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Can't wait? Hate iTunes? Click below to listen to a RFT show now! Latest Episode Archive shows: RFT - Ep 351 - The No Man Sky Edition This Week's Web Wisdom : RFT - Ep 349 - The Turkish Coup Edition This week the failed Turkish Coup...the history of democracy and coups in Turkey, the conspiracy theories around this coup attempt and the future of democracy in Turkey. RFT - Ep 349 - The TV Philosophy Edition This Week's Web Wisdom : RFT - Ep 348 - The Ameripox Edition This Week's Web Wisdom : RFT - Ep 347 - The Flash Back Doping Edition This Week some recasts: The Purple-Pee Olympics Lance Armstrong and professional doping. And some Web Wisdom from the Last Week Tonight: RFT - Ep 346 - The Post BrExit Edition This Week's : We examine the fallout of the BrExit win in the UK...what happened, what happens next and what are the possible out comes of the UK leaving the EU. BrExit Models And some Web Wisdom from the Real News Network: RFT - Ep 345 - The Pride 2016 Edition This Week's Web Wisdom : RFT - Ep 344 - The Super Task Edition This Week's Web Wisdom : RFT - Ep 343 - The Electric BrExit Edition This Week: And some web wisdom from SciShow - RFT - Ep 342 - The Mighty Ant Edition This Week's Web Wisdom: RFT - Ep 341 - The Human Origins Edition This Week's Web Wisdom: RFT - Ep 340 - The Orlando Solidarity Edition This Week's Web Wisdom: RFT - Ep 339 -The BrExit Edition This Week: RFT - Ep 338 - Click Bait Headlines Edition This Week's Web Wisdom: RFT - Ep 337 - Apollo Hoax Edition This week:

Also, a new virtual co-host...Hal, the AI

RFT - Ep 336 - Return of the Humanist Edition This week: RFT - Ep 335 - The Relativistic Gravity Edition This week: RFT - Ep 334 - The Atheist Comedy Stand Up Edition This week a cavalcade of web humor as we fill our plates with Atheist stand up comedy: RFT - Ep 333 - The Brazilian Coup Edition This week's : RFT - Ep 332 - The Lost Voice Edition This week's web wisdom: RFT - Ep 331 - The Self Driving Car Crash Edition Again, this on this show, we are joined by Matt This week: RFT - Ep 330 - The Mussolini Trump Edition This week a collection of web wisdom This week:   RFT - Ep 329 - The Fundrive 2016 Edition We are joined by Matt as we rap out some of the latest stories while asking our loyal listeners to donate at citr.ca/donate This week: RFT - Ep 328 - The Black History Month Edition Joining me this week our irregular regular, Guled, our thoughtful criminologist to be, Nicholas, our resident electrical engineer and also returning, Matt, a person with a point of view... This Week: RFT - Ep 327 - The Dyson Sphere Edition Joining me this week our irregular regular, Guled, our thoughtful criminologist to be, Nicholas, our resident electrical engineer and also returning, Matt, a person with a point of view... This Week: RFT - Ep 326 - The Trumped Edition Joining me this week our irregular regular, Guled, our thoughtful criminologist to be, Nicholas, our resident electrical engineer and also returning, Matt, a person with a point of view... This Week:
 RFT - Ep 325 - The Top Stories of 2015 - Guest Edition
Joining me this week our irregular regular, Guled, our thoughtful criminologist to be, Nicholas, our resident electrical engineer and also returning, Matt, a person with a point of view... This Week: RFT - Ep 324 - The Top Stories of 2015 - Host Edition Joining me this week our irregular regular, Guled, our thoughtful criminologist to be, Nicholas, our resident electrical engineer and also returning, Matt, a person with a point of view... This Week: - ISIS and Terrorism, and
 - Federal Election 2015, the failed Coup.   RFT - Ep 323 - The 2015 Science Year in Review - Guest Edition
Joining me this week our irregular regular, Guled, our thoughtful criminologist to be and introducing Nicholas, our resident electrical engineer... This Week: RFT - Ep 322 - The 2015 Science Year in Review - Host Edition Joining me this week our irregular regular, Guled and introducing Nicholas, our resident electrical engineer... This Week: Ep 321 – The Abundance Paradox  Edition This Week's Webs Wisdom: RFT - Ep 320 - The Buyer Beware Edition This Week: Plus bonus music: RFT - Recast - Santa VS Jesus Remix This Week: Ep 319 – The Zipf Law Edition This Week's Webs Wisdom: Ep 318 – The Paris Backlash Edition This Week: <Clips from AJ+> Ep 317 – The We are all Parisian Edition This Week: Ep 316 – The Bayesian Edition This Week's Webs Wisdom: Ep 315 – The Juvenoia Edition This Week's Webs Wisdom: Ep 314 – The 2015 Nobel Prize Edition This Week's: Ep 313 – The Pre-Election 2015 Edition This Week's: Ep 312 – The BigFoot Edition This Week's: Ep 311 – The Margnets for Dummies Edition This Week's: Ep 310 – The Voter Cumpass Edition This Week's: Ep 309 – The Alan Kurdi Edition This Week's: Source: Sci Show - Quick Questions Ep 308 – The Degrowing Capitalism Edition This Week's: Ep 307 – The Transgender Edition This Week: Ep 306 – The Black Lives Matter Edition This Week: Source: Best Of the Left Ep 305 – The Dropping the Writs Edition This Week's: Ep 304 – The Complete Fallacy Edition This Week's Web Wisdom: Ep 303 – The Left Handed Edition This Week's Web Wisdom: Ep 302 – The Rise of the Machines Edition This Week a special in depth look at AI, consciousness and the future of machine intelligence Ep 301 – The TED Ed Edition This Week: Ep 300 – The Magna Carta Edition This Week: Ep 299 – The Josh Asked Edition This Week: Ep 298 – The Enright Edition This Week: Ep 297 – The Debate Debacle Edition This Week: Ep 296 – The Wheat Board Rip-Off Edition This Week: Ep 295 – The 1% Election Solution Edition This Week: Ep 294 – A Nuclear Powered Web Wisdom Edition This Week: Ep 293 – The Election Budget Edition This Week: Ep 292 – The Nuclear Iran Edition This Week: Ep 291b – The Nuclear Battery Edition This week: Ep 291a – The Politics of Fear Edition <Dues to technical issues, this show was not broadcast> This week: Ep 290 – The 50 Shades of Fear Edition This week:
Ep 289 – The Web Wisdom Lottery Edition
