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Blair Schofield and Martin Lindeskog

As a freethinker, are you looking through binoculars out at the world in the safety of a foxhole? Get fuel for your soul and intellectual ammunition by listening to The Secular Foxhole podcast, in order to fight for the separation of religion and state.

Blair chose this name (The Secular Foxhole) to dispute the myth that there are no atheists in foxholes, but also as a place to share ideas and defend Free Speech. The co-hosts both advocate the separation of Church and State, but also Economics and State. In short, Liberalism, Individualism, and Capitalism.

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: 

OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

The Secular Foxhole

Esteemed listeners, this episode delves into the multifaceted themes surrounding Thanksgiving, particularly reflecting on the historical distortions associated with America’s foundational narratives. We explore the implications of these narratives, contrasting the theocratic origins of early settlements with the more recent evolution towards a constitutionally limited republic. Our discourse extends to significant advancements in human progress, including the elimination of measles and rubella in Cabo Verde, and the transformative potential of innovation in repurposing waste into valuable resources. Furthermore, we critically examine the often misconstrued narrative surrounding capitalism, which, contrary to popular belief, has fostered unprecedented wealth and resource availability over the past two centuries. Join us as we navigate these topics, offering insights that underscore the importance of recognizing historical truths and contemporary achievements in the spirit of Thanksgiving.

This episode of the Secular Foxhole podcast offers an incisive analysis of the intersections between philosophy, economics, and contemporary social issues, as articulated by hosts Blair and Martin. Central to the discussion is the concept of human progress, particularly in the context of capitalism's role in fostering innovation and improving living standards. The hosts dissect articles from Human Progress that reveal a world that is, against popular belief, richer and more resource-abundant than ever before, attributing this trend to the principles of capitalism that drive technological advancements. The episode also features a critical examination of the cultural landscape, influenced heavily by philosophical ideas stemming from the Enlightenment. Blair and Martin highlight the necessity of a systemic philosophical approach to combat the prevailing moral narratives that advocate for self-sacrifice at the expense of individual flourishing. In this vein, they reference lectures from the Ayn Rand Institute which delve into the philosophical void that has contributed to our current cultural malaise. Ultimately, the episode serves as both a reminder of the remarkable strides humanity has made and a call to action for listeners to support the podcast and the ideologies that promote progress and enlightenment.

Takeaways:

 • In this episode, we explore the historical distortions surrounding America's founding, emphasizing the distinction between the theocracy established by early settlers and the later constitutional republic. 
 • We discuss the significant advancements in human progress, highlighting how innovation has transformed waste into wealth, benefitting society at large. 
 • Contrary to pervasive pessimism, the podcast elucidates how the world has become increasingly richer and resourceful over the past two centuries, primarily due to capitalism. 
 • We address the misconceptions propagated by media, particularly regarding natural disasters, and underscore the declining death tolls as societies advance economically. 
 • The episode emphasizes the importance of philosophical foundations in shaping cultural landscapes, particularly in the context of altruism versus egoism. 
 • We conclude by acknowledging the contributions of the Ayn Rand Institute in fostering intellectual discourse, particularly regarding the Enlightenment and its contemporary implications. 

Show notes with links to articles, blog posts, products and services:

History of the first Thanksgiving - Berkeley PlantationThe Thanksgiving before the 'first' Thanksgiving - National Geographic

The Thanksgiving Edition: A Reflection on Progress

The principal focus of this podcast episode is the extensive array of news items presented by Blair, who curates a buffet of intellectual nourishment for our listeners. Martin, in a parallel vein, articulates a compelling call to action, urging our audience to engage with the content and support the podcast through various means. We delve into significant contemporary issues, including the celebration of Columbus Day and the implications of current political climates, particularly regarding the Trump administration's actions. Additionally, we highlight recent literary contributions from authors previously featured on the show, emphasizing the importance of understanding rhetoric and political developments. As we navigate these topics, we invite our audience to reflect critically and participate actively in the discourse.

A comprehensive exploration of contemporary intellectual discourse unfolds as we delve into a buffet of thought-provoking articles and literary recommendations. The discussion commences with a nod to Columbus Day, as we reflect on the significance of historical figures like Christopher Columbus amidst the current socio-political climate. The conversation seamlessly transitions to the realm of literature, highlighting Robert Begley's 'Voices of Reason', which elucidates the principles of rhetoric through the lens of Aristotle, enabling listeners to better articulate their philosophical positions. Additionally, we examine Robert Tracinski's 'Dictatorship From Day One', which critically analyzes the constitutional implications of recent executive actions, provoking a deeper contemplation of the delicate balance between authority and individual liberty. The dialogue extends to the importance of local political engagement as a catalyst for broader societal change, invoking the necessity of grassroots movements in the pursuit of a truly free society. As we navigate through these themes, we invite our audience to engage with the recommended resources to foster a more profound understanding of the intricate dynamics at play in our world today.

