Podcast for Inquiry's amazing third year

Podcast for Inquiry's third year may be its best yet, with twenty-four regular episodes, one bonus episode, and one of my diatribes.

Episodes covered a wide range of topics. Some of my favourites from 2024 can be grouped into four categories:

Philosophy:

• Podcast for Inquiry kicked off 2024 with a thoughtful and insightful conversation with Australian philosopher Russel Blackford. We discussed the philosophical principle of Liberalism and delved into its implications for free speech and toleration. 
• If you accept that God has created you for a purpose, then what do atheists have to live for? My conversation with Dr. Ralph Lewis addresses this question directly, as we talk about his book Finding Purpose in a Godless World: Why We Care Even if the Universe Doesn’t.  
•  I speak with CFIC's Mark Maharaj about anti-natalism, the philosophical idea that choosing to have children is an unethical act.

Science:

• I have been fascinated with whether free will is real or a compelling illusion for several years. I am delighted Podcast for Inquiry dedicated two episodes to the question last year. Dr. Julien Musolino contends that free will (as commonly understood) is scientifically incoherent, but that it's not a big deal. Kevin Mitchell, on the other hand, argues that evolution gave us - not just humans, but all animals including amoebae - free will, and speculates about the ramifications for society and its institutions. 
• Tangentially related to free will was last year's final episode, about the possibility of plant intelligence with Paco Calvo. His research is ongoing; preliminary results are tantalizing but not (yet) definitive. 
• Climate change is a major, but far from the only, threat to human civilization. Professor Katherine Richardson and her team identified nine planetary boundaries which need to be respected if our planet is to remain conducive to human thriving. It remains an open question whether we will choose to do so. 
• But if we mess up Earth, we can always go elsewhere, right? Dr. Kelly Weinersmith wanted to know, so she started by reading just about everything ever published on the topic. Then she wrote A City on Mars summarizing what she learned, and talked to me about it. 

Religion and Secularism:

• In April 2021, CFIC started publishing its Cost of Religion in Canada report series. Hardly anyone read them. But when Sandra Dunham asked, "Why does Canada give $5.6 billion annually to religious charities?" on Podcast for Inquiry, secularists, atheists, and humanists across Canada took notice.  
• It's not just religious charities that benefit from government largesse. Ontario fully funds a parallel, separate school system at a cost of approximately $10 billion per year. Greg Oliver, president of the Canadian Secular Alliance, debunks many myths and discusses what can be done about public funding for Catholic schools. 
• Podcast for Inquiry had a couple guests return for encore performances in 2024. Dr. Josh Bowen revealed what the Bible has to say about slavery and genocide. And Catherine Nixey's second appearance on PfI was about her book Heresy, the many forms of early Christianity, and what humanity lost with Christianity's rise. 
• Andrew Seidel is the author of The Founding Myth: Why Christian Nationalism is un-American. The answer should be obvious, but unfortunately his arguments are more relevant now than ever. 

Critical Thinking:

• CFIC often emphasizes the importance of critical thinking, but what is it exactly? Melanie Trecek-King talks about how people can navigate complex subject areas without developing deep expertise, what constitutes good evidence, and more. 
• Relatedly, Robin Reames is trying to bring back The Ancient Art of Thinking for Yourself (the title of her book). Learn why emotions are more compelling persuaders than facts, the power of "alternative", and the centrality of fear.
• How can we know what is true, when each of us necessarily has an incomplete understanding of reality? Dr. Carolyn Biltoft has thought deeply about this question, and shares her insights. 
• Despite it being nearly impossible for humans to comprehend Absolute Truth (if such a thing even exists), there are some things we know about the universe with a very high degree of confidence. So why is science denial so prevalent in our society? Gale Sinatra explains that we all have biases and are vulnerable to fallacies that can lead to misunderstanding scientific topics. 
• Scientific illiteracy can have catastrophic consequences. Kat Mac trusted her alternative health provider, and taking the recommended herbal supplements nearly killed her. 