This week: Ep 288 – The Don't Trust Your Edition This week we take a look at end-of-life assistance and a look at memory…what it is, how it fails us and how it’s used to put innocent people in jail and we close with a talk about the surprising drop in violence over time. Ep 287 – Fundrive 2015 Edition This week we have a mush up of Radio Free Thinker and The Sector as we ask you to give and keep CiTR and more importantly Radio Free Thinker on the air…oh, yes and I guess The Sector too... Ep 286 – The Private Members Edition This week we take a look at bad science on parliament hill, Private members bills and how they are abused and as part of our Never Forget series a recast of the unfair elections act….. Ep 285 – Anti-Anti-Vax Web Attack Edition This week i share one of favorite pod cast Best of the Left and there resent show about the reaction to the Disney Measles Epidemic...the Best of the Left is, like my web wisdom shows, a compilation of the best from online media, this show takes bits from: And a bonus... Ep 284 – Sins of the Harper Edition This week things to remember in the lead up to the 2015 Election: and so much more. Ep 283 – A Web Wisdom Edition This week…Health Triage and the cold, sleep, and flu shots, SciShow Space and how olds is life, planetary alignment and the future of the sun and earth, TestTube and For-Profit Prisons, Mandatory vaccination, defining terrorism the difference between Sunnis and Shiites and what is a coup d’état, and lastly It’s okay to be smart with there is no cold, déjà vu, and why clouds don’t fall…and a special rant by Rick Mercer on the budget Ep 282 – 2015 Election Prerequisite Edition This week things to remember in the lead up to the 2015 Election: and so much more, a follow is planned in 2 weeks Ep 281 – Charlie Hebdo Edition This week Free speech in France, converting climate change denialists, Stephen Fry on the importance of disbelief, Mouseland and election 2015 and in honour of Martin Luther King Jr Day, a broadcast of the famous “I have a dream speech.” Ep 280 – What Happened 2014 Edition This episode we take a retrospective and the biggest events, stories and the like for 2014.... Curiosity makes several landmarks...Opportunity, Cassini, Rossetta, Voyager, MAVAN...
We also had Ebola, ISIS, Crimea, and Gaza Let's not forget GamerGate, Ray Rice, Dalhousie Denstry...and much more...
Best of RFT in 2014 This week encore segments : Best of the 270s This week classic RFT : Ep 279 – Jesus VS Santa Edition This week why Christmas is better for non-believer than believers, a flash back with Christmas reality check, Humanism and Christmas, and we end the show with a cavalcade of Christmas music. Ep 278 – Totally Torture Edition This week a whine about torture, police and why I have no plans go to the USA, and web wisdom about torture and the militarization of the police... Also, everything you need to know about torture and militarization of the police: Ep 277 – Let's Go GMO Edition This week a whine about the threat of AI to the future of humanity... Also, everything you need to know about GMO Ep 276 – More Web Wisdom Edition This week a full course meal of web wisdom... Ep 275 – Mess in Mesopotamian Edition This week an attempted rant about how the legal system in Canada will allow a little girl to die because she is native. Urged by a loyal listener, we do an in-depth look at the History of Iraq...from the dawn of civilization till now. We will answer the questions, did Saddam have WMDs, did Bush lie the US into war...and my own pet theory about how a war in the 70 lead to the current quagmire. Also, some web wisdom from Glen Greenwald about why it is still important to protect your privacy even if "you have nothing to hide".. Ep 274 – Mental Health Edition This week a special show with guest Matt Harvey. We take look at the way popular media portrays and stigmatized mental illness…the disconnect between the reality of mental illness and the fictional account we all assume it true. Matt shares a very personal and inspirational story of being stricken with Bi-Polar Disorder, learning to live with and finding that it can be both a source of strength but a lens to help one realize how very lucky we are…not sure what I mean by that, listen and find out. Ep 273 – Electric Element Edition This week rant is about which poppy should you wear this remembrance day...white, red or both... In Five new things We also close some web wisdom...a debate about the colour of your poppy...how you skin heals itself and how we are the cosmos's way to know itself Ep 272 – Left in Toronto Edition This week a web wisdom bonanza...planned obsolescence, not all conspiracies are false...Doctors conflict of interest, the end of everything, UN climate change report and what happened to Olivia Chow in Toronto... Ep 271 – Halloween Edition This week are ghost possible? What is the origin of witches? We also discuss the commercialization of Halloween that has turned into an almost 8 billion dollar industry south of the boarder. But we start the show with a blast from the past as we do a recasting of our very first Halloween special...where we discuss the origins of Halloween...the real world origins of vampires and werewolves and how dangerous is taking candy from strangers? Ep 270 – Islamaphobia Edition This week we are joined by host emeritus Ethan Clow. In the light of a recent dust up between Ben Affleck and Sam Harris/Bill Maher...about whether criticism of Islam equals islamaphobia...whether liberals should stop being hypocritical about social ills perpetrated by Muslims... Well, we take a skeptical look at whether or not Islam is the most violent or worst mass religion ever...or at least currently...is it true that any criticism of Islam equated to islamaphobia...are liberals NOT criticizing Muslims for social ills like women's rights? Lastly, we take direct aim at Sam Harris and just what is his problem... . Best of the 260s This week classic RFT is focused on real and imagined threats...yes, it the best of the 260s and the best on Ebola and ISIS... Ep 269 – 5 New Things Edition This week a new segment...5 new things you might not know..
