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Niki Seth-Smith

@nikisethsmith.bsky.social
2.5K followers 954 following 71 posts

Editor of @newhumanist.bsky.social, journalist and fiction writer 🍐

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Niki Seth-Smith @nikisethsmith.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Anything troubling you? Write it down, send it in, get it off your chest! 😌
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Niki Seth-Smith @nikisethsmith.bsky.social · 12/09/2026
What a time to read Christian Kracht’s autofictional reflection on his Nazi ancestry, where he and his mother go on a road trip to give away their blood money. “The golden cutlery and the various houses; the collection of German expressionists and the unsavory instruments of torture”
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Niki Seth-Smith @nikisethsmith.bsky.social · 20/08/2026
The Guardian picked up at least one half of our debate between head of Humanists UK @andrewcopson.bsky.social and the former Archbishop. Head to newhumanist.org.uk for the real thing, at length!
theguardian.com
Farage using Christianity ‘to stir anti-Muslim feeling’, says Rowan Williams
Former archbishop of Canterbury also has ‘awkward questions’ for activist Tommy Robinson on his claimed faith
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New Humanist @newhumanist.bsky.social · 20/08/2026
🚨Our Autumn 2026 issue is out today! We examine the threat Christian nationalism poses to the UK, and hear from people on the front lines of the fight against hate across the UK. Let's take a look inside...🧵 newhumanist.org.uk/2026/08/20/h...
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Reposted by Niki Seth-Smith
New Humanist @newhumanist.bsky.social · 13/08/2026
Coming soon 👀 New Humanist's Autumn issue, out next week. Subscribe to our free newsletter to hear when it lands newhumanist.org.uk/newsletter/
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Niki Seth-Smith @nikisethsmith.bsky.social · 13/08/2026
Stewart Lee has high hopes for you, @countbinface.bsky.social “The progressives’ problem is they tend to obey the rules … and can’t be as amusingly outrageous as populists. Maybe Count Binface will change this”
newhumanist.org.uk
Stewart Lee: Why we need humour to beat the populist right
Voters are looking for entertainers. Can Binface give them what they want?
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Niki Seth-Smith @nikisethsmith.bsky.social · 13/08/2026
I interviewed Stewart Lee on comedy, cruelty, absurdity, and Count Binface #binface #clacton
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Niki Seth-Smith @nikisethsmith.bsky.social · 11/08/2026
Reading Toni Morrison in a heat wave: overpowering, magnificent, heartbreaking. 200% recommend (just finished it last night)
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Niki Seth-Smith @nikisethsmith.bsky.social · 03/08/2026
Human rights shouldn’t feel abstract. This brilliantly timely and provocative episode on the UDHR reminds us of the messy fighting that finally, against the odds, enshrined a radical vision of our global common humanity
unholyhistories.humanists.uk
Who Really Wrote Human Rights? The Humanist Roots of the UDHR - Unholy Histories: The Humanist Heritage Podcast from Humanists UK
In the aftermath of two world wars, a new vision for humanity began to take shape, one grounded in shared dignity, freedom, and cooperation across borders. At the heart of that vision were humanist th...
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Niki Seth-Smith @nikisethsmith.bsky.social · 29/07/2026
Iranians are a diverse people, of many religions and none. Hear directly from Iran’s freethinkers in this crucial piece by Saleem Vaillancourt:
newhumanist.org.uk
Iran’s freethinkers
Talking to Iranian atheists and religious minorities explodes the lie of a homogenous Islamic Republic
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Niki Seth-Smith @nikisethsmith.bsky.social · 29/07/2026
“I’ve always felt that I am wilder and more anarchic on the inside.” A beautiful piece by my friend Nicola Cutcher on midlife women and their fantasy lives
newhumanist.org.uk
Late awakening
We meet the novelists behind a new wave of stories exploring the sexual fantasies of midlife women
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Niki Seth-Smith @nikisethsmith.bsky.social · 27/07/2026
Here’s your reminder that a certain elite is always interested in eugenics. I’m looking at you, Elon Musk newhumanist.org.uk/articles/a-t...
newhumanist.org.uk
A twisted breed
Jeffrey Epstein attempted to gather the best minds of science around him. His interests were rooted in a perverse, eugenic fantasy
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Niki Seth-Smith @nikisethsmith.bsky.social · 17/07/2026
I interviewed the head of Hope Not Hate. Read it on our website to learn how to push back against White Christian Nationalism
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Niki Seth-Smith @nikisethsmith.bsky.social · 02/07/2026
Yes, we only have one life - but if we took the facts of existence seriously, we would understand that the actions we take will have consequences that spiral out millions of years into the future. Is that not living forever? (A thought, while sipping a beer in the park)
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Niki Seth-Smith @nikisethsmith.bsky.social · 02/07/2026
