"Intelligent Design" on Trial

"Intelligent Design" on Trial

Author: Freedom From Religion Foundation July 23, 2026 Duration: 49:24

This week on Freethought Radio, a look at how the Trump administration is whitewashing American history in Philadelphia. Then, federal Judge John E. Jones tells the behind-the-scenes story of the 2005 trial leading to his landmark decision barring so-called "intelligent design" from being taught in public school science classes.


Tune in to Freethought Radio, a weekly hour-long conversation from the heart of Madison, Wisconsin, hosted by Dan Barker and Annie Laurie Gaylor, who lead the Freedom From Religion Foundation. This podcast offers a direct line to their live Saturday broadcast, bringing you a mix of candid discussion, current events analysis, and the occasional musical interlude, all from a distinctly secular perspective. Each episode delves into the intersection of reason, politics, and culture, challenging religious privilege while advocating for the separation of church and state. You’ll hear interviews with authors, activists, and thinkers, alongside the hosts' own commentary, which is often insightful and deliberately irreverent. It’s a program for anyone questioning dogma, valuing scientific inquiry, or simply curious about life outside traditional faith structures. The tone is more like a spirited coffee shop debate than a lecture, making complex issues around belief and disbelief accessible and engaging. Listening to this podcast feels like joining a long-running, principled discussion that’s both timely and timeless, grounded in the ongoing work of one of the nation’s most prominent organizations advocating for freethinkers.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Freethought Radio
Podcast Episodes
The Future of the Freethought Caucus [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:24
FFRF Staff Attorney Sammi Lawrence reports about a high school softball team in Missouri that had religion pushed on it, and how FFRF was able to put a stop to this. Then, U.S. Rep. Jared Huffman reviews this year's Nati…
The Feminist Skeptic [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:44
FFRF Legal Director Patrick Elliott reports on FFRF's exciting new legal developments to protect state/church separation. Then as a memorial tribute, we play an interview of Barbara G. Walker, a provocative bestselling s…
The end of a cult [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:24
Peruvian journalist Paola Ugaz tells us how her investigation (with colleague Pedro Salinas) led to the downfall of the Sodalitium, a Catholic cult that was sexually, physically and psychologically abusing young people.
From Myths to Science [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:43
What is a "godman"? Tune in to find out. FFRF Senior Attorney Sam Grover gives an eyewitness account of oral arguments over Ten Commandments-in-schools court challenges. Next, Gauhar Raza, an Indian scientist, poet and s…
The Soul Delusion [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:24
Before talking with David P. Barash about his provocative new book, "The Soul Delusion," Freethought Radio comments on timely national news and this week's major FFRF victories!
Haram Doodles [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:44
An ex-Muslim "artivist" — that's artist combined with activist — called Haram Doodles uses art to express dissent against the strictures of Islam.
Separate Church and Hate [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:24
Actor, comedian and broadcaster John Fugelsang describes his new book, Separation of Church and Hate. FFRF's Legal Director Patrick Elliott sums up our many accomplishments in 2025.
The Good Trump [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:44
Donald Trump's niece, Mary L. Trump, explains why her uncle is the real Grinch.
The Solstice Is the Reason [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:43
Celebrating with music and readings, we explain why the Winter Solstice is the true "Reason for the Season."
The Solstice Is the Reason [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:43
Celebrating with music and readings, we explain why the Winter Solstice is the true "Reason for the Season."