Also, ISIS redux...a path that will not end well and some web wisdom about
Ep 268 – Ig Nobel 2014 Edition This week a look at some of the Ig Nobel Awards... And some web wisdom.... Ep 267 – ISIS Edition This week - We postpone our rant to remind everyone that the Ebola epidemic is not only continuing in Africa but gaining momentum. We share a little web wisdom from about the scale and urgency for the world to react. Also, we take an extended look at ISIS or the Islamic State...who are they, how have they gain such success...should be be afraid or worried about them. We also discuss the very real dangers present by the US reaction to ISIS...will we have a repeat of 9/11 where the cure is worse than the disease? Ep 266 – Teacher's Strike Edition This week - A rant about the Teacher's strike...who is right? We take a skeptical is not balanced look at the issues that precipitated and prolongs the educational unrest. Also Don rambles about how a hundred years ago the FIRST mechanized unit of the British Army was the Canadian Automobile Machine Gun Brigade... also, how on this day in 1941 Dennis Richie was born...the creator of the C programming language, perhaps the most profound moment in the history of computing... also, how in 1752 11 days were literately wiped off the calendar... And also have some web wisdom about: Ep 265 – Sharumentary Edition This week - A rant about mandatory surcharges for criminals...and how it harms victims of crime. A classic example of Harper's bait-and-switch...sidestepping federal responsiblity for the well being and health care of victims of crime and shifting it criminals who are unable to pay for these social service...which should be part of the social safety net. Also, with Shark Week gone, we take a look at the decline of science documentaries as they try to compete with "Big Bang Theory" and "Big Brother"... also the mockumentaries the Discovery Channel peddles and how it has turned into tabloid "scient-ish" network... And we take a look at a number of science facts that are actually fiction...like we only use 10% of our brains...our nails grow after death and lightning never strikes twice. We end the show with some web wisdom about the growing dangers of drug resistance bugs thanks to our over use and misuse of antibiotics.. Ep 264 – Something Completely Different Edition This show is a bit of an experiment in style...more rifting, less scripting and things you need to know... This week - There has been much talk about privilege and implicit oppression...notably via race, gender and sexuality. Panti Bliss gave a great talk about this when she was taken to court for calling someone homophobic...as it turned out, she as a gay man cannot...well, you should listen, it is very enlightening... Also, an interview from Democracy Now with Vijay Prashad on Rise of Islamist Militias & Bloody Legacy of 2011 U.S. Intervention. Something you are not likely to hear on corporate media... And we close the show with some wisdom of Noam Chomsky about reform, revolution, a democratic workplace and utopinamism... AS an Easter egg somewhere in the show is Symphony of Sciences latest...a tribute to Robin Williams...Seize the Day. Ep 263 – Goodbye Robin Williams Edition This week whine is a Ebola redux edition...stop talking about a miracle cure and start putting doctors on the ground. When is too much tolerance of intolerance too much? We talk about how a group of Hindu fundamentalist managed to so what every Nazi wish they could do...and they did it with the magic power of RELIGION.

What is the Hitler test and how can it help us know when we should and should not tolerate intolerance...

Traffic safety and the possible crime of driving while brown

A man who left a mark on my life and many of my friends...the passing of Robin Williams has made us all sad at the tragedy of it all...this week half the show is a tribute to the genius that was Robin...Carpe Diem...RIP.

