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.
Fighting Christian Nationalism Tour with Fish Stark
The Secular Humanists of Western Lake Erie hosted a speech by Fish Stark, executive director of the American Humanist Association on September 13, 2026 in Toledo. This episode includes his remarks as recorded on that day.
Stark discusses what humanism means as a positive identity rooted in science, compassion, human potential, and human responsibility. He describes humanists as people committed to civil liberties, human dignity, and the idea that public institutions should serve everyone equally. He then explains Christian nationalism as an extreme right-wing movement that seeks to use government to impose a conservative religious framework. Stark describes legal and legislative efforts by the AHA and its allies to oppose these trends.
Next are a couple of clips from the AHA's National Conference held online on September 19th. Jordan Klepper's acceptance speech for Humanist of the Year reflects on uncertainty, certainty in politics, and the role of kindness. He talks about humanism as a commitment to reason and intentional compassion rather than automatic tradition.
Rachel Deitch outlines the policy work of the Center for Free Thought Equality, including opposition to voucher expansion, chaplain replacement bills in public schools, and release-time religious instruction. She also describes support for a student bill of rights for secular public education and plans to expand state-level advocacy.
Full Show Notes & Links Used (https://glasscityhumanist.show/2026/fighting-christian-nationalism-tour-with-fish-stark/)
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9 Sept 2026
Honoring Three Women Devoted to Justice and Equality
Three women whose lives were tied to humanist and feminist values: Dolly Parton, Robin Morgan, and Gloria Steinem died recently. We talk about their work, the ways they supported other people, and the public roles they played.
We talk about a Zoom conversation Gloria Steinem held with our local group, which was a highlight for our host. She encouraged people to identify potential activists and get them involved in public life and we mention her later repudiation of earlier anti-trans views and her efforts to make the feminist movement be more inclusive.
The American Humanist Association has gone through a rebrand, including an updated logo, website, and tagline. We explain the reasons for the changes, the response from members, and the effort to reach younger people through social media and creators.
Finally, we talk about the city of Toledo’s effort to landmark two closed Catholic church buildings before a demolition moratorium expires. We explain the legal and practical issues around preserving old church buildings, and we compare that situation to other reused buildings and local preservation debates.
Full Show Notes and Links Used (https://glasscityhumanist.show/2026/honoring-three-women-devoted-to-justice-and-equality/)
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19 Aug 2026
LifeWise: Art Of The Grift
In an update to previous episodes talking about Released Time Religious Education in Ohio and LifeWise Academy in particular, our guest Keith Comer, founder of Respect our Schools discusses what has been happening since LifeWise lobbied the state to force it's brand of child recruitment into the middle of the school day.
Elementary students are most affected because their schedules are controlled by the school, making mid-day departures disruptive. He says LifeWise prefers to take students during specials because attendance is higher than during lunch, or recess, and the ultimate goal is recruitment and proselytizing rather than character education.
Another focus is money and organization. Comer says LifeWise operates like a franchise, collecting fees from local groups and sending money to headquarters in Hilliard, Ohio. He says local programs often pay substantial portions of their fundraising to the central organization, which also provides curriculum, insurance, and training.
We end with concerns about safety and school resources. Comer says parents should ask how background checks, transportation, and monitoring are handled. He also describes cases where schools, city property, or public facilities were illegally used for LifeWise-related activities, and says legal challenges may be necessary to stop such programs.
Full Show Notes & Links Used (https://glasscityhumanist.show/2026/lifewise-art-of-the-grift/)
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Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
YouTube views
5,186
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
2 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
6 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 61 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
83
Social presence
0
YouTube
68
Engagement
32
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