Glass City Humanist

We're joined by Jake Via, the new Organizing Director for the American Humanist Association. Our conversation explores Jake's journey from his conservative Christian upbringing to his eventual embrace of humanism. We look at how his early experiences shaped his values and laid the foundation for his current work, highlighting themes of community engagement and ethical living.

Jake shares his thoughts on the role of an or...

Recognizing the finite nature of human existence, humanists are inspired to maximize their time and consider the lasting legacies they will leave behind. This reflection was particularly meaningful due to the recent passing of our friend, Ford B Cauffiel Sr., an accomplished entrepreneur and community leader. Ford profoundly impacted those around him through his diverse contributions, including a notable classic car collection and ...

We have a critical examination of the hypocrisy within the Christian nationalist movement, particularly concerning the lack of response to revelations from the Epstein files. We highlight the dissonance between the public pronouncements of moral leadership and arguing that partisan interests often supersede ethical accountability. Specific examples of political figures leveraging family values rhetoric while ignoring or downplaying...

We address a recent editorial from the Toledo Blade that mischaracterizes the failed merger between Kroger and Albertsons. Contrary to the editorial’s claims, it was not the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) but a federal judge who blocked the merger due to concerns about market competition. We discuss the broader implications of allowing massive grocery chains to consolidate, particularly the potential harms to consumer choice, prici...

A recent ruling from Franklin County has called into question the constitutionality of the Ohio EdChoice voucher program, which has long been a point of debate for its impact on public school funding. The detailed 47-page decision found that the program violates the Ohio Constitution by diverting public funds away from public schools and into private institutions, effectively creating a dual education system. This thoughtful ruling...

We look into the implications of the inaugural meeting of President Trump's Religious Liberty Commission. The makeup of this commission suggests that true religious liberty may not be its primary focus, but rather an agenda of promoting Christian nationalism. The commission is chaired by Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, with key figures such as Dr. Ben Carson and Paula White lending their voices to a narrative that priori...

We look into the pressing issues of compassion and empathy in political discourse, particularly among conservative politicians, and the importance of humanism in addressing these challenges. We discuss the alarming trend of lawmakers advocating for cuts to essential social safety nets, such as Medicare and Medicaid, which provide critical support to those struggling to meet basic living standards. We lay bare the injustices inheren...

We look at the current legislative climate in Ohio, with a focus on the extreme measures being proposed and enacted. The Ohio State legislature this session is exhibiting a troubling trend towards more radical policies, including the controversial SB1, dubbed the Higher Education Destruction Act. This bill threatens to undermine academic freedom and censor educational content while limiting the rights of faculty to advocate for the...

In this milestone 100th episode of the Glass City Humanist, we welcome Toledo activist Sean Nestor for an in-depth discussion on activism within our community. Sean shares his journey from high school political engagement sparked by the looming Iraq War to his current role in revitalizing local media and promoting civic involvement. We delve into the nuances of Toledo's political climate, discussing whether it truly aligns with...

Our guest is Natalie Hastings, an organizer for Honesty for Ohio Education and Ohioans Against Extremism. The conversation delves deep into the state of public education in Ohio, the implications of grassroots organizing, and the critical importance of maintaining the separation of church and state.

Hastings recounts how her experience as a mother and a public school advocate inspired her to engage in activism. After noticing detri...

We explore third places, which are crucial for fostering community by providing inclusive and open environments where people from diverse backgrounds can socialize and interact without the pressures of their primary home or work life. These spaces include cafes, parks, and community centers, each serving as an anchor for social interaction. We articulate how our humanist group embodies the essence of a third place, being a venue fo...

On March 18th, a significant ruling from Ohio's 10th District Court declared the state’s ban on gender-affirming healthcare for transgender youth unconstitutional, a decision made in light of an appeal from the ACLU of Ohio. We explore the implications of this ruling, from its roots in legal arguments to the broader message it conveys about the protection of human rights.

Transitioning to our guest segment, we chat with Jeff...

In this episode, we look at the pressing issue of rising egg prices in the United States and yet another attempt to inject religion into Ohio public schools.

We explore the interplay of economics and environmental factors driving the increases in egg prices influenced by the avian flu which has severely impacted the egg-laying bird population. We break down the economic principles at play, explaining how supply shortages due to mas...

We look at the urgent and current threats to democracy and how our humanist values compel us to take direct action. The discussion emphasizes that as humanists, we hold accountable our shared principles of social justice, compassion, and critical engagement in times when these ideals are increasingly under siege.

We reflect on the challenging political landscape we now face, particularly with the implications of the Trump admini...

We dive into the latest developments regarding the contentious case surrounding Dad's Place Church in Bryan, Ohio. The narrative grapples with complex issues of religious freedom, municipal regulations, and homelessness, ignited by Pastor Chris Avell's decision to operate a homeless shelter within his church premises without the required permits. As tensions mount between the pastor, the local government this discussion cri...

In this episode, we have a visit with Fish Stark, the new Executive Director of the American Humanist Association (AHA). Stark, who officially took on the role in August 2024, shares his gripping origin story steeped in familial influences and the core values of humanism, shaped significantly by his father, Pete Stark, the first openly atheist member of the U.S. Congress and 2008 AHA Humanist of the Year.

As Stark seamlessly trans...

We open this episode promoting a workshop Douglas is facilitating in January with the American Humanist Association Center for Education. The topic is helping Humanists speak up through writing letters to the editor, being interviewed by the press and being an advocate for issues Humanists care about.

Next we delve into the legislative debates surrounding Substitute House Bill 8, which has been characterized by its ties to the so-...

We dive deep into the ongoing legislative efforts surrounding LifeWise Academy, a Christian nationalist organization seeking to establish Bible classes in public schools during school hours. As the Ohio State Legislature enters its lame duck session, critical issues have arisen concerning the implications of integrating religious instruction into the public education system. We discuss the irony in religious conservative's oppositi...

We delve into the complexities of grief and its manifestations in our lives, particularly from the unique perspective of a humanist. Grief is not only reserved for the loss of loved ones but extends to experiences such as a beloved sports team's defeat or the heart-wrenching outcome of an election. After the recent 2024 presidential election, many progressives, including humanists, felt a profound sense of loss as the majority vote...