Ep 262 – Ebola Virus Bias Edition This week whine is about the Ebola Virus...more to the point how what was a page 3 story when it only killed Africans became front page material once a white american gets infected. In the shadow of the all the hype and hysteria, this week we look at the outbreak why its worse than previous and why we really really should not be that worried.. Joining me this week is host emeritus and sometimes historian Ethan Clow as we discuss Harper's latest attack on democracy as the CRA is ramping up unnecessary and unprecedented audits of charities that are critical of the Harper Regime. Ethan and I discuss the issue and how it has put a chill on non-profits across the nation as well as how this can dramatically undermined the democratic process as we seem one more step closer to a Harper-ocracy. Finally a look at cognitive biases...what are they, how they effect us and what can be done. This may explain why every decision you made has been right, why you by more food on a hungry stomach and why you think people are idiots for not knowing what you know. Ep 261 – Canada Goes To War Edition This week an extended look at how the Great War affected Canada. Joining me this week is host emeritus and sometimes historian Ethan Clow. We talk about the defining battles for Canada, their role in the bigger picture of the war. We discuss the darker side of the war when Canada interned thousand of "enemy agents" and forced tens of thousand to register... We note how racism has changed between the two world wars, by pointing out that the vast majority of interned were actually people of Ukrainian descent. We cover perhaps the most defining issue in Canadian history the conscription crisis of 1917 and how questionable politics pushed this bill through parliament. We reflect how the war placed Canada as an independent nation on the world stage. We also has some web wisdom about the Conscription Crisis of 1917 and how pivotal it was for Canadian politics and the tension between French and English Canada that extends to today. Best of the 250s This week science words that we misuse in everyday conversations, Justin and the Pope…Justin Trudeau exercises dictatorial powers to deny an anti-abortion candidate from running as a liberal, he then get threatened with excommunication for his “pro-choice” views…so, we are left wondering is religious people should be banned from public office? The dirty dozen and misreporting toxic food A look at the new prostitution bill...Protection of Communities and Exploited Persons Act. A bill that is more oppressive than the one just struck down and ironically named for it is a bill to exploit sex workers for political gains. GMOs and you – After tens of thousands of years of modifying organisms, what does GMO mean now? And the most counter-intuitive argument for GMO labeling. Ep 260 – Science Word Abuse Edition Facebook big experiment editing you friends feed…why are we not more angry? Web wisdom... Ep 259 – Gaza's Burning Edition This week's whine - Gaza and the biased reporting by the main stream media Web wisdom... Israeli Propaganda and the Politics of Revenge against Gaza -  interview with Ali Abunimah and Max Blumenthal discuss how the Israeli government manipulated the public into accepting an escalated military operation against Gaza after the murder of three Israeli teenagers - July 11, 2014 Web wisdom... "Israel Targets Civilians, the Casualties Speak Volumes": Int’l Protection Urged for Besieged Gaza - interview with Palestinian attorney Diana Buttu, who has served as a legal adviser to the Palestinians in negotiations with Israel and to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas Web wisdom...A Ground Invasion of Gaza Will Achieve Nothing But More Bloodshed - interview with Haaretz columnist Gideon Levy says the people of Gaza are victims of Israeli domestic politics and treated like hostages by Hamas -   July 14/2014 Real News Network Ep 258 – Who Shot the Archduke Edition This week's whine - Facebook big experiment editing you friends feed…why are we not more angry? Snowden one year later…what have we learned and what have we done about it? And Legal anachronisms…immorality still a crime and crime comic still illegal Ep 257 – Sex Sells Reduc Edition <show notes> This week's whine - Iraq and global rights...of the UN's Right to Protect ushered in the idea of Global Citizen's with universal rights and how Syria and now Iraq exemplifies who horrible we have cocked it up in it's implementation. A look at the new prostitution bill...Protection of Communities and Exploited Persons Act. A bill that is more oppressive than the one just struck down and ironically named for it is a bill to exploit sex workers for political gains. A case for the justification of brothels...should brothels and sex work in general be legalized and regulated or is prostitution innately harmful? We scour the globe to find evidence as to what is the better social policy. Lastly, some web wisdom - How Class Works...what class is all about and applies that understanding to the foreclosure crisis of 2007--2011. Ep 256 – What Good is the News Edition <show notes> This week more web wisdom... A 2008 interview with the very nationalist Mel Hurtig about his book "Truths about Canada"...about how Canada has changed, very much for the worse, in the last twenty years. Now this book was published in 2008  and he makes some predictions about Canada…now, 8 years on, it is surprising how these predictions fared. also, Alain de Botton asks: “What is it that we’re really looking for when we watch or read the news – and is it doing us any good?” de Botton turns his philosophical lens on The News, to examines the peculiar position it holds in our lives – and offers counsel on the precautions we should take before venturing anywhere near it and the “noise” it generates. Lastly, how many of you have gone out and spent too much money to watch X-Men: days of future past? I bet a number of you wish you were mutants with special powers…well it