In this episode, we have a visit with Fish Stark, the new Executive Director of the American Humanist Association (AHA). Stark, who officially took on the role in August 2024, shares his gripping origin story steeped in familial influences and the core values of humanism, shaped significantly by his father, Pete Stark, the first openly atheist member of the U.S. Congress and 2008 AHA Humanist of the Year.
As Stark seamlessly transitions into his new role, he elaborates on the mission and future of AHA, targeting the overwhelming need for individuals to find meaning and community in a contentious political climate. He highlights the alarming rise of extremism fueled by individuals searching for identity and purpose, often leading them to less savory outlets. Stark envisions the AHA as a vibrant, inclusive space where the 40 million Americans who identify as secular—yet may not label themselves as humanists—can find solidarity, identity, and opportunities for collective action.
Stark touches upon the organization's recent initiatives, such as the "Democracy Not Theocracy" campaign aimed at countering the encroachment of religious extremism in politics, especially with the just concluded election period. Stark outlines his plans to enhance the infrastructure supporting local chapters of the AHA, ensuring they receive the guidance and resources necessary to thrive.
The episode culminates with Stark's candid discussion on pressing social issues, such as the implications of recent legislative changes in Ohio surrounding release time religious instruction in public schools. Stark's views underscore the importance of maintaining a separation between church and state and the critical conversation on teaching empathy, compassion, and justice devoid of religious context—rooted instead in humanistic values, all supported by science.