FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 23, 2026
Contact: Court Beyer, cbeyer@americanhumanist.org
American Humanists Launch “How to Humanist” Podcast
Introducing humanist conversations to major streaming platforms
WASHINGTON – Today the American Humanist Association launched its new podcast, “How to Humanist,” now available on all major podcast platforms.
The show follows host Shay Leonia as she explores what it means to live as a humanist in real time, engaging in conversations with guests including New York Times bestselling author, Greg Epstein, former preacher and deconstruction advocate, Shawn Towers, and others to explore humanistic ethics in the context of 21st-century life. Episodes will cover topics ranging from spirituality and family dynamics to personal growth and meaning-making.
“More Americans are stepping away from institutions that no longer reflect their values, including religion, but their hunger for meaning, community and moral purpose has not diminished,” said Fish Stark, Executive Director of the American Humanist Association. “The conversation about how we define purpose and identity is happening in real time, and it will shape the future of our culture. ‘How to Humanist’ steps into that space with clarity, conviction and a commitment to reason and compassion.”
“Humanism is helping me answer life’s big questions with confidence,” said Shay Leonia, host of “How to Humanist.” “When I first found humanism, I didn’t realize how deep its history runs or how many parts of my life had been shaped by religious norms. This podcast creates space to ask those questions openly and explore the alternatives humanism offers.
“There are millions of people who already share humanist values like compassion, empathy and reason, but may not have the language for it yet,” said Leonia. “For those who are still questioning where they belong, this podcast is meant to be a bridge — a welcoming space to explore humanism openly and decide whether it resonates with their own lives.”
The launch reflects a broader investment in growing humanist media presence in a digital ecosystem where conversations about meaning and identity are actively being shaped. “How to Humanist” premieres Monday, February 23, with two episodes available at launch and new episodes released weekly on major podcast platforms as well as on howtohumanist.com.
The debut episode, “My Mom’s Radical Act of Cake,” introduces host Shay Leonia’s journey to humanism, followed by “Batman’s Not Real and Other Brutal Truths,” a conversation with Greg Epstein on the roots of the movement. The podcast is intentionally designed to welcome new humanists and anyone simply curious about humanism.
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The American Humanist Association (AHA) works to protect the rights of humanists, atheists, and other nontheistic Americans. The AHA advances the ethical and life-affirming worldview of humanism, which—without beliefs in gods or other supernatural forces—encourages individuals to live informed and meaningful lives that aspire to the greater good of humanity.