may surprise you that many of you ARE mutants and that power may have help your kind rule the world. Ep 255 – Dirty Dozen Edition <show notes> This weeks whine - The dirty dozen and misreporting toxic food Blinded by Science - Mice gotta run, The Beast asteroid and DNA expands Prairie Correspondent - Reflections on the phrase "thank god" Web Wisdom - Ep 254 – No Bananas Edition <show notes> This week -         Too big to jail…there seems to be two legal system, one for you and me and one for corporations (and the rich). We get put into jail, they get a fine and have go back to doing what they do. -          Neighborhoods…thoughts about being neighborly in a global community from a Prairie Correspondent. -          UnFair Election Law…just days away for become the law of the land, we look and what was change and what we lost. -          Media consolidation…Canada has the highest levels of media concentration in the world, we also have the most vertically integrated media in the world. We look at how this harms society and what we can do the fix it! -          Justin and the Pope…Justin Trudeau exercises dictatorial powers to deny an anti-abortion candidate from running as a liberal, he then get threatened with excommunication for his “pro-choice” views…so, we are left wondering is religious people should be banned from public office? -          “Yes, We have no more bananas”…It is likely that with a decade our beloved proof of god, the Cavendish banana will be on the verge of extinction…how did it happen and what can be done about it? Plus, why doesn’t banana pudding taste like bananas? Ep 253 – Dark Origins Edition <show notes> This week - A whine about Evidence Based Medicine and a child’s capacity to consent, - Our Prairie Correspondent Talks Language, Bias and Politics, - A Bright Side Segment on a New Prize to Save the World and - A “shyte just got interesting” segment on Dark Origins of Fairy-tales and Nursery Rhymes.   Best of the 240s <show notes> This time a rewind on Killing the CBC plus a bonus update to the story. Also, what is it to be a Canadian? and a debunking of Astrology plus a bonus clip of Carl Sagan on astrology. Ep 252 – The GMO and You Edition <show notes> This week: A special report from the Prairies on poverty – How kicking out a homeless man from a grocery store reflects on the deficiencies of our society. Non-English signs – Recent debate about a Chinese only sign in Richmond leads to thought about what multiculturalism ultimately means. Temporary foreign workers – A 40yr old program gone off the rails under Harper’s watch…how did it happen? Chernobyl at 28 – 28yrs later, life has not only survived at Chernobyl but is flourishing. GMOs and you – After tens of thousands of years of modifying organisms, what does GMO mean now? And the most counter-intuitive argument for GMO labeling. Ep 251 – The Sector Edition <show notes> This week: NGOs, non-profits and charities…what are they and what are they good for? We also have our irregular regular Ethan Clow talk about his new venture The Sector. Ep 250 – Landmark 250th Edition <show notes> This weeks whine is about the Senates push back on the Fair Elections act...weak tea. As well as the mystifying comments of Senator Frum accusing Elections Canada of a conflict of interest. Celebrating our 250th episode we have a visit for past host Chloe, Daniel and Rob...we as read a message from Jenna. And as a special treat we are rebroadcasting the very first episode of Radio Free Thinker...how the show has evolved. Ep 249 – Killing the CBC Edition <show notes> This weeks whine: Killing the CBC, how the Harper government is yet again trying to destroy another crown jewel of Canada. Seriously the Unfair Elections Act is Important: How did Poilievre become Minister for Democratic Reform, how was the act craft and again...how it can destroy democracy in Canada - The Harper fix is in! Climate Change...even more certainty and dire warnings, again - The IPCC released it latest report on the state of the worlds climate and we're serious screwed! and, Society Is Doomed: NASA funded study shows the not only do civilizations collapse, it happens regularly and is inevitable...but there is an upside. RFT Special – Shock Doctrine <show notes> As part of our Wisdom from the Web series, this week we present an interview Naomi Klein gave at the launch of her book Shock Doctrine. In this interview she discusses the books theme that the free market policies of Nobel Laureate Milton Friedman have risen to prominence in some countries because of a deliberate strategy of certain leaders to exploit crises by pushing through controversial, exploitative policies while citizens were too busy emotionally and physically reeling from disasters or upheavals to create an effective resistance. It is implied that some man-made crises, such as the Iraq war, may have been created with the intention of pushing through these unpopular reforms in their wake. Ep 248 – Canada Post Bank Edition <show notes> This week: The Whine of the Week - the ominous omnibus budget bill: what's wrong with presenting a bloated bill, how it subverts democracy and why its not an accident. With much discussion about the woes of Canada Post's immanent demise and the need to cut service, we take a look at the validity of this prophecy of doom and how resurrecting the Canada Post Bank would shore up the crown corp and provide a valued social service. And we review the global condemnation of the Fair Elections Act as an open letter from Canadian academics is joined by one from the worlds academics. Ep 247 – Crimean War 2014 Edition <show notes> This week: Ep 246 – Bit Coin Edition <show notes> This week: Ep 245 – Fantasy Fundrive Edition <show notes> This week: Special thanks to all thanks who pledge to help keep the show on the air. Ep 244 – Free Trade Edition <show notes> This week: Ep 243 – Canadian Citizenship Edition <show notes> Don’s Rant's about why do we call a budget a budget when that actually does not say specifically a federal budget. New