We start by focusing on the ongoing debate around school vouchers in Ohio, particularly as the state legislature is poised to debate the new budget bill, which proposes cuts to public school funding while simultaneously increasing financial support for private institutions. We clarify how these so-called "scholarships" are essentially vouchers that…

We start this episode by discussing the ongoing controversy surrounding Release Time Religious Instruction (RTRI) in Ohio, spearheaded by LifeWise Academy. This initiative allows public school students to leave school for religious education in the middle of the day, exploiting legal loopholes to introduce religious content into public education. A…

We mark the 100th episode of Secular Left with a reading from the show manifesto that was read in Episode 1 in April 2020. We highlight its birth during a tumultuous time marked by political uncertainty and a public health crisis. The initial goal was to provide a platform to voice critical perspectives against the tide of misinformation and extrem…

Amanda Quintero, an economist and author, is our guest and we explore her powerful new book, "We Said Farewell." Having left Venezuela during its tumultuous transition into authoritarianism, Amanda shares her personal journey and the inspiration behind her collection of fictionalized short stories. The narratives stem from real experiences of her f…

Recent decisions that can significantly impact public welfare have emerge from a lack of contextual awareness. We explore the dangerous consequences of this mismanagement, particularly with the current administration’s interactions with Elon Musk, who has been given unwarranted access to vital government resources without accountability. We recount…

In this episode, we engage with Martin Armitage, co-author of the book "Tyrant in a Top Hat," which challenges the conventional narrative surrounding President Abraham Lincoln and the Civil War. We delve into thought-provoking questions: Did Lincoln ignite a civil war unnecessarily? Are the consequences of that conflict still reverberating through …

We explore the troubling narrative surrounding President Trump’s administration and its move to shut down USAID, a crucial foreign aid agency established by President Kennedy. We highlight how the dismantling of USAID can severely undermine America's relationships with democratic allies, turning foreign policy into a transactional affair where frie…

Ohio’s recent legislative developments have sparked significant controversy. The state’s governor signed a "Don't Say Gay" bill into law, which not only limits discussions on LGBTQ+ topics in schools but also permits a Christian Nationalist group to remove children to bible study in the middle of the school day. Meanwhile, a federal judge ruled tha…

We dive into the recent tumult surrounding two significant topics affecting public policy and religious freedom in Ohio. The spotlight is first placed on LifeWise Academy's attempts to ingratiate itself into Ohio public schools, alongside the ongoing case involving Dad's Place Church in Bryan, Ohio, as the Ohio Attorney General, David Yost, enters …

The recent murder of Brian Thompson, the CEO of United Healthcare, unearthed lingering debates about health care reform from back during President Obama's administration. The murder, occurring outside a high-profile hotel in New York City, ignites discussions about the frustrations directed at health insurance corporations, reminiscent of grievance…

In this episode, we delve into the current legislative climate in Ohio as the state legislature rushes through a series of controversial bills during the lame duck session. The urgency to pass these bills stems from the impending expiration of the General Assembly at the end of December, compelling lawmakers to push through legislation that aligns …

We take a deep dive into the recent election and its ramifications, focusing particularly on the Democrats' surprising loss and the implications for future campaigns. We look at both the evident and subtle factors that contributed to this outcome. Being a black woman was a significant hurdle for Vice President Kamala Harris, which I argue led to a …

We speak with secular political activist Sarah Levin about the evolving landscape for secular voters within the Democratic Party, the implications of interfaith coalitions, and the role of non-religious constituents in upcoming elections. We also explore Sarah's substantial activism, including her role as founder of Secular Strategies and her effor…

We look into the murky waters of political dishonesty prevalent during the current election cycle, particularly focusing on the blatant lies propagated in political advertisements. With election day swiftly approaching, it’s easy to lose sight of the facts amidst the barrage of misleading ads from large PACs like the Congressional Leadership Fund a…

We look at the alarming trend of Republican rhetoric surrounding immigration, particularly their attempts to vilify Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio. Drawing comparisons to the divisive strategies of Ronald Reagan in the 1980s, we explore how the GOP is leveraging fear and misinformation to distract voters from their lack of substantial poli…

We investigate the political tactics of the Republican Party as we approach the election season, highlighting their reliance on divisive rhetoric around immigration rather than substantive policy proposals. With a convicted felon leading the party, it's become apparent that their strategy is to invoke fear rather than offer solutions. We examine ho…

We Don't Want Empty Promises, Party Manipulations, Or Politcal Bridge Burning We look into the ongoing political landscape in Ohio, dissecting the implications of a proposed constitutional amendment aimed at curbing gerrymandering that could potentially end the Republican supermajority in the state. The Ohio Ballot Board's recent attempt to manipul…

