• 2 minutes 21 seconds
    Introducing Unholy Histories

    Subscribe to Unholy Histories wherever you get your podcasts:

    Unholy Histories is the new Humanist Heritage Podcast from Humanists UK and inspired by the research of the Humanist Heritage Project.

    Join Andrew Copson and Madeleine Goodall as they uncover the rebels, reformers, and freethinkers who shaped a more open and compassionate Britain.

    The first episodes go live very soon. Subscribe now via your preferred podcast app to be notified the moment new episodes are released.

    Unholy Histories is produced by Humanise Live a production agency creating values-led podcast content. Start podcasting today at humanise.live

    Music: Small Things by Simon Folwar

    Podcast transcripts are AI-generated and may contain errors or omissions. They are provided to make our content more accessible, but should not be considered a fully accurate record of the conversation.

    21 April 2026, 8:00 am
  • 41 minutes 29 seconds
    EP 66 – Stephen Fry on the uncomfortable truth of AI, the peril of being 'right' over being 'effective', and the dichotomy of humanity

    Andrew Copson speaks to actor, writer, and Humanists UK patron Stephen Fry about his life and career, touching on everything from his concerns that near-universal perspectives on equality could be under threat from prejudiced AI models, to the intriguing paradox of human behaviour in relation to the individual vs the mass. He delves into our innate moral sense of right and wrong, as well as the value of uncertainty. Please note: there are some quality issues with Andrew's audio.

    What I Believe was the title of two separate essays by the philosopher Bertrand Russell and the philosopher EM Forster in the early 20th century. These two humanists set out their approach to life, their fundamental worldview, in a way that was accessible to all. In this podcast, Chief Executive of Humanists UK, Andrew Copson, speaks to humanists today to understand more about what they believe, to understand more about the values, convictions, and opinions they live by.

    Humanists UK is the national charity working on behalf of non religious people to advance free thinking and promote a tolerant society. If you’d like to support the podcast or find out more about the humanist approach to life or the work that we do, please visit humanists.uk. If you like what you see, please consider joining as a member.

    You can follow Humanists UK on Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram, X, and TikTok – and please remember to leave a 5 star review! What I Believe is produced by Sophie Castle.

    16 July 2025, 11:01 pm
  • 39 minutes 23 seconds
    EP 65 – Anjali Goswami on humanity’s interconnectedness with the world, ‘selfish nihilism’, and a childhood encounter with a tiger

    Andrew Copson speaks to Professor of Palaeobiology and Humanists UK patron Anjali Goswami about how her study of the history of life on Earth profoundly shapes her humanist worldview and sense of interconnectedness. Anjali discusses how a childhood encounter with a tiger has led the course of her career as well as humanity's responsibility towards a sustainable future in the face of ‘‘selfish nihilism’. Please note, this episode unfortunately has some audio quality issues. 

    What I Believe was the title of two separate essays by the philosopher Bertrand Russell and the philosopher EM Forster in the early 20th century. These two humanists set out their approach to life, their fundamental worldview, in a way that was accessible to all. In this podcast, Chief Executive of Humanists UK, Andrew Copson, speaks to humanists today to understand more about what they believe, to understand more about the values, convictions, and opinions they live by.

    Humanists UK is the national charity working on behalf of non religious people to advance free thinking and promote a tolerant society. If you’d like to support the podcast or find out more about the humanist approach to life or the work that we do, please visit humanists.uk. If you like what you see, please consider joining as a member.

    You can follow Humanists UK on Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram, X, and TikTok – and please remember to leave a 5 star review! What I Believe is produced by Sophie Castle.

    9 July 2025, 11:01 pm
  • 34 minutes 52 seconds
    EP 64 – Lizzi Collinge MP on millennials modernising parliament, living the one life we have, and the joys of being an MP

    Andrew Copson speaks to Labour MP for Morecambe and Lunesdale and Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Humanist Group, Lizzi Collinge, about the practical application of humanist principles within the often-turbulent world of politics. It's a glimpse into the unique challenges and 'profound' rewards of being a humanist voice in Westminster, and how MPs can work within the system to create collective and meaningful change. This podcast was recorded on 11 June 2025.

    What I Believe was the title of two separate essays by the philosopher Bertrand Russell and the philosopher EM Forster in the early 20th century. These two humanists set out their approach to life, their fundamental worldview, in a way that was accessible to all. In this podcast, Chief Executive of Humanists UK, Andrew Copson, speaks to humanists today to understand more about what they believe, to understand more about the values, convictions, and opinions they live by.

    Humanists UK is the national charity working on behalf of non religious people to advance free thinking and promote a tolerant society. If you’d like to support the podcast or find out more about the humanist approach to life or the work that we do, please visit humanists.uk. If you like what you see, please consider joining as a member.

    You can follow Humanists UK on Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram, X, and TikTok – and please remember to leave a 5 star review! What I Believe is produced by Sophie Castle.

    2 July 2025, 11:01 pm
  • 49 minutes 5 seconds
    EP 63 – James Forder on old fashioned liberalism, the finiteness of our existence, and free enterprise as a moral force

    Andrew Copson speaks to economist James Forder about his view on individual freedom and limited government as a self described 'old-fashioned liberal'. He discusses his belief in free enterprise as not just an economic engine but a powerful moral good that fosters self-reliance and the pursuit of individual goals. He also delves into the profound philosophical implications of our finiteness and how this very limitation gives life its meaning. 

    What I Believe was the title of two separate essays by the philosopher Bertrand Russell and the philosopher EM Forster in the early 20th century. These two humanists set out their approach to life, their fundamental worldview, in a way that was accessible to all. In this podcast, Chief Executive of Humanists UK, Andrew Copson, speaks to humanists today to understand more about what they believe, to understand more about the values, convictions, and opinions they live by.

    Humanists UK is the national charity working on behalf of non religious people to advance free thinking and promote a tolerant society. If you’d like to support the podcast or find out more about the humanist approach to life or the work that we do, please visit humanists.uk. If you like what you see, please consider joining as a member.

    You can follow Humanists UK on Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram, X, and TikTok – and please remember to leave a 5 star review! What I Believe is produced by Sophie Castle.

    25 June 2025, 11:01 pm
  • 30 minutes 57 seconds
    EP 62 – Kate Devlin on human adaptability in an AI world, AI's ethical challenges, and our obsession with sex robots
    Andrew Copson speaks to a leading voice in human-technology interaction, Dr Kate Devlin, about becoming the unexpected 'face of sex robots' and why our fascination with artificial companions reveals more about us than the machines. Kate discusses repeating patterns of human fear and adaptation in the face of new technology, the critical ethical challenges of AI – from algorithmic bias impacting facial recognition to the darker side of its supply chain – as well as the need for value-driven and human-centric AI development. This episode was recorded in April 2024.   What I Believe was the title of two separate essays by the philosopher Bertrand Russell and the philosopher EM Forster in the early 20th century. These two humanists set out their approach to life, their fundamental worldview, in a way that was accessible to all. In this podcast, Chief Executive of Humanists UK, Andrew Copson, speaks to humanists today to understand more about what they believe, to understand more about the values, convictions, and opinions they live by.

    Humanists UK is the national charity working on behalf of non religious people to advance free thinking and promote a tolerant society. If you’d like to support the podcast or find out more about the humanist approach to life or the work that we do, please visit humanists.uk. If you like what you see, please consider joining as a member.

    You can follow Humanists UK on Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram, X, and TikTok – and please remember to leave a 5 star review!   What I Believe is produced by Sophie Castle.  
    18 June 2025, 11:01 pm
  • 38 minutes 26 seconds
    EP 61 – Sarah Bakewell on the joy of biography and what it means to be human

    Andrew Copson speaks to bestselling author Sarah Bakewell who discusses her intellectual journey through the lives and ideas of history's great thinkers. From Montaigne's enduring wisdom to the existentialists' quest for meaning and the rich tapestry of humanism, Sarah discusses how she uncovers the 'inhabited philosophy' of fascinating individuals from the past and what these explorations reveal about the particularities and universalities of being human.

    What I Believe was the title of two separate essays by the philosopher Bertrand Russell and the philosopher EM Forster in the early 20th century. These two humanists set out their approach to life, their fundamental worldview, in a way that was accessible to all. In this podcast, Chief Executive of Humanists UK, Andrew Copson, speaks to humanists today to understand more about what they believe, to understand more about the values, convictions, and opinions they live by.

    Humanists UK is the national charity working on behalf of non religious people to advance free thinking and promote a tolerant society. If you’d like to support the podcast or find out more about the humanist approach to life or the work that we do, please visit humanists.uk. If you like what you see, please consider joining as a member.

    You can follow Humanists UK on Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram, X, and TikTok – and please remember to leave a 5 star review!

    What I Believe is produced by Sophie Castle.

    11 June 2025, 11:01 pm
  • 31 minutes 52 seconds
    EP 60  – Ian Dunt on the uncomfortable truth of liberalism, populism on the rise, and freedom to Vs freedom from
    Andrew Copson speaks to journalist and political powerhouse Ian Dunt about the uncomfortable truths of liberalism, the rise of populism, and tensions between freedom to Vs freedom from. 
    This episode was recorded in January 2024.   What I Believe was the title of two separate essays by the philosopher Bertrand Russell and the philosopher EM Forster in the early 20th century. These two humanists set out their approach to life, their fundamental worldview, in a way that was accessible to all. In this podcast, Chief Executive of Humanists UK, Andrew Copson, speaks to humanists today to understand more about what they believe, to understand more about the values, convictions, and opinions they live by.