Offices of @newhumanist.bsky.social looking rather lovely in the sun (we have a couple of rooms in this grand edifice)
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Niki Seth-Smith @nikisethsmith.bsky.social · 29/06/2026
Spent the heat wave with niece and nephew surfing sand turtles in Scotland, no regrets!
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Niki Seth-Smith @nikisethsmith.bsky.social · 15/06/2026
Packed house at EARTH, Dalston for the London launch of Women Again the Far Right. “The far right are not the protectors of women. Their racism, misogyny and division is a danger to us all.”
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Niki Seth-Smith @nikisethsmith.bsky.social · 14/06/2026
This year’s #festivalofhumanism was a lot of fun, loved discussing fandom and politics with @thatdocphoenix.com and chairing a wonderful talk on death, joy and grief by @ericabuist.bsky.social
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Niki Seth-Smith @nikisethsmith.bsky.social · 29/05/2026
Are you beach body ready? So delighted to bring out this issue, at turns inspiring and scathing as it explores how we can undermine the power of the “health” and beauty industries.
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Niki Seth-Smith @nikisethsmith.bsky.social · 26/03/2026
Actually no, Gen Z aren’t turning to Jesus and suddenly going to church. That report everyone cited has been debunked. So why did the “Quiet Revival” narrative seem so plausible? 1/3 humanists.uk/2026/03/26/b...
humanists.uk
Bible Society retracts claims from Quiet Revival report after a year of campaigning for accurate data
There has been no ‘quiet revival’ of Christianity in Britain. Today, the Bible Society has retracted its claims that there is a quiet revival of Christianity in Britain based on a faulty and unreliabl...
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New Humanist @newhumanist.bsky.social · 19/03/2026
Could you be our next Art Director? We're looking for a talented designer with magazine experience to join our team on a freelance basis. Check out the details now #journojobs #creativejobs
newhumanist.org.uk
We're hiring! Apply to be our Art Director
We're looking for a freelance Art Director to work on the print edition of the magazine for five days each quarter
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Niki Seth-Smith @nikisethsmith.bsky.social · 05/03/2026
Fascinating lecture by Dr Hannah Critchlow on the extent to which we are “pre-programmed” by our genes versus neuroplasticity. (Image shows what happens to the brain when the volunteer on stage was given clay to play with) #RosalindFranklinlecture
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Niki Seth-Smith @nikisethsmith.bsky.social · 04/03/2026
There’s been too much scrutiny of Trump’s every word. Here’s some nuanced analysis on what actually matters now
politico.com
Will Iranians Rise Up? Here Are the Odds.
Iranians despised the Ayatollah. That doesn’t mean they’ll side with the United States.
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Niki Seth-Smith @nikisethsmith.bsky.social · 19/02/2026
I feel strongly about giving more space to dissident voices, especially from Russia and China. This edition brings together UK and global perspectives on how we can stick to our guns in this new age of propaganda. It’s an inspiration 🔥 Read it today!
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Niki Seth-Smith @nikisethsmith.bsky.social · 16/02/2026
Just became part of the Women in Journalism network. There’s still so much to be done, supporting and empowering each other www.womeninjournalism.co.uk
womeninjournalism.co.uk
Women in JournalismWomen in JournalismWomen in Journalism
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Niki Seth-Smith @nikisethsmith.bsky.social · 12/02/2026
Hugely excited to take New Humanist into a bold new era as Editor, supported by this phenomenal group
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Niki Seth-Smith @nikisethsmith.bsky.social · 12/01/2026
Just realised we’re spreading a thought experiment that panicked so many people it was banned… go on, read and doom yourselves! newhumanist.org.uk/articles/649...
newhumanist.org.uk
Joe Biden is a robot (and other cyber myths)
The digital world is a playground for the tinfoil hat brigade. But now they are turning on the internet itself
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Niki Seth-Smith @nikisethsmith.bsky.social · 10/01/2026
The beginning of Jan has been brutal, but here’s your reminder, from @naomialderman.bsky.social, not to burn anyone at the stake today. I interviewed her on how we can draw on the lessons of history to get some perspective. It’s an unexpectedly heartening read! newhumanist.org.uk/articles/649...
newhumanist.org.uk
Surviving the Third Information Crisis
Writer Naomi Alderman gives us tips and tricks on how to stay sane in a maddening world
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Niki Seth-Smith @nikisethsmith.bsky.social · 02/01/2026
“Atheists, bohemians and the children of stray Russian intellectuals.” Yes, this was my school (as a day child with a small music scholarship). Now I need to start a band named Children of the Louche
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Niki Seth-Smith @nikisethsmith.bsky.social · 31/12/2025
My most loyal of friends nearly died this year.. