What I Believe

Andrew Copson speaks to SNP MP Tommy Sheppard about his life and career as a politician. From his childhood in Northern Ireland during the Troubles, to his unwavering commitment to Scottish independence, it's an engaging episode that explores the importance of collective endeavour, democracy, and the need for progressive change in a rapidly changing world. Tommy Sheppard MP is the Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Humanist Group, a cross-party group of Members of the House of Commons and the House of Lords of all the main parties, including members from the Crossbenches in the Lords: https://humanists.uk/about/humanists-in-parliament/   He secured a backbench business debate on the presence of 26 unelected bishops in the House of Lords in July 2023: https://humanists.uk/2023/07/06/mps-slam-automatic-right-for-bishops-to-sit-in-the-house-of-lords/   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.  

Andrew Copson chats with geneticist and author of How to Argue With a Racist Adam Rutherford about the motivations behind a career spent challenging false claims from religion and pseudoscience. From unshackling ourselves from the constraints of evolution, to charting the trajectory of our long history, it's a reflective discussion that emphasises our common humanity and capacity to build a better society.    Adam Rutherford is the current President of Humanists UK. He delivered Humanists UK’s 2019 Voltaire Lecture, How to argue with a racist, which became the basis for his 2020 bestselling book of the same name: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cYf-xNsIb2I   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: https://humanists.uk/   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.

Andrew Copson explores the life and work of eminent neurosurgeon and writer Henry Marsh who reflects on living with advanced prostate cancer and the motivations behind his world-renowned career. From his unconventional route into medicine, to his experiences as both doctor and patient, it's a thought-provoking discussion about the complexities of healthcare and the role of assisted dying in modern society.   Henry Marsh addressing parliament on assisted dying in 2022: https://humanists.uk/2022/05/25/dr-henry-marsh-addresses-parliamentary-humanists-on-assisted-dying/   Henry Marsh calling for an assisted dying parliamentary inquiry in 2021: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9arXH8D1tbo     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: https://humanists.uk/   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.

Andrew Copson deep dives into the fascinating world of comedian, author, and human rights advocate Sandi Toksvig who shares some of the experiences that have fueled her fervent commitment to equality and justice. From school days spent at a French-speaking convent (where she masterminded a school rebellion), to earlier this year challenging the Archbishop of Canterbury over the Church of England's stance on same-sex marriage, it's a thought-provoking conversation that's equal parts humour and heart.   For more info on Sandi's public call earlier this year for Church of England bishops to be removed from the House of Lords over its continued opposition to same-sex marriage: https://humanists.uk/2023/02/03/sandi-toksvig-calls-for-cofe-bishops-to-be-removed-from-lords-over-same-sex-marriage/   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: https://humanists.uk/   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.

In this episode, Andrew speaks to writer and broadcaster Dr Susan Blackmore about what she believes, from being open minded and then skeptical, to arguments leading you somewhere, and the self as the whole embodied person with no free will but happy and good.

In this episode, Andrew speaks to model and humanist campaigner Laura Lacole about what she believes, from one life, to being who you are, making a difference, and expressing yourself.

In this episode, Andrew speaks to Swedish author and IT-entrepreneur Christer Sturmark about what he believes, from the importance of being an activist, to our moral responsibility to learn and be coherent, and critical thinking to find the truth.

In this episode, Andrew speaks to psychologist Nichola Raihani about what she believes, from cooperation and our social instincts, to moral trade-offs, and the cultural specifics of certain values.

In this episode, Andrew speaks to historian S I Martin about what he believes, from history and common ownership, to history as a framework for great arguments and ongoing engagement, and exposure to as many diverse views and experiences as possible.

In this episode, Andrew speaks to epidemiologist Professor Kate Pickett about what she believes, from fairness as a moral value to the benefits to all of reducing inequality, hopefulness in the cause of social change, and taking the long view.

In this episode, Andrew speaks to Clive Lewis MP about what he believes, from the necessity of politics to camaraderie of service, opposing imperialism and racism, universal humanity, and the climate threat.

In this episode, Andrew speaks to comedian Tim McGarry about what he believes, from devout atheism to accidental humanism, the values of education and comedy, and mutual respect and tolerance.

In this episode, Andrew speaks to philosopher A C Grayling about what he believes, from curiosity and making sense of things to being a good guest at life's dinner party, our democratic deficit, the good state, and the interconnectedness of all these things.  

In this episode, Andrew speaks to comedian Angela Barnes about what she believes, from occasional nostalgia to knowing where and who you are, making the most of the here and now, and putting everything out there.

In this episode, Andrew speaks to singer-songwriter, Frank Turner, about what he believes, from creativity to community, connection, empathy through art, nothing to excess, and 'know thyself'.

In this episode, Andrew speaks to philosopher Nigel Warburton about what he believes, from clarity to being accessible, free speech, thinking aloud, thinking together, thinking on the page, and being free and open.

In this episode, Andrew speaks to former Chief Scientific Adviser to the European Commission, Professor Dame Anne Glover, about what she believes, from curiosity, to the infinite possibilities of things you can't see, uncertainty, making knowledge useful, making a difference, and the vital importance of diversity to success.  

In this episode, Andrew speaks to Professor of Materials Chemistry, Saiful Islam, about what he believes, from beautiful crystals, to green energy, scientific progress, combating ignorance and fear, and the value of education.

In this episode, Andrew speaks to co-founder of WordPress, Mike Little, about what he believes, from democratic participation, to giving people a voice, an open source world, cooperation, and inspiration in utopianism.

In this episode, Andrew speaks to Labour MP, Dame Angela Eagle, about what she believes, from opportunity for all, to contributing to a collective effort, remaking society, and being a pragmatic humanist.