Podcast for Inquiry's 2025 season is already underway, with episodes about Canada's ongoing discrimination against its Indigenous population and growing up in Canada within an observant Muslim household already released. There will be many more conversations exemplifying the spirit of genuine open inquiry every two weeks as Podcast for Inquiry continues into its fourth year.

I was a guest on the Apostate Sisters YouTube channel

I met Nancy and Patti, the Apostate Sisters, at BAHACON in August. I gave a brief impromptu talk about CFIC and they liked it so much they invited me to be a guest on their YouTube channel. It was a fun conversation, and I'm pleased with how it came out. This is a great introduction to my views on activism, secularism, Humanism, parenting, changing society, and much more. Enjoy!

Podcast for Inquiry S3E17: Anti-natalism with Mark Maharaj

Anti-natalism is the philosophical idea that choosing to have children is an unethical act. Mark explains what anti-natalism is, as well as what it isn’t, and describes how he came to subscribe to anti-natalist thought. 

Learn more about anti-natalism from the Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy and Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy.

Support Podcast for Inquiry on Patreon, subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts (Spotify Apple Google Deezer Player.fm), or listen here:  

A video recording is also available: 

Podcast for Inquiry S3E14: The search for truth, with Carolyn Biltoft

Carolyn Biltoft received her PhD in World History from Princeton University in 2010. Her work fuses the tools of world history, intellectual history, cultural studies and critical theory. Carolyn has thought deeply about the nature of truth, and realized that each person necessarily has an incomplete understanding, because we only experience a small aspect of reality first hand. Therefore, we need to trust the reports of others to gain a complete worldview. Misplacing our trust will compromise the accuracy of our model of reality. Carolyn delves into the implications of this insight, describes the similarities and differences between scientific and religious mindsets, and how this should impact our educational system.  

Support Podcast for Inquiry on Patreon, subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts (Spotify Apple Google Deezer Player.fm), or listen here:  

A YouTube version is also available (at Carolyn's request, we did not record video): 

Podcast for Inquiry S3E12: What’s the point if there’s no god? Ralph Lewis has an answer.

Dr. Ralph Lewis is an Associate Professor, practicing psychiatrist, and blogs for Psychology Today. Dr. Lewis explores the themes in his book, “Finding Purpose in a Godless World: Why We Care Even if the Universe Doesn’t”, including addressing some key questions:

• Does the universe have a purpose?
• Why are we humans so prone to believe that the universe is inherently purposeful?
• If the universe has no purpose, does that mean human lives are meaningless and don’t matter?
• How do we make moral judgments if we have no external or  objective foundation for them?

Support Podcast for Inquiry on Patreon, subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts (Spotify Apple Google Deezer Player.fm), or listen here:  

A video recording is also available: 

The God Gig is Easy!

Keith Semple has started a podcast, where he talks about being a Northern Irish Humanist living in the United States. I was his guest and talk give a Canadian perspective on politics and secularism, as well as my own journey to secular Humanism. It was a fun conversation, and I hope you enjoy it too.

My favourite quotation from Keith: "Leslie, I think you have a career in simply making bumper stickers for secular people."

It's available via The Semple Truth wherever you listen to podcasts, on Keith's Semple Truth website, or you can watch it below:

Let me know what you think.

Podcast for Inquiry S03E01: Liberalism a post-liberal world, with Russell Blackford

 A new year, a new season of Podcast for Inquiry!

Podcast for Inquiry starts 2024 with a deep discussion into the philosophical concept of liberalism, and of how Western culture has strayed from it as an ideal. Russell Blackford (@Metamagician) is a philosopher, literary critic, and widely published author. Russell talks about how the philosophical principle of Liberalism runs through his two most recent books, The Tyranny of Opinion and How We Became Post-Liberal. Our conversation starts with a definition of how Liberalism emerged over the past few centuries, and delves into two of its core concepts: free speech and toleration. We also discuss how group dynamics can lead to polarization and how society can return to liberal values. 