Show notes with links to articles, blog posts, products and services:

T.A.N.S.T.A.A.F.L.Columbus DayHistory of the chile pepper, Christopher Columbus' gift to EuropeList of monuments and memorials to Christopher ColumbusCity Hall’s Christopher Columbus Statue Could Find a Home in a New ParkThe Enemies of Christopher Columbus by Thomas A. BowdenLet's Take Back Columbus Day - Capitalism MagazineSwedish Republican AssociationNo Kings dot orgCapitalism: A Treatise on Economics by George Reisman

Intellectual Nourishment: Articles and Books Worth Your Attention

Today’s episode features returning guest, Rob Tracinski, who has a new book, Dictator from Day One: How Donald Trump Is Overthrowing the Constitution and How to Fight Back. Find out what damage he’s doing on ‘Constitution Day,’ here in America. And how to counter his wanton destructiveness.

Call-to-Action: After you have listened to this episode, add your $0.02 (two cents) to the conversation, by joining (for free) The Secular Foxhole Town Hall. Feel free to introduce yourself to the other members, discuss the different episodes, give us constructive feedback, or check out the virtual room, Speakers' Corner, and step up on the digital soapbox. Welcome to our new place in cyberspace!

Show notes with links to articles, blog posts, products and services:

Dictator from Day One: How Donald Trump Is Overthrowing the Constitution and How to Fight BackConstitution Day and Citizenship Day on September 17The UnPopulist Launches Executive WatchThe Tracinski Letter

Episode 103 (54 minutes) was recorded at 2100 Central European Time, on September, 15, 2025, with Alitu's recording feature. Martin did the editing and post-production with the podcast maker, Alitu. The transcript is generated by Alitu.

Easy listen to The Secular Foxhole podcast in your podcast (podcatcher) app of choice, e.g., Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, Listen Notes.

Even better is to use one of the new podcast apps, on Podcast Index, supporting the Podcasting 2.0 initiative, and Value for Value model, by streaming Satoshis (bits of Bitcoin), and sending a Boostagram (digital telegram with a donation of sats). 

Check out the Sam...

Dictator from Day One

Today we welcomed returning guest and Professional Speaker Robert Begley who discussed his first book, Voices of Reason: Lessons for Liberty’s Leaders. Tune in to learn about his journey to become a speaker and the special release date of his book.

Call-to-Action: After you have listened to this episode, add your $0.02 (two cents) to the conversation, by joining (for free) The Secular Foxhole Town Hall. Feel free to introduce yourself to the other members, discuss the different episodes, give us constructive feedback, or check out the virtual room, Speakers' Corner, and step up on the digital soapbox. Welcome to our new place in cyberspace!

Show notes with links to articles, blog posts, products and services:

Les BrownMark BrownMade to Stick: Why Some Ideas Survive and Others DieThe King's SpeechBosch Fawstin's print, September 2Atlas Shrugged DayFirst Heat by Bryan Larsen - Quent Cordair Fine ArtVoices of Reason: Lessons for Liberty’s Leaders - Speaking With Purpose LLCVoices Of Reason: Lessons For Liberty’s Leaders (Kindle Edition)

Episode 102 (43 minutes) was recorded at 2130 Central European Time, on August 22, 2025, with Alitu's recording feature. Martin did the editing and post-production with the podcast maker, Alitu. The transcript is generated by Alitu.

Easy listen to The Secular Foxhole podcast in your podcast (podcatcher) app of choice, e.g., Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, Listen Notes.

Even better is to use one of the new podcast apps, on Podcast Index, supporting the

Voices of Reason

Today, we had a lengthy, articulate discussion with Andrew Bernstein about his latest book, Aristotle vs Religion and Other Essays. We covered the title essay, and several others, focusing on the philosophical aspects.

Call-to-Action: After you have listened to this episode, add your $0.02 (two cents) to the conversation, by joining (for free) The Secular Foxhole Town Hall. Feel free to introduce yourself to the other members, discuss the different episodes, give us constructive feedback, or check out the virtual room, Speakers' Corner, and step up on the digital soapbox. Welcome to our new place in cyberspace!