    Humanists UK is the national charity working on behalf of non religious people to advance free thinking and promote a tolerant society. If you’d like to support the podcast or find out more about the humanist approach to life or the work that we do, please visit humanists.uk. If you like what you see, please consider joining as a member:

    You can follow Humanists UK on Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram, X, and TikTok – and please remember to leave a 5 star review!

    What I Believe is produced by Sophie Castle.
    4 June 2025, 11:01 pm
  • 31 minutes 9 seconds
    EP 59 – Jane Fallon on her journey to veganism, a lifelong love for animals, and 'Chick Noir'

    Andrew Copson speaks to acclaimed novelist and Humanists UK patron Jane Fallon about the beliefs that have shaped her journey from vegetarianism to veganism, her lifelong love for animals, and her transition from TV producer to the author of 14 bestselling books.

    What I Believe was the title of two separate essays by the philosopher Bertrand Russell and the philosopher EM Forster in the early 20th century. These two humanists set out their approach to life, their fundamental worldview, in a way that was accessible to all. In this podcast, Chief Executive of Humanists UK, Andrew Copson, speaks to humanists today to understand more about what they believe, to understand more about the values, convictions, and opinions they live by.

    Humanists UK is the national charity working on behalf of non religious people to advance free thinking and promote a tolerant society. If you’d like to support the podcast or find out more about the humanist approach to life or the work that we do, please visit humanists.uk. If you like what you see, please consider joining as a member:

    You can follow Humanists UK on Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram, X, and TikTok – and please remember to leave a 5 star review!

    What I Believe is produced by Sophie Castle.

    28 May 2025, 11:01 pm
  • 27 minutes 38 seconds
    EP 58 – Alf Dubs on escaping the Nazis, memories of the NHS 'the day it all began', and xenophobia in 1940s UK

    Andrew Copson speaks to Labour peer, campaigner, humanist, and former child refugee Lord Alf Dubs who shares the beliefs that have shaped his lifelong quest for social justice, including a childhood encounter with discrimination in 1940s UK and finding himself unexpectedly part of history as a hospital patient on the day the NHS began. He also opens up fleeing the Nazis, travelling as a child refugee on Nicholas Winton’s Kindertransport.

    What I Believe was the title of two separate essays by the philosopher Bertrand Russell and the philosopher EM Forster in the early 20th century. These two humanists set out their approach to life, their fundamental worldview, in a way that was accessible to all. In this podcast, Chief Executive of Humanists UK, Andrew Copson, speaks to humanists today to understand more about what they believe, to understand more about the values, convictions, and opinions they live by.

    Humanists UK is the national charity working on behalf of non religious people to advance free thinking and promote a tolerant society. If you’d like to support the podcast or find out more about the humanist approach to life or the work that we do, please visit humanists.uk. If you like what you see, please consider joining as a member:

    You can follow Humanists UK on Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram, X, and TikTok – and please remember to leave a 5 star review!

    What I Believe is produced by Sophie Castle.

    21 May 2025, 11:01 pm
  • 37 minutes 52 seconds
    EP 57 – Adam Kay on the values of the NHS, fundamental human equality, and the future of one of the UK’s most cherished institutions
    Andrew Copson speaks to award-winning writer, comedian, and former doctor Adam Kay who shares the beliefs that have shaped his life and career. From the original values of the NHS, to questions about its future, he lifts the lid on one of the UK’s most cherished institutions, founded by humanist Nye Bevan, and offers a glimpse into the challenges facing patients, healthcare workers, and the NHS as a service.   Adam's new book, Kay’s Incredible Inventions, is out now: https://www.waterstones.com/book/kays-incredible-inventions/adam-kay/henry-paker/9780241540787   He is a patron of Humanists UK: https://humanists.uk/about/our-people/patrons/adam-kay/   In May 2023, Humanists UK held an 'In Conversation Event' with Adam Kay, hosted by its President, Adam Rutherford: https://humanists.uk/2023/05/17/humanists-uk-presents-adam-kay-with-the-voltaire-lecture-medal/

    What I Believe was the title of two separate essays by the philosopher Bertrand Russell and the philosopher EM Forster in the early 20th century. These two humanists set out their approach to life, their fundamental worldview, in a way that was accessible to all. In this podcast, Chief Executive of Humanists UK, Andrew Copson, speaks to humanists today to understand more about what they believe, to understand more about the values, convictions, and opinions they live by.

    Humanists UK is the national charity working on behalf of non religious people to advance free thinking and promote a tolerant society. If you’d like to support the podcast or find out more about the humanist approach to life or the work that we do, please visit humanists.uk. If you like what you see, please consider joining as a member: 

    You can follow Humanists UK on Twitter (X), Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok – and please remember to leave a 5 star review!

    What I Believe is produced by Sophie Castle.
    16 November 2023, 12:01 am
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