Support Podcast for Inquiry on Patreon, subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts (Spotify Apple Google Deezer Player.fm), or listen here:  

A video recording is also available:

Podcast for Inquiry S02E10: Secular Buddhism with Noah Rasheta

Noah Rasheta integrates Buddhist philosophy into every aspect of his life. We talk about Secular Buddhism, and compare and contrast Buddhist teachings with Christian thought and Stoic philosophy. We also discuss Noah’s book “No-Nonsense Buddhism for Beginners”, delving into some aspects that I heartily agreed with and others that required further clarification for genuine understanding. 

Subscribe to Podcast for Inquiry today wherever you listen to podcasts (Spotify iTunes Google Deezer Stitcher Player.fm) or listen here: 

A video recording is also available:

Podcast for Inquiry S02E07: Philippa Carter: What is a Religion?

Philippa Carter (@PhilippaCarter) has her PhD in Religious Studies, is a professor within McMaster’s Society, Culture & Religion degree program, and teaches a course called, “What on Earth is Religion?” Yet there is no simple answer to this straightforward question. The conversation ranges from religions to cults, philosophies, creeds, and worldviews, with stops at free expression and secularism along the way. 

If you enjoy this conversation, you might also like the Podcast for Inquiry episodes featuring Catherine Francis, Caroline Russell-King, and James Turk.

Subscribe to Podcast for Inquiry today wherever you listen to podcasts (Spotify iTunes Google Deezer Stitcher Player.fm) or listen here: 

A video recording is also available:

Podcast for Inquiry S02E06: Jamie Woodhouse on Sentientism

Jamie is a leading advocate for Sentientism (“evidence, reason, and compassion for all sentient beings”) as a worldview and as a global movement. Jamie and I discuss what Sentientism is along with its philosophical, ethical, and practical implications. Learn more through the Sentientism Podcast and YouTube channel, the global Sentientism Facebook community, and on Twitter: @JamieWoodhouse and @Sentientism.

Subscribe to Podcast for Inquiry today wherever you listen to podcasts (Spotify iTunes Google Deezer Stitcher Player.fm) or listen here: 

A video recording is also available:

Podcast for Inquiry S02B01: Leslie Rosenblood on Humanism in Children and Women's Rights

The Centre for Inquiry Canada was invited to give a presentation on Humanism in Children and Women's Rights at the third International Humanism Conference for Social Justice in September 2022. I spoke on Humanism in Children and Women's rights. This bonus episode of Podcast for Inquiry is my speech at the conference.

Subscribe to Podcast for Inquiry today wherever you listen to podcasts (Spotify iTunes Google Deezer Stitcher Player.fm) or listen here: 

A video recording is also available:

Podcast for Inquiry S02E01: What It Means to be Moral with Phil Zuckerman

Phil Zuckerman is a professor of Secular Studies at Pitzer College. Phil describes what the Secular Studies program entails from philosophical, political, and sociological perspectives. Phil is the author of What It Means to be Moral, and we discuss how leading an ethical life does not require a religious foundation. Phil is the Executive Director of Humanist Global Charity, and you can read his most recent articles and essays on OnlySky.  

Listen to our conversation here:

A video recording is also available:

Podcast for Inquiry S01E25: Bryan Van Norden on the importance of Chinese philosophy

Bryan Van Norden (@BryanVanNorden) is a professor of Chinese philosophy. We discuss the six titans of Chinese philosophical schools, along the parallels and differences with various Western philosophies. Bryan makes the case for studying Chinese philosophy in a world full of fascinating topics to learn about, and argues for incorporating a more diverse set of philosophical thought into the core canon. For those interested in a deeper understanding than was discussed in this episode, Bryan has compiled a bibliography of less commonly taught philosophies, written several books, and has a YouTube lecture series on Chinese Buddhism and Neo-Confucianism, from Confucius to Xi Jinping.  