DNA evidence may help settle the question who were the first First People of America, "A head of the Curve" segment about a new paper on neurotoxins, a look at how we became Canadian Citizens and in honour of the Olympics a classic RFT segment about doping in sports. Ep 242 – Whats Your Sign Edition <show notes> Don’s Rant's about the Fair Elections Act and the ominous implications it has on Canadian democracy. In the wake of the controversy, in the skeptic community, about MacMillan Space Center event regarding Astrology, we take a quick look at astrology and how it evolved into the real science astronomy. Ep 241 – Debating God Edition <show notes> Don’s Rant's turned into a primer and tutorial about how to debate a charismatic christian apologist. Having listened to a debate between an Atheist and an Apologist on the topic "Is it rational to believe in god". However quickly the Apologist changed the question to "What is a rational belief" and then it became "Can a rational person believe in god?" So, this weeks show is what are the arguments for and against god, but more importantly how do you debate rhetoric instead of facts. Best of the 230s <show notes> Don’s Rant's about Harper's redefinition of Antisemitism and his twisted logic of criticizing 'apparent' moral relativism but stating moral acts must be judged relatively...you cannot condemn Israeli actions with weigh them compared to Arab/Palestinian actions. From the vaults, my extended interview with Dale McGowan, author of "Atheism for Dummies" and executive director of Foundation Beyond Belief. We discuss that others think of atheism, the history of disbelief and the culture of atheism. Ep 240 – Polar Vortex Edition <show notes> Don’s Rant's about the cold snap, what is a polar vortex and why this is NOT proof the climate change is bogus. In a new segment Moral Dilemma's, we discuss the sad case of a pregnant woman who suffered a aneurysm and is now brain dead. Now there is a legal fight between the spouse who wants to honour his dead wife's wish to not be kept alive via extraordinary means and the hospital that is legally bound to keep her on life support as long as she is pregnant. Which is deadlier nuclear power or fossil fuel? We first examine Fukushima 1000 days later. We compare Fukushima to Chernobyl...which was worse? and finally which is actually a greater danger to the global health - nuclear power or fossil fuel. Ep 239 – Pope Francis Gambit Edition <show notes> Don’s Rant is all about the closure of almost all of the DFO’s libraries. The contents of the libraries were either given away or tossed in the trash. Scientist complain that the government did not live up to it’s promise to digitize the libraries contents and that this is just another front Harper has opened on his war on science. A blast from the past as we rebroadcast our segment about the election of Pope Francis 300 days ago. We also discuss the charm offensive of Time Person of the Year, Pope Francis. Does this pope spark real change or is it just a new ploy dreamt up by former Fox News reporter now head of the Vatican public relations. Is there a ‘real’ Pope Frankie who has masterminded the smoke and mirrors that is Pope Francis while Pope Frankie continues the condemnation of church doctrine? Does the actions match the rhetoric? Atheist should be very afraid of this pope, the easy battles with the cartoon caricature Pope Benedict presented are gone; the church has launched a new offensive. Are we up to the challenge? Ep 238 – New Years Eve Edition <show notes> Don's Rant is about the Supreme Court of Canada striking down key elements in Canada's prostitution laws. It is now transforms the theoretical legality of prostitution and makes the actual practice of prostitution legal. Does this help or hurt the sex trade workers? Society? Listen and find out Don's take on the issue. And from the vaults, some of this years best: Best of RFT - Education <show notes> Dis-education – A look at the harms of Christian home schooling. We take an extended look at the ACE (Accelerated Christian Education) curriculum and what some home schooling text-book are actually teach our children about the physical sciences as well as the social sciences. South Korea removed evolution from schoolsUnder pressure from religious groups in South Korea, publishers of science textbook have removed any reference to evolution. Ep 237 – World Federalist Movement Edition <show notes>; Don's Rant is about Affluenza, Povertieitus and how growing inequality is creating two separate legal standards. How our own Minister of Industry, can not so image what its like to help others, that he finds the idea that AS a minister and servant of the people that he may have to help those in need...when he say "", he laughed as thought the idea preposterous. We talk to Vivian Davidson from the World Federalist Movement and how they plan to transform global governance...hint - one world government + UN "army" + social egalitarian ethos = utopia. Ep 236 – Pentecostal History Maker Edition <show notes>; Randolf Richardson returns as one of our irregular regulars. Don's Rant is about the impact of Nelson Mandela, how he may be the greatest person for generations and how he turned hate to love, and as he put it "The oppressed and the oppressor alike are robbed of their humanity...my mission, to liberate the oppressed and the oppressor both.". We talk to Sam Fenn and Gordon Katic who created the documentary History Maker 2013...a Pentecostal event for teenagers. We discuss the history of the church, how these events fit into the future of the church, its impact on the kids. List to find out what Sam confession is and why he may be uncomfortable. Ep 235 – Pseudo-scientist Take-down Edition < show notes>; Randolf Richardson returns as one of our irregular regulars. Don's Rant is about the Harper Governments silence about how the American Home Land Security seem have complete access to Canadian private medical records. Is this a sign of weakness, incompetence, arrogance or is