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Artwork for Freethought Radio
Freedom From Religion Foundation
Christian Nationalism
Separation Of Church and State
Abortion Rights
Ten Commandments
Atheism
Secularism
Scopes Trial
Donald Trump
LGBTQ Rights
First Amendment
Project 2025
Democracy
Public Education
Hindu Nationalism
Supreme Court
Religion
Transgender Rights
Christianity
Reproductive Rights

A weekly show, broadcast live from Madison, Wis., on 92.1 FM, Saturdays 11 a.m. to 12 noon. Hosted by Dan Barker and Annie Laurie Gaylor, co-presidents, Freedom From Religion Foundation. Slightly irreverent views, news, music and interviews.

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes1058Founded20 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
Religion & SpiritualityReligion

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Artwork for Freethought Radio

Latest Episodes

This week on Freethought Radio, a look at how the Trump administration is whitewashing American history in Philadelphia. Then, federal Judge John E. Jones tells the behind-the-scenes story of the 2005 trial leading to his landmark decision barring so... more

After reporting national Christian-nationalist news and local state/church victories in the schools, we talk with journalist Carlos Orsi, author of the new book, "What Science Says About Astrology."

After reporting a slew of Christian Nationalist nonsense from pastors, government officials and our President, FFRF Action Fund's Senior Policy Counsel Ryan Jayne and State Policy Manager Ryan Dudley describe a slew of good and bad state-church bills... more

We look at a new federal "religious liberty" report that could significantly reshape church-state separation in the United States, along with a Supreme Court ruling allowing states to ban transgender girls from school sports. We feature award-winning... more

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Recent Guests

Carlos Orsi
Award-winning journalist, author of What Science Says About Astrology
Columbia University Press
Episode: Astrology and Science
Ryan Jayne
Senior Policy Counsel, FFRF Action Fund
Freedom From Religion Foundation
Episode: State/Church Advocacy
Ryan Dudley
State Policy Manager, FFRF Action Fund
Freedom From Religion Foundation
Episode: State/Church Advocacy
Jaianah Hightower
Fifth-place-winning essayist, Morgan State University
FFRF 2025 Essay Contest winner
Episode: Student Voices on Christian Nationalism
Gabrielle Williams
Third-place winning essayist, Howard University
FFRF 2025 Essay Contest winner
Episode: Student Voices on Christian Nationalism
MeKah'E LeClair
First-place-winning essayist, Ponca tribe
FFRF 2025 Essay Contest winner
Episode: Student Voices on Christian Nationalism
Chrissy Stroop
Freethought heroine, journalist, author
The Fly Trap, Empty the Pews project
Episode: A Liberating Journey
Dr. Vivekanand Palavali
Brain surgeon with 30 years of experience, author of Searching for Soul
Independent author, Neuroscience researcher
Episode: Brain Surgery
Steven K. Green
Professor, author of American Infidelity
Willamette University
Episode: American Infidels

Hosts

Dan Barker
Co-host of Freethought Radio; Co-president of Freedom From Religion Foundation
Annie Laurie Gaylor
Co-host of Freethought Radio; Co-president of Freedom From Religion Foundation

Reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars from 683 ratings
  • Exceptional

    These guys have been fighting the good fight against the “good book” for a while now, and they do it the right way. Keep going, and we will keep listening!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    ArtificialUnintelligence
    United States11 days ago
  • Awesome!

    And thanks for honoring my favorite journalist- Jamelle Bouie!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    herbify
    United States8 months ago
  • Thank you

    Thank you for your weekly program & all your hard work.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    CB098765555
    United States9 months ago
  • Woe to the Women

    I’m a 70- year-old woman who has just become a feminist freethinker. I’m reading all I can. Annie Laurie talked about how religions persecute women. That is where I am in my journey to understand misogyny. I ordered your book, Woe to the Women. Hope to learn more.

    Your podcast is my go-to for hope! Thanks

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Cherifire
    United Statesa year ago
  • Great info & important support

    This pod is more important than ever! Thank you!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Skleban
    United Statesa year ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Many appreciate the thoughtful guest lineups and advocacy-oriented discussions.
Some listeners note a preference for more interview content and less musical interludes.
Listeners praise the program for informing on church-state issues and legal battles.

Chart Rankings

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Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

State/Church Advocacy
Q: What states have a K-Pop bill and what's the goal of that legislation?
The K-Pop Act has been introduced in several states as a preventive measure to keep proselytizing out of public schools by strengthening Establishment Clause protections at the state level.
State/Church Advocacy
Q: Why do we need two separate groups—FFRF and the Action Fund?
The Action Fund is the advocacy arm that allows more lobbying and limited electoral work, expanding the foundation's ability to influence public policy while the 501c3 side focuses on education and public outreach.
Brain Surgery
Q: Are near-death experiences evidence of an afterlife?
Palavali frames these experiences as brain-based phenomena influenced by body image, sensory integration, and religious background rather than proof of an afterlife.
Religion on Campus
Q: What is the current mood among Harvard students regarding voting and activism given a large number of 'nuns' in the class?
There is growing political activism, with galvanized student engagement, but religion takes a secondary place in the activism as students focus on broader issues such as immigration and democracy, while maintaining secular concerns.
Revival of Reason
Q: What can attendees expect at Revival of Reason?
Expect a weekend of education, music, speeches, and workshops, with both in-person and online options, highlighting Black nonreligious voices and coalition-building with FFRF.

Audience Metrics

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Frequently Asked Questions About Freethought Radio

What is Freethought Radio about and what kind of topics does it cover?

A weekly program blending news, interviews, and musical interludes focused on church-state separation, secularism, and civil liberties. Episodes commonly cover legal battles surrounding public displays of religion, abortion rights, Christian nationalism, and related policy shifts, often weaving investigative reporting with advocacy and guest discussions from journalists, activists, and scholars. A notable strength is the steady mix of rigorous legal analysis, human-interest survivor perspectives, and timely political commentary, which can help listeners understand how secular principles intersect with current events. The show frequently features prominent activists and experts who illuminate the practical implications of court decisions and... more

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Which podcasts are similar to Freethought Radio?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Freethought Radio:

1. TheThinkingAtheist
2. Friendly Atheist Podcast
3. Thank God I'm Atheist
4. Making Sense with Sam Harris
5. The Weekly Show with Jon Stewart

How many episodes of Freethought Radio are there?

Freethought Radio launched 20 years ago and published 1058 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on Freethought Radio?

Recent guests on Freethought Radio include:

1. Carlos Orsi
2. Ryan Jayne
3. Ryan Dudley
4. Jaianah Hightower
5. Gabrielle Williams
6. MeKah'E LeClair
7. Chrissy Stroop
8. Dr. Vivekanand Palavali

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