Humanists UK is delighted to announce that the seventh season of What I Believe – its hit podcast delving into the beliefs and values of well-known humanists – will premiere this Thursday (22 May).
The latest season will be headlined by actor, broadcaster Stephen Fry, who is a Humanists UK patron. Fry, who was recently announced as a participant in the BBC’s upcoming series Celebrity Traitors, will close out the season on 17 July in an episode exploring his views on happiness, toxic masculinity, AI, and the nature of humanity.
Inspired by the famous essays of humanist thinkers Bertrand Russell and E M Forster, and presented by Humanists UK Chief Executive Andrew Copson, the podcast offers listeners a unique insight into the diverse perspectives within the humanist and non-religious community, as well as exploring the ethical frameworks of those with different worldviews. It’s been downloaded half a million times in over 100 countries spanning the likes of Senegal, Slovakia, and South Korea.
Other guests this season include Labour peer Alf Dubs, bestselling author Jane Fallon, political journalist and powerhouse Ian Dunt, acclaimed author Sarah Bakewell, Chief Scientific Advisor to the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs Anjali Goswami, AI expert Kate Devlin, economist James Forder, and the prominent humanist campaigner and MP Lizzi Collinge.
Speaking about his views on human nature on the What I Believe podcast, Stephen Fry said:
‘I’m sure most of us face this strange sense that the human race is almost like rabid dogs in a cage. And you get too close to the cage and the fierce yapping, barking, the slathering, and the horror of this creature, is what you get an impression of humanity being. But when you go out into the streets, or you sit next to someone on a bus, or in the pub, or you chat to them, it’s the opposite: everyone seems individually to be reasonable, kind of humorous, resigned about the mess of the world, not completely having swallowed a red pill or blue pill. There’s a kind of openness… not all, of course there are those who swallow all kinds of pills and conspiracy theories, and others who are loaded with prejudice against certain groups of people and all the rest of it. But generally speaking, it’s so hard not to think that if you wanted to look at it in a gardening sort of way, all the human seeds that you want to plant in the garden, there are only about 2% that ‘Oh, that’s a bit mouldy, throw that one away’. The rest are really good and will grow into wonderful flowers.
But sometimes the weeds are too strong. And of course, you have to be aware that as we talk, someone might listen who is not well disposed towards us and we are the weeds as far as they’re concerned. We are the problem. I’m fully aware that there are people further to the left of me and further to the right of me, who regard my kind of centrist and progressive, vaguely tolerant liberal beliefs; they’re regarded as not just fatuous and weak, but genuinely dangerous.’
Chief Executive of Humanists UK, Andrew Copson, commented:
‘The return of What I Believe for its seventh season is a testament to the enduring human need to understand ourselves and each other. Inspired by the essays of Bertrand Russell and E.M. Forster, this podcast provides a unique window into the core beliefs and values that shape the lives and work of remarkable individuals across science, philosophy, the arts, and activism – including, to our delight, our patron Stephen Fry. That half a million people across the globe have sought out these conversations speaks volumes about a widespread desire for deeper insight into the rich tapestry of human thought, and this season promises to deliver just that.’
Listeners are encouraged to tune in and ‘follow’ the podcast. What I Believe is available on all major podcast platforms, and new episodes will be released every Thursday weekly. Previous guests include Sandi Toksvig, Alice Roberts, Tim Minchin, Shaparak Khorsandi, Jim Al-Khalili, Adam Kay, and more. Episode one of season seven will be with Labour peer Lord Alf Dubs who is best known as a key campaigner on the plight of refugees.
Notes
Humanists UK is the national charity working on behalf of non-religious people. Powered by over 130,000 members and supporters, we advance free thinking and promote humanism to create a tolerant society where rational thinking and kindness prevail. We provide ceremonies, pastoral care, education, and support services benefitting over a million people every year and our campaigns advance humanist thinking on ethical issues, human rights, and equal treatment for all.
For further comment or information, media should contact Humanists UK Director of Public Affairs and Policy Richy Thompson at press@humanists.uk or phone 0203 675 0959.