6th and how that was balanced by the swearing in of a new President. What will this mean for secular people. Doug also gives an update on a Federal lawsuit by three Lucas county religious schools to subvert a public health order and finally Doug mentions a couple of articles he's read that deal with the mental health issues of schools being closed and how Ohio made headlines as an Anti-vaccine state. Sho...

Feb 03, 202143 minEp. 17

Blasphemy Be Gone And Covid Cheats

In this episode Douglas talks about the passage of House Resolution 512 that calls for the global repeal of blasphemy, heresy, and apostasy laws. Next he talks about two cases of schools trying to use religion to circumvent public health orders and finally in a new segment called Humanism 101 he looks at Global Awarness. Show Notes Subscribe to our free newsletter 00:45 Blasphemy Be Gone 08:34 Covid Cheats at School 17:56 Humanism 101: Global Awareness...

Dec 09, 202024 minEp. 16
For the best experience, listen in Metacast app for iOS or Android