Listen to the Podcast

Read the transcript

A new episode of The Humanist Hour is available for listening. Keep reading to find out about the guest on this month’s show.

In this month’s podcast, Todd and Kim interview author, speaker and humanist advocate Nikki Stern. Listen as they discuss her latest books Hope in Small Doses and Because I Say So: The Dangerous Appeal of Moral Authority, including her humanist-fueled insights into the complex nature of hope, how hope is often misunderstood, the need to teach hope to children, looking for hope in the midst of wide-spread injustice, and more.

Nikki Stern



Nikki Stern writes political, social and cultural commentary with what NPR host Kurt Andersen has described as “even-keeled grace, tolerance and common sense.” Her first book, Because I Say So: Moral Authority’s Dangerous Appeal, details her experiences as a 9/11 widow in the context of our culture’s belief in unequivocal moral certainty. Hope in Small Doses recommends a version of hope that thrives in times of uncertainty. Nikki is also a contributor to Beyond Zuccotti Park, published by New Village Press.

Nikki’s pieces have appeared in the New York Times, Newsweek, USA Today, the AHA’s Humanist magazine, Princeton Magazine, and online at Salon, TruthOut, and Talking Writing. She has been a guest on NPR’s “All Things Considered” and CBS “Sunday Morning,” among others.

As the first executive director of Families of September 11 (FOS11), a national outreach organization, Nikki advocated on behalf of victims’ families. Under her leadership, FOS11 received an award from the conflict transformation group Search for Common Ground. An experienced public speaker, Nikki is a member of the Center for Inquiry’s Speakers’ Bureau and a frequent speaker on issues of social relevance.

To keep up with news about Nikki and get a bi-weekly sample of her observations, subscribe by sending her an email with “subscribe” in the email subject field.

Links from this month’s episode:

Music from this month’s episode (in order of appearance):

Theme Song: “Flow” by Words Such as Burn

“Don’t Give Up” by Peter Gabriel (ft. Kate Bush)

Read the transcript