Freedom of Thought by Humanists International

Freedom of Thought from Humanists International is a global news and interview podcast examining the state of freedom of belief, expression, and human rights worldwide.

Hosted by Gary McLelland and Leon Langdon, the podcast draws on Humanists International’s flagship Freedom of Thought Report to bring together researchers, human rights defenders, activists, and policy experts to unpack the realities facing humanists, atheists, and non-religious people in different countries and regions.

Each episode explores key findings from the report alongside wider developments in international law, politics, and civil society. Through in-depth conversations, case studies, and timely analysis, the show highlights where freedoms are under threat, where progress is being made, and what solidarity and advocacy can achieve.

Produced by Humanise Live, Freedom of Thought offers clear, accessible insight into global freedom of thought issues for anyone interested in human rights, secularism, democracy, and evidence-based policy.

Contributors

Host

Gary McLelland

Gary McLelland is the Chief Executive of Humanists International. Gary joined Humanists International in February 2017. Before this he worked for the Humanist Society Scotland since 2013 as Head of Communications and Public Affairs. He has also previously served as a Board member of the European Humanist Federation based in Brussels, as well as a board member of the Scottish Joint Committee on Religious and Moral Education.

Before working in Humanist campaigning, Gary worked for a global citizenship project at the Mercy Corps European headquarters in Edinburgh, and also in policy and service delivery in education and social work.

He has a BSc (hons) in psychology, a diploma in childhood and youth studies and master’s in human rights law, in which he researched the approach of the European Court of Human Rights and the United Nations’ approach to so-called ‘blasphemy laws’.

https://humanists.international/join/

Host

Leon Langdon

Leon Langdon (he/him) is Senior Advocacy Officer at Humanists International, leading advocacy at international institutions including the United Nations, European Union, and OSCE. His work focuses on protecting the rights of humanists and the non-religious, with emphasis on freedom of religion or belief, freedom of expression, democratic resilience, and countering religious nationalism and the misuse of FoRB to undermine LGBTI+ rights, women’s rights, and children’s rights.

Before joining HI, Leon worked at the Permanent Mission of Malta to the UN on humanitarian and peacekeeping issues across Latin America, Asia, and MENA, as well as the UN Counterterrorism Executive Directorate, New York University, a policy think tank. His writing has appeared in The Diplomat, The Carter Center, the Oxford Political Review, and academic journals.

Leon holds an MA in International Relations from New York University, and a degree in Law with Politics from University College Dublin.

https://humanists.international/join/

Producer

Humanise Live

Humanise Live makes high-quality podcasting, video, and event production easy and accessible for purpose-driven people, brands, and organisations.

We blend storytelling, strategy, and design to create content that connects and inspires.

https://humanise.live/

Guests

Guest

Mubarak Bala

Mubarak Bala is a human rights activist and former President of the Humanist Association of Nigeria. He is internationally recognised for his advocacy for freedom of thought and belief, and for the severe persecution he faced after expressing non-religious views online.

In 2020, Bala was arrested over Facebook posts deemed blasphemous. He spent almost two years in prison awaiting trial before being sentenced to an initial 24 years’ imprisonment. Following sustained international pressure, his sentence was reduced on appeal, and he was released in 2024. He remains under sanction in Nigeria and now lives in Europe.

Bala’s case became a global symbol of the dangers posed by blasphemy laws. In recognition of his courage, he has received multiple international honours, including Humanists International Freedom of Thought Award, Humanist Society Scotland’s Humanist of the Year Award, and the Freedom From Religion Foundation’s Avijit Roy Courage Award.

https://humanists.international/case-of-concern/mubarak-bala/

Guest appearance on:

Inside The 2025 Freedom Of Thought Report: Findings, Blasphemy Laws, And Global Advocacy