Show notes with links to articles, blog posts, products and services:

Andrew Bernstein's post, Aristotle Versus Religion (1 of 7), March 1, 2016Aristotle Versus Religion and Other Essays by Andrew Bernstein (Kindle edition)

Episode 101 (63 minutes) was recorded at 2200 Central European Time, on August 17, 2025, with Alitu's recording feature. Martin did the editing and post-production with the podcast maker, Alitu. The transcript is generated by Alitu.

Easy listen to The Secular Foxhole podcast in your podcast (podcatcher) app of choice, e.g., Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, Listen Notes.

Even better is to use one of the new podcast apps, on Podcast Index, supporting the Podcasting 2.0 initiative, and Value for Value model, by streaming Satoshis (bits of Bitcoin), and sending a Boostagram (digital telegram with a donation of sats). 

Check out the Sam Sethi's new service called, TrueFans. Become a fan of our podcast there. Listen to The Secular Foxhole podcast, "and pay the price you want for the value you hear."

This

Aristotle versus Religion

Welcome to our 100th Episode! Today Martin and I echo what is happening at the Objectivist conference in Boston.

We discuss Enlightenment values and ideals and the ideas discovered by Ayn Rand in her philosophy of Objectivism.

These two things, working together, will provide American's, and whoever adopts them, the groundwork for a Second Renaissance. Come along for the ride!

Happy Independence Day, America!

Call-to-Action: After you have listened to this episode, add your $0.02 (two cents) to the conversation, by joining (for free) The Secular Foxhole Town Hall. Feel free to introduce yourself to the other members, discuss the different episodes, give us constructive feedback, or check out the virtual room, Speakers' Corner, and step up on the digital soapbox. Welcome to our new place in cyberspace!

Show notes with links to articles, blog posts, products and services:

OCON in Boston, July 1 - 5Boston Tea Party ShipObjectivist conference in 1998, by Second Renaissance ConferencesJohn LockeAdam SmithJean-Jacques RousseauKant’s Theoretical Philosophy: A Critique of Pure ReasonThomas PaineBenjamin FranklinVoltaireCharles Louis de Secondat, Baron de MontesquieuIsaac NewtonAyn Rand's Philosophic Achievement: and other Essays by Harry BinswangerThe Freedom Trail in BostonAdams political familyJohn Adams on Samuel Adams (& not the beer)Samuel Adams - Descendants of the Signers of the Declaration of IndependenceHouse passes Trump's "big, beautiful bill" after stamping out GOP rebellion - Axios

Enlightenment Ideals + Objectivism = Second Renaissance

Today we had the pleasure of talking with Alexander Marriott, history professor and author, about today’s dismal political situation in America. He offers the listener his keen insight. Join us for a great hour!

Call-to-Action: After you have listened to this episode, add your $0.02 (two cents) to the conversation, by joining (for free) The Secular Foxhole Town Hall. Feel free to introduce yourself to the other members, discuss the different episodes, give us constructive feedback, or check out the virtual room, Speakers' Corner, and step up on the digital soapbox. Welcome to our new place in cyberspace!

Show notes with links to articles, blog posts, products and services:

Alexander Marriott's post on FacebookBenjamin FranklinUnited States one-hundred-dollar billKite experimentCatilineIranian Nuclear Program: Will Israel Save Us? - Capitalism Magazine, June 4, 2003Republic? Democracy? What's the Difference? - Capitalism, January 4, 2003Tara Smith (philosopher)Alexander Marriott on Twitter (X)Alexander Marriott's website

Episode 99 (51 minutes) was recorded at 2200 Central European Time, on June 21, 2025, with Alitu's recording feature. Martin did the editing and post-production with the podcast maker, Alitu. The transcript is generated by Alitu.

Easy listen to The Secular Foxhole podcast in your podcast (podcatcher) app of choice, e.g., Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, Listen Notes.

Even better is to use one of the new podcast apps, on

Today’s Abysmal Political State

Did you see a flying Christ on Ascension Day? Blair is going through the news sandwich, and Martin is talking about value 4 value, trader principle, gift giving, etc.

Call-to-Action: After you have listened to this episode, add your $0.02 (two cents) to the conversation, by joining (for free) The Secular Foxhole Town Hall. Feel free to introduce yourself to the other members, discuss the different episodes, give us constructive feedback, or check out the virtual room, Speakers' Corner, and step up on the digital soapbox. Welcome to our new place in cyberspace!

