Humanism Today

About Humanism Today

We are the Humanists and Freethinkers of Fairfield County (Connecticut), a community of people who embrace compassion for all people and use science and reason to find the truth. We offer a library of recorded audio and video podcasts on a wide variety of topics of interest to humanists, freethinkers, atheists and other secular people. Topics cover science, humanism, art, history, politics, legislation, religious freedom, and much more. The programs usually come from the live Featured Speaker Programs we hold each month where experts bring us the latest knowledge. You can learn more about us and sign up for our newsletter at HFFCCT.org. You can also watch videos of many of our programs at YouTube.com/@Humanismtoday. We value your comments. Please feel free to contact us at humanismtoday@hffcct.org.

Publisher

humanismtoday

Category

society & culture

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

9 Nov 2025

Latest episode

8 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

15 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   8 Oct 2026

   ACLU Four Core Civil Rights Issues in Connecticut - 2026

   There are a number of different things that people are concerned about here in Connecticut. ACLU has four core areas that they're working on that are top-tier areas. ACLU works on all civil rights issues in the state of Connecticut, but there are some things that are really rising to the top in this moment: 1 - Defending democracy and enhancing voting rights. 2 - Enforcing and expanding the rights of immigrants and our immigrant neighbors. 3 - Protecting privacy and limiting government 2 - Increasing government transparency and accountability. In this podcast, Amber Vlangas of the ACLU will discuss each of these civil rights issues. Amber is a civil liberties activist who has served as the Fairfield County Engagement Officer with the ACLU of Connecticut for nearly five years. After serving in the United States Marine Corps and earning a B.A. in Visual and Public Communication, Amber has spent more than 25 years in non-profit outreach, organizing, and resource development. Currently she serves on the steering committees and leadership teams of several national groups and co-hosts the podcast Amplified Voices. The ACLU of Connecticut defends, promotes, and expands the civil rights and civil liberties of all people in Connecticut through litigation, community organizing and legislative advocacy, and civic education and engagement. Organized in 1948, it is an inclusive, non-partisan, and statewide organization within the nationwide American Civil Liberties Union network. This video was recorded on September 14, 2026 at the Featured Speaker Program of the Humanists and Freethinkers of Fairfield County, Connecticut. You can find more information of interest to humanists, freethinkers, atheists, agnostics, nonreligious and nonbelievers at the Humanists and Freethinkers of Fairfield County (Connecticut) website: HFFCCT.org.

2. 

   27 Sept 2026

   How to Take Action to Get Out the Vote in Connecticut - 2026

   Amber Vlangas, the Fairfield County Representative of the ACLU Connecticut, will discuss the ongoing national attack on voting rights and what CT residents can do to get out the vote. Amber is a civil liberties activist who has served as the Fairfield County Engagement Officer with the ACLU of Connecticut for nearly five years. After serving in the United States Marine Corps and earning a B.A. in Visual and Public Communication, Amber has spent more than 25 years in non-profit outreach, organizing, and resource development. Currently she serves on the steering committees and leadership teams of several national groups and co-hosts the podcast Amplified Voices. The ACLU of Connecticut defends, promotes, and expands the civil rights and civil liberties of all people in Connecticut through litigation, community organizing and legislative advocacy, and civic education and engagement. Organized in 1948, it is an inclusive, non-partisan, and statewide organization within the nationwide American Civil Liberties Union network.

3. 

   27 Sept 2026

   Three Ways to Vote in Connecticut

   Amber Vlangas, the Fairfield County Representative of the ACLU Connecticut, will discuss the three ways that CT residents can vote. She will also discuss how to report voting irregularities. Amber is a civil liberties activist who has served as the Fairfield County Engagement Officer with the ACLU of Connecticut for nearly five years. After serving in the United States Marine Corps and earning a B.A. in Visual and Public Communication, Amber has spent more than 25 years in non-profit outreach, organizing, and resource development. Currently she serves on the steering committees and leadership teams of several national groups and co-hosts the podcast Amplified Voices. The ACLU of Connecticut defends, promotes, and expands the civil rights and civil liberties of all people in Connecticut through litigation, community organizing and legislative advocacy, and civic education and engagement. Organized in 1948, it is an inclusive, non-partisan, and statewide organization within the nationwide American Civil Liberties Union network.

4. 