In this spicy episode, we give you many reasons why voting for Donald Trump in the upcoming election is not a wise choice. We look into the history of the 2024 presidential election, highlighting the lack of merit in considering Trump as a viable candidate due to his questionable character and numerous controversies during his previous presidency. …

In this jammed packed episode, we talk with Zach and Molly, parents who are taking a stand against LifeWise Academy, an evangelical Christian nationalist group that has found a way to seep into public schools through a legal loophole. They have formed Parents Against LifeWise to shed light on the group's questionable tactics, lack of background che…

In this episode, we open with noting a recent US Supreme Court decision in a social media censorship case. Then we discuss the hysteria in Ohio over trans women playing sports and the unconstitutional Ten Commandments law recently enacted in Louisiana. We explore how these laws are impacting individuals and communities, especially the LGBTQ+ commun…

A recent bill introduced by Christian Nationalists in Ohio labels the existence of trans individuals as obscene. We look into the implications of such legislation and questions the necessity for laws that perpetuate bigotry towards the LGBTQ community. The significance of Pride Month in June is highlighted, emphasizing the celebration of the LGBTQ …

We delve into the upcoming 2024 election and the current political landscape. There is disbelief in polls showing Trump ahead of Biden, emphasizing the concerning reality of Trump's character and actions. We highlight the stark differences between the two major candidates, pointing out Trump's history of dishonesty, racism, and legal troubles, juxt…

Could Ohio's latest law be a seismic shift toward religious indoctrination in public schools? We grapple with the state's decision to allow Bible classes during school hours, and the societal tremors it's causing. Explore with me the backlash from an Ohio State Representative against cities supporting abortion rights, despite Ohio's recent Abortion…

America is facing a tipping point in potentially losing its democracy in 2024, particularly if Trump wins the upcoming election. White Christian nationalists are identified as a significant influence pushing the country towards this tipping point. We take a deep dive into the concept of Christian nationalism, which conflates American identity with …

We delve into the complex topic of free speech and its limits. Free speech is not an absolute right and there can be the regulation of speech in certain contexts. A prime example is in a nearby conservative town where a vocal individual disrupts city council meetings with personal attacks on the mayor, correctly leading to the consideration of new …

We update a local school busing dispute involving families wanting better accommodations for their children being transported to a Catholic school, citing concerns about early start times and religious freedom violations. In the discussion on Ohio's school voucher expansion, concerns were raised about the diversion of public funds to private school…

We delve into the Ohio 2024 primary elections where three white Republican candidates in the congressional race are resorting to racist rhetoric in their campaign ads. These candidates include State Representative Derek Merrin, who is a Christian nationalist known for his anti-LGBT stance and attacks on trans kids. The episode explores how these ca…

Do political and religious conservatives really understand DEI? We challenge popular misconceptions about Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, confronting the unfounded fears that it poses a threat to traditional values. We dissect the essence of DEI, illustrating how it nurtures communities where every individual, irrespective of their background, is…

We explore the controversial subject of police conduct, particularly in situations where an individual seeks to commit 'suicide by cop.' We then shift to the media's fixation on President Biden's age, questioning why it garners such attention and criticizing how coverage distracts from more substantive political discourse. Finally, we share our tho…

Former evangelical minister Bruce Gerencser joins us to unravel a legal tangle where religious freedom clashes with municipal zoning laws. We dissect the contentious situation surrounding Pastor Chris Avell, a friend of Bruce's, who's currently embroiled in a federal lawsuit against the city of Bryan, Ohio. We dissect the merits of Avell's decision…

Humanists International just released their 2023 Freedom of Thought Report that documents the efforts to protect or not protect religious freedom in all the countries in the world. The US government created the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom in 1998 to call out countries that violate religious freedom. One of these effo…

How far are you willing to go for the truth? How much are you ready to risk for justice and freedom of speech? Join us as we traverse the treacherous terrain of investigative journalism with our guest Dr. Anthony Feinstein, author of the book 'Moral Courage 19 Profiles of Investigative Journalists'. Dr. Feinstein takes us through the intricate conc…

Ever wondered why the separation of church and state is a formidable pillar of modern democracies? Join us as we dissect this essential concept with no other than Andrew Seidel, the vice president of strategic communications for Americans United, an accomplished author, and a relentless defender of the First Amendment. With over a decade of experie…

Jam-packed with insights and experiences, we sit down with Keith Semple, an eminent musician with a quarter-century-long journey in the industry. Starting his career in Northern Ireland, he's now making waves in the US, not just with his music, but with his engaging podcast, The Semple Truth. Keith shares his thoughts about his secular humanist bel…