Show notes with links to articles, blog posts, products and services:

Amy Peikoff's News SandwichMemorial DayTo Stop War, Halt Statism Everywhere - New IdealWhat Are the Roots of War?The Roots of War by Ayn Rand, from Capitalism: The Unknown IdealHuman Progress dot orgWeekly Progress Roundup - Doomslayer newsletterSymbol of atheism: atomic whirl1980 Swedish nuclear power referendumThree Mile Island accident (Harrisburg, 1979)Site of America’s worst nuclear accident gets new chance to become energy hub - PBS NewsNuclear Power in Sweden - World Nuclear AssociationThe Green Party in GermanyVeterans recoil at Trump plan to end Afghans’ deportation protection - The Washington PostOne Big Beautiful Bill Act - WikipediaNicholas Provenzo on Twitter (X)Nicholas Provenzo on SubstackThe DOGE Delusion: Trump’s Power Play versus Principled Reform by Nicholas Provenzo - The Objective...

Flying Christ on Ascension Day

Once again, Martin and I are graced with the presence of Philosophy Professor, Andrew Bernstein, who is now venturing into detective fiction.

Call-to-Action: After you have listened to this episode, add your $0.02 (two cents) to the conversation, by joining (for free) The Secular Foxhole Town Hall. Feel free to introduce yourself to the other members, discuss the different episodes, give us constructive feedback, or check out the virtual room, Speakers' Corner, and step up on the digital soapbox. Welcome to our new place in cyberspace!

Show notes with links to articles, blog posts, products and services:

Tony Just dot netRed Meat Village - Voyage MediaBehind The Scenes With Andrew Bernstein (Author of Red Meat Village)Cool Runnings - WikipediaPen nameNight of January 16thHardboiledMr. ADirty Harry (character)Mike Hammer (character)Sherlock Holmes - BritannicaColumbo - WikipediaInterview with Aaron Briley - episode 15 of The Secular Foxhole podcastAustrian Economic Scholar's Motivational Speech - Foundation for Economic EducationProfessor Moriarty - WikipediaChuck SchumerIan FlemingRex StoutAgatha ChristieStand and DeliverThe Capitalist Manifesto by Andrew BernsteinThe Capitalist Manifesto: The Historic, Economic and Philosophic Case for Laissez-Faire - Rowman &...

H.A.R.D. Justice: An Interview with Andrew Bernstein

Blair is delivering some news regarding a list of podcasts on secularism, the rise of modern authoritarianism, and books covering the abundance movement. Martin is wondering what is going on with Voice of America, and is planning ahead for episode 100... How do you want to celebrate the milestone with us?

Call-to-Action: After you have listened to this episode, add your $0.02 (two cents) to the conversation, by joining (for free) The Secular Foxhole Town Hall. Feel free to introduce yourself to the other members, discuss the different episodes, give us constructive feedback, or check out the virtual room, Speakers' Corner, and step up on the digital soapbox. Welcome to our new place in cyberspace!

Show notes with links to articles, blog posts, products and services:

Ayn Rand Conference in Berlin (March 14-16)Mark MosesRoland HorvathObjectivist Conference (OCON) in Boston, July 1-5Amy Peikoff's News Sandwich25 Best Secularism Podcasts by FeedSpotAnuj Agarwal, Cofounder Feedspot and MillionpodcastsInstitute for the Study of Modern AuthoritarianismThe UnPopulist Launches Executive WatchWhere To Find the New Intellectuals? - episode 95 of The Secular FoxholeVoice of AmericaRadio Free Europe / Radio LibertyRadio FardaA federal lawsuit says the Trump administration has unlawfully shuttered the Voice of America - The Associated PressAP to meet with bloggers on usage guidelines - NBC News (2008)Nowruz (Persian New Year) - BritannicaBonfire of the Mullahs - Cox & Forkum editorial cartoons (March 18, 2004)Roots of Progress InstituteAnnouncing Our New $120M Abundance And Growth Fund - Open PhilanthropyDavid Brooks (commentator)

List of Best Secularism Podcasts, Voice of America, and Planning for a Milestone

Our eighth episode features Aaron Smith, Fellow and Instructor at the Ayn Rand Institute. We cover the ancient Greek philosophy of Stoicism and his critique of it.

Show notes with links to articles, blog posts, products and services:

Ryan HolidayTimothy FerrissStoaMassimo PigliucciWilliam B. IrvineThe Metaphysical Versus the Man-MadeEudaemoniaThe False Promise of StoicismPeikoff's podcastCausality Versus Duty

Blair’s disclaimer:

I am not a professional philosopher, just a dedicated layman, fascinated by Ayn Rand’s ideas. I do not speak for her, her philosophy, or the Ayn Rand Institute. I speak only for myself.

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: 

OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

Interview with Aaron Smith

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