Arts, Books & Storytelling Episodes

Scientist-turned-philosopher Massimo Pigliucci on reclaiming skepticism from the deniers, proportioning belief to evidence, and why doubt can lead to a life worth living.

Janet Ellis, the Blue Peter presenter, actress, novelist and new President of Humanists UK, talks to James Hodgson about how she came to humanism, why she finds real comfort in the fact that life is finite, and how to find joy without guilt in anxious times. She discusses her Humanists UK film All We Have Is Each Other, grief after losing her husband, whether Blue Peter was quietly humanist, talking to children about belief without indoctrination, the joy of writing, assisted dying, and why more humanists should say so openly.

"Inclusion isn’t about ticking boxes. It’s about creating a space where people feel safe enough to stay." - JC Candanedo Artist, activist, and humanist JC Candanedo shares his journey from a Catholic school in Panama to the art studios of London. His work weaves together identity, displacement, and community action, exploring how creativity can challenge injustice and build inclusive, compassionate societies. In this episode, JC reflects on growing up atheist in a deeply religious cult...

Award-winning journalist Katherine Stewart, author of Money, Lies, and God and The Power Worshippers, explains how Christian nationalism became a political movement, why abortion became its weapon of choice, and how billionaire funders are using religion to undermine American democracy.

"Isn't it true that we are the stories we tell ourselves?" — S.I. Martin This week on Humanism Now, we’re joined by S.I. Martin—historian, author, and patron of Humanists UK—whose work has reshaped how we understand Black British history and the power of storytelling. From his upbringing in a religious family in Bedford to decades spent uncovering erased narratives, Steve shares how early exposure to music, books, and doubt led him to scepticism and ultimately humanism. We discuss: The import...