Listen to our conversation here:

A video recording is also available:

Podcast for Inquiry S01E23: Futures studies with Joseph Voros

Dr. Joseph Voros has been a professional futurist for over two decades. We discuss what futures studies is, and the challenges in recognizing successful efforts that prevent catastrophes. Dr. Voros describes the difference between probable, plausible, and possible futures, how to classify them and what we can do to increase the probability of bringing about a future that we (and our descendants) will want to live in. This episode is audio-only to respect Dr. Voros’ privacy.

Listen to our conversation here:

If you prefer to listen on YouTube:

Podcast for Inquiry S01E19: The Christian Destruction of the Classical World with Catherine Nixey

Catherine Nixey is the author of The Darkening Age, which documents how early Christians burned texts, defaced or demolished statues, and became increasingly intolerant of any thought or behaviour that deviated from their interpretation of Scripture. Catherine and I discuss religious pluralism in the Roman Empire and how it changed after the Emperor Constantine’s conversion to Christianity - and why Christianity, despite its similarity to many other cults that arose at that time. It is a rare book that is well-researched, engrossing, on an interesting topic, and superbly written, but The Darkening Age is all of these. 

Listen to our conversation here:

A video recording is also available:

Podcast for Inquiry S01E18: The Declaration of Modern Humanism with Andrew Copson

Andrew Copson (@andrewcopson) is the president of Humanists International, which published its Declaration of Modern Humanism earlier this year. Andrew describes the content of the Declaration and the process by which it was created, and we talk about how it differs from its 1952 and 2002 incarnations. 

Listen to our conversation here:

A video recording is also available:

Podcast for Inquiry S01E17: Will Artificial Intelligence bolster or destroy humanity? Christopher DiCarlo on the future of AI

Christopher DiCarlo is a philosopher of science and the founder of Critical Thinking Solutions. We start by discussing the potential future for Artificial Intelligence (AI); both to help humanity (through DiCarlo’s Onion Skin Theory of Knowledge (OSTOK) project), and how to avoid a robotic apocalypse. But we quickly realize that the most difficult question is: What would we want a perfectly functioning AI to do? This leads to a fascinating conversation about society, philosophy, and politics, before coming back to AI and our ability to integrate new technology into our mindset, outlook, and culture. 

Listen to our conversation here:

A video recording is also available:

Podcast for Inquiry S01E11: Steven Pinker on Rationality and Humanist Values

Even as a young teenager, Dr. Steven Pinker (@sapinker) prized rationality as a virtue, and considered himself an anarchist. He changed that belief, however, when evidence indicated that anarchy was not a path to human flourishing. In this special episode, a co-production with the New Enlightenment Project, previous Podcast for Inquiry guest Lloyd Hawkeye Robertson returns as a co-host. Together, Lloyd and I explore with Dr. Pinker whether universities are betraying their mission, how the human brain spectacularly fails while also working wonders, the loose connections between science and technology with social and moral progress, and what humanity needs to do to continue to thrive for the next 50-100 years. 

Listen to our conversation here:

A video recording is also available: 

Podcast for Inquiry S01E08: Feminism for Women with Julie Bindel

Julie Bindel (@bindelj) is a journalist, writer, broadcaster, and researcher. She joins Podcast for Inquiry to talk about her new book, Feminism for Women. Julie covers previous and current waves of feminism, the lie young women have been fed about feminism, and why she believes marriage can never be a feminist act. We discuss men’s role in the feminist movement, Julie’s position on prostitution, and what’s next for the feminist movement. Feminism for Women is currently available in North America as an e-book and the paperback edition will be released on September 27, 2022.  

Listen to our conversation here:

A video recording is also available:

Podcast for Inquiry S01E07: How to Have Impossible Conversations with Matthew McManus

Matt McManus (@MattPolProf) is a lecturer at who discusses conservatism from a progressive standpoint. We talk about seeking out those who disagree with you while being open to new arguments, evidence, and perspectives. Not everyone is willing to argue in good faith, but fortunately there are “tells” that signal this disposition before one makes a significant investment of time and energy engaging. There are pitfalls involved in such an effort, and Matt examines ways they can be avoided.

Listen to our conversation here:

A video recording is also available: