The following is an brief introduction to current atheist, humanist and skeptical podcasts from one liberal skeptic's perspective of religion, in the hopes that Kossacks may enjoy or appreciate such material or find it of practical or political benefit.
Most computer-literate people, but not all or necessarily all Kossacks, are at least minimally familiar by now with "podcasting." "Podcasting" refers to online transmissions of any content in .mp3 or similar audio format. The term "podcast" and its derivative grammatical permutations may possibly constitute a lawful trademark of Apple Computer, Inc., either independently or derived from its iPod (R) series of portable audio players. Any use of such terms herein should be deemed as referencing such marks for discussion purposes, not using such marks for commercial purposes.
In practice, podcasting usually refers to reasonably regularly updated "broadcasts" from a given "show" on a given topic, in the same sense as "this broadcast will resume next week." Podcasts are somewhat analogous to blogs, but can be enjoyed of course in venues where reading text is difficult, dangerous or impossible (e.g. in the dark, while driving, in a tight subway car, when your hands are full or are typing on something else, etc.) The term "podcast" is used to describe both a series or an individual epsiode (e.g. tonight's podcast was great, this podcast is always great, etc.) Another nice feature of podcasts is that one can stack a substantial number of episodes onto a computer or iPod and listen to them when the occasion arises. Most podcasts employ an auto-updating feature that will load the latest episode into one's computer with the assistance of free iTunes software or other software, through an RSS feed or otherwise.
OK, to the podcasts on this topic. I will divide them into three broad categories: Humanist, General Atheist and Skeptical. If you disagree with my categorizations or any particular one, you probably have a pretty good point. In addition, there is a "Reader Suggested" category below that I will use to promote additional podcasts suggested by Kossacks along these general themes. Please comment broadly on what I have here and what other quality podcasts on these themes may also be out there. It should be noted that not all of these podcasts align themselves with liberal or Democratic politics on all issues. In addition, I find myself frustratingly without access to either my iPod or my laptop over this holiday weekend and so am probably missing a few in this list from my own "inventory."
You may be able to find many of these podcasts within the iTunes iStore feature at no charge or at the weblinks provided below. In some cases, you should copy and paste the RSS link into the "subscribe" window of your iTunes or other software.
Humanist
Point of Inquiry (RSS feed)
Point of Inquiry is the official podcast of the Center for Inquiry, and features interviews including one recent interview with a leader in the "intelligent design" movement. I would describe its viewpoint and tone as relatively moderate, in fact too moderate for one friend of mine but it suits me fine. Probably a good first podcast to which to listen in this genre.
Institute for Humanist Studies' Humanist Network News (RSS feed)
I am a fairly new listener to Humanist Network News but have enjoyed what little I have heard.
North Texas Church of Freethought (RSS feed)
The North Texas Church of Freethought is a small community of atheists, freethinkers and humanists near, I believe, Dallas/Fort Worth. (There is an interesting Texas freethought/skepticism heritage in central Texas in the Hill Country, where town names and even occasionally accents among the elderly reflect the German and Bohemian immigration to that area, many of the immigrants being freethinkers and religious dissenters. I digress.) The podcast draws from the sermons and talks given at their services; I recall enjoying a presentation from a Turkish scholar or journalist regarding the secular principles of the Turkish constitution. Recommended but of a different format than most of these podcasts.
General Atheist
Atheist Viewpoint from American Atheists (XML feed)
I list Atheist Viewpoint out of thoroughness but its tone is a little more biting than my preferred "flavor." I believe that it draws from a cable TV show put on by American Atheists which video iPod users can also enjoy.
Freethought Radio (RSS Feed)
The Freedom from Religion Foundation's Dan Barker and Annie Laurie Gaylor broadcast out of Madison, WI, and their show is now syndicated through Air America, if I am not mistaken. This show has excellent interviews with leading freethought, scientific and cultural figures though unlike Point of Inquiry they tend to keep the interviews to friendly interviewees. I have different feelings about other aspects of the show; I enjoy very much the "Pagan Pulpit" (providing "secular sermons";-)?) from former minister Dan Barker but am less of a fan of some of the more biting humor and musical selections. De gustibus, I guess.
Dogma Free America (RSS Feed)
Dogma Free America has, sadly, just podcast its last episode but I still recommend it and it's still available for old episodes. The podcasts included some interviews and weekly analyses of the latest dogmatic nonsense from around the world. Without Dogma Free America, I would not have learned that an Egyptian cleric ruled that, under Islamic law, a adult man and a adult woman not married to each other can only be in the same room together alone if she is wet-nursing him. What you learn from broader cultural exposure....
Skeptical
Skeptic Magazine's Skepticality (RSS Feed)
Good interviews and recommended.
New England Skeptical Society Skeptics' Guide to the Universe (RSS feed)
A great show with regular features, run by a cast who really seem to like each other's company. They conduct interviews with scientific and skeptical figures and researchers, provide weekly news on matters relating to pseudoscience and the like and have a weekly feature where the host Steven Novella provides a number of alleged scientific "developments" of which one is a hoax, and other cast members try to guess which one.
Reader Submitted
Skeptoid
Logically Critical
Quackcast
Skeptic Toolbox
You may run a search for these on Google or probably iTunes to pick up their links - thanks readers!!
If you would like to have your suggestion listed here, please put the word "New Podcast" in your subject line so I can sort through them more efficiently.
Thanks very much and happy reading and listening.