Secular Left
There is a well organized and well funded effort to gut the Bill of Rights in this country and in the age of Trump, secular people seem to taking it on the chin more often. Secular Left is meant to be the light in the fog of Christian Nationalism supporting the idea that toxic religious belief is the root of most social justice issues today.
Episodes
102 episodes
The 100 Day (so far) Trump Dumpster Fire
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...
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Episode 101
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33:05
Cradle Seculars & Cultural Shifts: A Deep Dive with Dr. Juhem Navarro-Rivera
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 g...
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Episode 100
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48:23
We Said Farewell: Lessons from the Venezuelan Diaspora for Today’s America with Amanda Quintero Aguerrevere
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 inspiratio...
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Episode 99
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29:31
DOGE Is So Ohio
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 Mu...
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Episode 98
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37:23
Tyrant In A Top Hat: Radical Ideas for a Fractured Nation?
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 Li...
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Episode 97
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47:08
So, How is that protest vote over Gaza working out for you?
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 Ame...
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Episode 96
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42:21
Ohio's Don't Say Gay Bill Is Now Law And Professor Jerry Coyne FAFO
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 gro...
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Episode 95
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44:18
Dad's Place Church: Zoning Disputes and the Fight for Religious Freedom
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 o...
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Episode 94
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44:06
Old Debates In A Murder's Wake And Ohio's Controversial Don't Say Gay Bill
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, igni...
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Episode 93
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39:18
Indoctrination or Education? The Controversial Push for Religious Programs in Public-Schools
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 ...
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Episode 92
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34:50
Democrats Post-Election Loss Freak Out
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 outco...
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Episode 91
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31:09
Secular Voices in Politics: Sarah Levin on Representation and Change
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.
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Episode 90
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1:03:38
Truth Is Scarce During Campaign Season
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 ...
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Episode 89
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43:48
The Trump GOP and The Crutch of Divisive Immigration Tactics
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 explor...
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Episode 88
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38:13
GOP Immigration Fear-mongering and Defending Secular Public Education
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 pa...
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Episode 87
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37:41
People Are Looking For Accountability In 2024
We Don't Want Empty Promises, Party Manipulations, Or Politcal Bridge BurningWe look into the ongoing political landscape in Ohio, dissecting the implications of a proposed constitutional amendment aimed at curbing gerrymanderi...
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Episode 86
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42:32
Very Good Reasons Why You Should Vote For Trump
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 viab...
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Episode 85
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31:06
Lifewise Academy Exposed: The Dangerous Intersection of Religion and Public Schools with Zach Parrish and Molly Gaines
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...
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Episode 84
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1:11:55
Christian Nationalism in Legislation: Facts vs. Fear
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 Lo...
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Episode 83
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48:16
Point of Pride From Stonewall To Drag Queens in Ohio
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 co...
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Episode 82
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32:02
Unmasking the Illusion: Dissecting Trump's Lead in 2024 Election Polls
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 betw...
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Episode 81
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37:06
Religion In Schools, Abortion Rights At Risk, And A Taste Of The Trump Trial
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 f...
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Episode 80
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33:54
From Pulpit to Politics: The Real Danger of White Christian Nationalism
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 poi...
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Episode 79
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46:38
The Illusion of Free Speech and Inflation: Debunking Conservative Narratives
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 disrupt...
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Episode 78
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36:02
Local Church And State Implications: Busing, Vouchers, And Politics
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 discussi...
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Episode 77
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44:41