the Harper Government breaking the law by willingly sharing this information. We discuss an exchange between Jerry Coyne and Deepak Chopra at The New Republic. Coyne does a great take-down of Pseudo-scientist paranoia, a irrelevant rebuttal by Deepak and Coynes take-down of Deepak's rebuttal. Ep 234 – Doctor Who Edition <show notes>; Host emeritus Ethan Clow returns for a look at Doctor Who, and what lessons we can learn from both the Doctor and his enemies. Don also does a rant about the dismal results of the bi-election in Brandon-Souris...proving yet a gain, people are not ready for democracy, what irony in that sentiment. Ep 233 – Privatized Edition < show notes>; This week we take an extended look at private vs. public ownership with host emeritus Daniel Gipps. We discuss the various forms of public ownership. Don also challenges the reasons why public corporations are privatized and how selling of public assets in the form of crown corporations is a losing prospect for citizens. We discover Don and Dan share a hatred for P3 or public-private-partnerships...they are a rip off for citizens and a risk free cash cow for private corporations. How do you judge which is better? And what is the ultimate answer to the question - which is better public or private corporations? Ep 232 – The Poppy Wars Edition <show notes>; Rob Ford has been big in the news, but when should private lives be left private for public figures? Every Remembrance Day a battle occurs between the Red and the White poppy. Where did they come from, why are they both important and how to understand those who refuse to wear a red poppy. We take a look at they hypocrisy of the Harper government attitude towards veterans. They are quick to exploit them for political points but when a vet needs help, there actively. The role of bullying in professional sports. When Jonathan Martin exposed bullying in football, other players blamed and condemned the victim. The USA looses voting rights at UNESCO after 2 years of not paying its dues because UNESCO has the audacity to ignore Israel demands and accepted Palestine as a state member. UNESCO lose 1/4 of its funding in this petty move by the USA. Also a classic interview with Tony Sabrato on the conspiratory mind. And we end the show with a few classics from Symphony of Science. Ep 231 – 1984 Edition <show notes>; Don's Rant is about Harper's quote from the Conservative convention "I couldn't care less" and the pending disaster as the RCMP are called in to investigate wrong doing at the PMO's office over Duffy's cheque. Also,the full lecture Don gave at Skepticamp Vancouver 2013 - "1984 - NSA, Snowden and Spying: A Skeptic Look at the Surveillance State". Also a classic interview with Phil Plait of Bad Astronomy fame. And we end the show with a few classics from Symphony of Science. Ep 230 – Dummies Edition <show notes>; Don's Rant is about how the continuing revelations from Snowden is showing how the US and Canada are spying allies. Also how much state spying is being done for corporate benefit. Lastly, how this spying is causing a race to the bottom of unethical spying Also an extended interview with Dale McGowan, author of "Atheism for Dummies" and executive director of Foundation Beyond Belief. We discuss that others think of atheism, the history of disbelief and the culture of atheism. Ep 229 – Skeptic Music Edition <show notes>; Don's Rant is about how thanks to the Senate scandal, nomination shenanigans in Brandon—Souris and an thrown speech which didn't mention accountability...the Conservatives are risking looking there political base in the same way the PC's did in the 90s. Also more evidence the Pope may be a closet Atheist when he claims that the church is plagued by "ideology" minded Christians who have, as he put it "lost the faith". Research is in on the Zamboni treatment for MS, and it looks like it does nothing...making the rash actions of Zamboni to treat people before his claims could be proven makes he a dangerous quack! Also we take a relaxed moment and enjoy some skeptical music largely thanks to Symphony of Science. Ep 228 – Debating Islam Edition <show notes>; Don's Rant about how political micro-targeting has turned citizens into a commodity to be bought like we would chips. Politicians are not longer listening to the electorate about what government should be/do but instead are marketing their parties like you would a car. It's telling people to BY Harper (for example) and not 'we hear you and will do you bidding'. Also, How to debate a Muslim and not be a racist. We live in culture that has equate Islam with terrorism...a religious faith with a racist identity. This has happened because popular media promotes this view. We provided a primer on the origins of Islam, its beliefs, it's sects and the rise of the Islamic Empire. We also follow the major arguments for faith and debunk them. Special thanks to Randolf Richardson from Atheist Frontier from joining in on the show. Ep 227 – Mega Vitamins Edition < show notes>; Don's Rant is about the death of Canadian technology giant Black Berry and how the icons of Canada are disappearing. Linus Pauling, great scientist turn quack, is largely responsible for the explosion of mega dosing. Mega vitamins may not only be a waste of money but a strong cause of cancer and heart diseases. Should we boycott the Sochi Olympics? What are the alternative? And we have a chat with host emeritus Ethan Clow about GTA-V, how TV villains are not he guys we root for and moving to mars. Ep 226 – Free Thinkers Club  Edition <show notes>; Don's Rant about Pope Francis...based on recent comments, could the pope be a closeted atheist? Or maybe the first communist pope? We also have an interview with Pratyush Dhawan and Darren Bell from the UBC Free Thinkers Club. We discuss atheism, skepticism, humanism, and just what is "free thinking". We also discuss 'natural spiritualism', humanity becoming an inter-stellar species, and the moral landscape. Ep 225 – Economic Science Edition < show notes>; We