   25 Aug 2026

   Connecticut State of the State, 2026

   In this video, Bob Duff, Connecticut Senate Majority Leader, discusses the major governmental and legislative issues that the Connecticut is facing in 2026. He also answers questions and concerns that the audience members asked. This video was recorded on February 9, 2026 at the Featured Speaker Program of the Humanists and Freethinkers of Fairfield County, Connecticut. You can find more information of interest to humanists, freethinkers, atheists, agnostics, nonreligious and nonbelievers at the Humanists and Freethinkers of Fairfield County (Connecticut) website: HFFCCT.org (http://HFFCCT.org).

5. 

   28 Jul 2026

   Biological Gender is not Binary

   In this insightful presentation, Dr. Steven Novella explores the complexities of scientific skepticism, addressing internal disagreements within the skeptic community, and clarifying misconceptions about sex, gender, and scientific facts. This episode explores complex the topic of biological sex, and the nuances of scientific understanding in this area. The discussion emphasizes the importance of nuance, scientific literacy, and respectful debate in controversial issues. With over three decades of experience as a physician, Dr. Novella is a respected expert in neurology and cognitive neuroscience. He is best known for his involvement in the skeptical movement and as the host of The Skeptics' Guide to the Universe podcast. This video is excerpted from a presentation to the Humanists and Freethinkers of Fairfield County (CT) on September 9, 2025.

6. 

   26 Jul 2026

   When Skeptics Disagree With Each Other

   In this insightful interview, Dr. Steven Novella explores the complexities of scientific skepticism, addressing internal disagreements within the skeptic community, and clarifying misconceptions about scientific facts. Discover how evidence, philosophy, and personal biases influence debates on controversial topics. This episode explores the nuances of scientific understanding. The discussion emphasizes the importance of nuance, scientific literacy, and respectful debate in controversial issues. With over three decades of experience as a physician, Dr. Novella is a respected expert in neurology and cognitive neuroscience. He is best known for his involvement in the skeptical movement and as the host of The Skeptics' Guide to the Universe podcast. This video is excerpted from a presentation to the Humanists and Freethinkers of Fairfield County (CT) on September 9, 2025.

7. 

   8 Jul 2026

   Humanist Invocation

   In this episode you will hear the presentation of a Humanist Invocation at the opening of a Connecticut State Senate session. Secular invocations can be substituted for religious prayer at many events and activities. Such invocations let it be known that atheism, humanism, freethinking and many other nonbeliever philosophies are held by people in our communities. Individual nontheists can express themselves by requesting to deliver invocations at a variety of community and governmental events. The text of this invocation can be downloaded at bit.ly/humanistinvocation (http://bit.ly/humanistinvocation) and can be used freely. The program for this episode: Introduction to Humanism Today Overview by Cary Shaw, President Emeritis, HFFC Introduction by Susan Bysiewicz, CT Lieutenant Governor Invocation by Cary Shaw Conclusion by CT Senator, Bob Duff Humanists and freethinkers of Fairfield County, Ct (HFFC) provides a wide variety of activities and programs for atheists, humanists, freethinkers and other nonreligious people. Find out more about us at hffcct.org (http://hffcct.org).

8. 

   26 Jun 2026

   Meet Connecticut's Poet Laureate, Antoinette Brim-Bell

   In this video, Antoinette Brim-Bell, CT Poet Laureate and Anita Peters, Humanists and Freethinkers of Fairfield County (CT) meet for the first time. Their delightful conversation covers a wide range of topics. They explore the importance of arts, poetry, and critical thinking in fostering community, understanding history, and promoting empathy. Antoinette Brim-Bell shares her insights on the role of poetry in human communication. This video will allow you to get to know Antoinette Brim-Bell.

9. 

   18 May 2026

   How to Protect Your Online Privacy

   Michael A, with dozens of online addresses, is passionate about his online privacy. In this video you will learn what kind of data is being collected about you online, why you should be concerned and the best practices for protecting your online privacy. Download the summary sheet of best Practices: https://drive.google.com/file/d/10NKb5ZyDKAu9eTRzrQYaSD2XV-7aTzsI/view?usp=sharing (https://drive.google.com/file/d/10NKb5ZyDKAu9eTRzrQYaSD2XV-7aTzsI/view?usp=sharing). Michael A. is a Managing Director at Blue Owl Capital and member of the Information Technology Team. In his role, he is responsible for the technology and security aspects of the firm's Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) framework. He partners closely with Legal, Compliance, and other stakeholders to ensure Blue Owl's technology operations align with its regulatory, risk management, and strategic objectives. This program was presented to the Humanists and Freethinkers of Fairfield County (CT) on February 10, 2025.

10. 