We delve into the life and philosophy of Herb Kay, a man with diverse experiences ranging from being an NSA analyst, a salesman, to serving time in prison. His stint in prison, as result of bad choices during the 2008 real estate collapse, helped him experience people with underprivileged backgrounds and shaped his views on issues such as gun contr…

We meet the person behind the Rooster, DJ Byrnes. He is a renowned video blogger and former political candidate, known for his audacity in unveiling the political landscape of Ohio and who sparks fear in the religious zealots infecting the Ohio Statehouse. He made his name when he posted the infamous video that ultimately cost Urban Meyer his NFL j…

Can a reformed Islamophobe be redeemed and can a non-Muslim speak about the complex relationship between progressive and orthodox Islam with any creditability? Eric Brazau's look at Islam began in an unexpected place - while he was incarcerated. His enlightening perspectives and observations are shared in his book, 'Muslim Reformers versus Fundamen…

Prepare yourself for an enlightening ride into the obscure frontiers of political intrigue and misinformation warfare, as we shine a light on a heated conflict unfolding in Ohio. Learn about the conservative and Christian Nationalist groups opposing the Reproductive Rights Amendment, the sly tactics they employ, and the false narratives they propag…

We explore the latest twist in the tale of closed St Anthony Church in Toledo. Saved from demolition to be a place for affordable housing and/or a community event space. The Lucas County Land Bank decided to ditch what the community wanted and went with the idea of converting the church into a climbing gym, a project proposed by a company known for…

Today's episode takes us to Northwest Ohio as we probe into the intriguing life and ideologies of Professor Lee Strang. Engulfed in legal and societal debates, Strang plays multiple roles - a University of Toledo Law School professor, public charter school founder, anti-abortion activist, and advocate for conservative think tanks at Ohio law school…

People like Christian Nationalist Charlie Kirk and the US Supreme Court get affirmative action in college admissions wrong. The racist assumption is a marginalized group would be automatically unqualified to attend an elite college without it. Affirmative action doesn't elevate unqualified people it levels the playing field. Then we look at Christi…

We tackle the controversial Supreme Court decision, 303 Creative LLC versus Elenis. This case revolves around a Christian graphic designer from Colorado who refuses to provide services to same-sex couples. We unpack the court's ruling, which distorts the First Amendment, and the potential implications for both religious and non-religious individual…

Can you imagine converting a historic church into a rock climbing gym? This week, we tackle the controversy surrounding the potential repurposing of St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Toledo, Ohio. As plans emerge to transform the church, we question the suitability of one idea for the distressed neighborhood and explore possible alternatives. We als…

We meet Ohio House Representative Pastor Gary Click who introduced an anti-Trans bill and lies about his motivation for it. Next Republican bullies try to intimidate Ohio public school boards complaining about vouchers. And finally we find out that Nebraska legislator Megan Hunt, a darling of the secular democratic movement doesn't like labels or a…

The last time the word contagion was used to scapegoat a group of people, six million Jews perished in the Holocaust. Transgender people, a minority of a minority, are currently the target of scapegoating in statehouses across the country. These efforts are being lead by conservatives to distract from their failed policies and unconstitutional gerr…

Rep. Jim Jordan attempts to obstruct a state criminal case, VP Kamala Harris is a master politician, a rule giving religious student groups that discriminate school funding should go away, and we find out that vaccine hesitancy is NOT a new thing. Show Notes 00:45 Rep. Jim Jordan Attempts To Obstruct Trump's Indictment 13:06 VP Kamala Harris Deflec…

In Ohio, a proposed amendment to protect abortion was allowed to start collecting signatures. Meanwhile, the forced-birth zealots are spending $5 million dollars to lie to Ohio voters about the amendment and their friends at the state house want to change the rules. Why do Republicans hate democracy?? Show Notes 00:45 Forced-birth Ad Lies 15:09 Cha…

Protestors on the left are more likely to be charged as domestic terrorists. MAGAs are more threatened by drag shows than guns and Universal vouchers reward conservative selfishness. Show Notes 00:35 Protesting Cops Gets You A Terrorism Charge 19:45 Maybe Drag Shows Should Hand Out Guns To Kids 36:25 Universial Vouchers Take Money Away From Public …

It isn't everyday that a conservative wants to be a guest on a secular left podcast but it happened. Doug talks to a conservative podcast host about topics they will never agree on and there was no name calling. Slowly drive past the scene of this accident. Show Notes [00:45] Why would a religious conservative want to guest on a secular left podcas…

Republicans take over the US House and immediately use the mythical debt ceiling to demand cuts to social security and medicare. Landlords in Maumee Ohio don't like regulations to make their housing safe and affordable and did you know abortion bans violate the separation of church and state. Show Notes [00:40] The Debt Ceiling Myth [17:47] Landlor…