start with Don's Rant about Quebec Charter Of Values...Anti immigrant policy implement for political gain, with luck it will backfire. Also returning to the show, host emeritus Daniel Gipps. We discuss whether economics is or is not a science. What qualifies as science? Is it possible for economics to have a 'hard science' foundation? And what lessons can be learned from Stalinist Russia and Nazi Germany? Ep 224 – Carl Saga Association Edition <show notes>; We start with Don's Rant about Frosh Chant...HOW could any one think the "no-consent" was legal...let along appropriate. It leaves you just gobsmacked. We also have an interview with Jason Fernando from the Carl Sagan Association for the Communication of Science. Who is Carl Sagan, why an Association and just how do the plan to communicate about science and more specifically to science community. Ep 223 – Atheist Identity Edition < show notes>; Don's Rant about Syria, Chemical weapons, crimes against humanity, The UN's Responsibility to Protect, Russia intransigence, and how the US's history has come to haunt the world. We also have an intensive discussion about is there an atheist identity, what does that mean and should we embrace it or run for the hills. Also, are Atheist moral and how does an Atheist parent frame teaching ethics to their children? Ep 222 – That's Funny Edition <show notes>; This week an extended interview with local funny man Hamoon Efdis. We talk about the health effects of laughter, the origins of humour, the first recorded jokes and how Jokes have evolved over time. Are there words that should never be used, even in a joke? Are there topics that are out of bounds for comics? What is offensive? What is obscene? How are these the same/different and what role does it play in comedy? Ep 221 – Leaving Skepticism Edition; Radio Free Thinker 2.0, an hour long exit interview with host emeritus Ethan Clow about how he started into skepticism and why he is leaving it. Best of the 210s <show notes>; This week: Best of the 200s <show notes>; This week: Ep 220 – UK Porn Ban Edition <show notes>; This week: Ep 219 – Not So Ancient Wisdom Edition <show notes>; This week: Ep 218 – Bench Clearing Edition < show notes>; This week: Ep 217 – Post Canada Day Edition <show notes>; This week: Ep 216 – Goodbye Gandolfini Edition < show notes>; This week: Ep 215 – Bad Big Data Edition <show notes>; This week: Ep 214 – The good of Big Data Edition < show notes>; This week: Ep 213 – Drone Strike Edition <show notes>; This week: Ep 212 – Election Fraud Edition <show notes>; This week: Ep 211 – Election Autopsy Edition <show notes>; Ep 210 – Election Issues Edition < show notes>; Ep 209 – BC Beliefs Edition <show notes>; Ep 208 – Boston Bombing Edition <show notes>; Ep 207 – Digital Rights Edition < show notes>; Ep 206 – Election Quiz Edition <show notes>; Ep 205 – Nuking Korea Edition < show notes>; Ep 204 – Panda Politics Edition <show notes>; Ep 203 – Who Killed JC Edition < show notes>; Ep 202 – Stompin' Tom Edition <show notes>; Special – FunDrive edition; Ep 201 – Magdalene Laundry Edition <show notes>; Ep 200 – The Fecken  200th Edition < show notes>; Ep 199 – Non-Secular Liberal Edition <show notes>; The Best of the 180s  – Skepticly Strong Edition <show notes>; Ep 198 – Cost of Casinos Edition <show notes>; Ep 197 – Lancing Armstrong Edition <show notes>; Ep 196 – Goodbye Aaron Edition <show notes>; Ep 195 – Insight into Insite Edition <show notes>; Ep 194 – Gun Violence Edition <show notes>; <currently unavailable> Ep 193 – Solemnized Edition <show notes>; Ep 192 – Certified Organic Edition <show notes>; Ep 191 – Chicken Soup Edition <show notes>; Ep 190 – Killer Energy Shot Edition <show notes>; Ep 189 – The End of Coffee Edition <show notes>; Ep 188 – The Not Talking Elephant Edition <show notes>; Ep187 – Zombie Free Will Edition <show notes>; Ep186 – Cellular Memory Edition <show notes>; Ep185 – Dinos are dead forever Edition <show notes>; Ep184 – Free Speech Hypocrisy Edition <show notes>; Ep183 – Islamic Bomb Edition <show notes>; Ep182 – Innocence of YouTube Edition <show notes>; Ep181 - Science Strikes Back Edition <show notes>; Ep180 - Skeptical Waves Edition <show notes>; Best of Radio Free Thinker - the 170's <show notes>; Ep179 - Bad Science Watch Edition <show notes>; Ep178 - Humanist Agenda Edition <show notes>; Ep177 - Back to Mars Edition <show notes>; Ep176 - Olympic Cyborg Edition <show notes>; Ep175 - Nuclear Salmon Edition <;show notes>; Best of Radio Free Thinker - the 160's <show notes>; Ep174 - Buring Fat Edition <show notes>; Ep173 - Dis-Education Edition <show notes>; Ep172 - Avro Arrow Edition <show notes>; Ep171 - Living Wage Edition <show notes>; Ep170 - Korean Fail Edition <show notes>; Ep169 - Poisoned Pastor Edition <show notes>; Ep168 - Jane the Ripper Edition <show notes>; Ep167 - Global Austerity Edition <show notes>; Ep166 - SkyTrain Fare-ness Edition <show notes>; Ep165 - Profiling Sam Harris Edition <show notes>; Ep164 - International Workers Edition <show notes>; Ep163 - Department of Silence Edition <show notes>; Ep162- Freethinking President Edition <show notes>; Ep161 - Budget Busting Edition <show notes>; Ep160 - Somebodies Watching Me Edition <show notes>; Ep159 - Trans-Atlantic Conservative Edition Ep158 - Citing Canada Edition Ep157 - Earthworm Invasion Edition Ep156 - Ration Compassion Edition Ep155 - Witch Hunter Edition Ep154 - Legally Moral Edition Ep153 - Home Alone - Best of RFT - Edition Ep152 - Mystery Athiest Edition Ep151 - Positive Thinking Edition Ep150 - Skeptic Paternalism Edition Ep149 - Time TravelEdition Ep148 - Pseudo Censor Edition Ep147 - Rob Drops in Edition Ep131 - Ghost Intervention Edition Ep130 - Paradox Edition Ep129 - Tyson Talks Edition Ep128 - Welcome Lethbridge Edition Ep095 - Year End Consumerism Edition Best of shows RFT - Best of Religion Edition RFT - Best of Political History Edition RFT - Best of Skepticism Edition RFT - Best of Alternative Medicine Edition RFT - Best of Space Edition RFT - Best of Science Edition