    20 Jan 2026

    How Communities Can Reduce Electric Rates

    In this episode you will learn how states and towns can gain control over their electric costs. The presenter is Peter Millman, Vice President, People's Action for Clean Energy. This video is an excerpt from a presentation by Peter Millman at a meeting of the Humanists and Freethinkers of Fairfield County (Connecticut) on April 13, 2025. The opinions expressed in this video are the presenter's own. HFFC does not necessarily endorse these opinions. You can find more information of interest to humanists, freethinkers, atheists, agnostics, nonreligious and nonbelievers at the Humanists and Freethinkers of Fairfield County (Connecticut) website: HFFCCT.org.

11. 

    27 Dec 2025

    Scopes Evolution Trial

    In this episode, we collaborated with Connecticut's public radio station, WSHU, to bring a special commemorative program on the 100th anniversary of the Scopes evolution trial. The most notorious trial of the 20th century, according to our speaker, historian and author Brenda Wineapple. It was bigger than OJ. It pitted creationism against evolution. We're thrilled to host this conversation between historian Brenda Wineapple and HFFC member and Connecticut attorney Stephen Keough. Brenda Wineapple's latest book is Keeping the Faith: God, Democracy, and the Trial That Riveted a Nation which is the basis for this podcast. She is an award-winning historian, literary critic and essayist and author of seven nonfiction books. She is the recipient of such honors as the literature award of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, a Guggenheim Fellowship and Pushcart Prize. She was a finalist with a National Book Critics Circle Award, and most recently, a Coleman Fellow at the New York Public Library. She teaches in the MFA program at Columbia University. Stephen Keough is a graduate of Yale College and Columbia Law School. He practices in the area of elder law, trust, and estates, long-term care and federal needs, and is a frequent speaker to the bar and the general bar on these topics. He's also an adjunct member of the faculty at UConn Law School, where he teaches the school's elder law clinic. He's a member of the Community Bioethics Forum under the auspices of the Yale Medical School Program for Biomedical Ethics. Stephen also shared that his great, great, great, great grandfather was from Tennessee and would probably be turning over in his grave right now. This episode was recorded on March 9, 2025. You can find more information of interest to humanists, freethinkers, atheists, agnostics, nonreligious and nonbelievers at the Humanists and Freethinkers of Fairfield County (Connecticut) website: HFFCCT.org.

12. 

    21 Nov 2025

    What is White Christian Nationalism

    In this episode, you will learn about White Christian Nationalism from a humanist's point of view. The speaker is Rob Boston, Senior Advisor of Americans United for Separation of Church and State. This video is excerpted from a presentation to the Humanists and Freethinkers of Fairfield County (CT) on September 9, 2024. You can find more information of interest to humanists, freethinkers, atheists, agnostics, nonreligious and nonbelievers at the Humanists and Freethinkers of Fairfield County (Connecticut) website: HFFCCT.org.

13. 

    15 Nov 2025

    The Future of AI and Quantum Computing

    In this episode, we turn our attention to Dale Kutnik, futurist, global AI consultant and longtime HFFC member. Dale will take us into the future of AI and quantum computing. Dale is a senior VP emeritus and distinguished analyst at Gartner, who's worked with CIOs and senior business executives around the world to help them better manage and exploit technology and information to drive business transformation. But more importantly, to advise what is in store for them in the future. He's also an accomplished poet. writes haikus. He's an avid skier and tennis player.

14. 

    9 Nov 2025

    Candidate without a Prayer

    In this episode, humanist and humorist Herb Silverman tells the tale of his ultimately successful attempts to repeal the South Carolina constitutional prohibition of atheists holding public office. You will be surprised by how it worked out. Herb Silverman is founder and president emeritus of the Secular Coalition for America (http://secular.org/); founder of the Secular Humanists of the Lowcountry (http://lowcountryhumanists.org/) in Charleston, South Carolina; and founder and former faculty advisor to the College of Charleston student Atheist/Humanist Alliance. Herb has written for “On Faith” at the Washington Post, Huffington Post, The Humanist, and other magazines and blogs.

15. 

    9 Nov 2025

    A Conversation with Charles Darwin

    In this episode, Charles Darwin AKA Professor Kenneth Noll, will discuss his discoveries versus the thinking of British and American scientists of his time. He will also cover the scientific evidence he gathered on the Beagle's second voyage and its effects on 19th century science. This video is excerpted from a presentation to the Humanists and Freethinkers of Fairfield County (CT) on February 13, 2023. You can find more information of interest to humanists, freethinkers, atheists, agnostics, nonreligious and nonbelievers at the Humanists and Freethinkers of Fairfield County (Connecticut) website: HFFCCT.org.

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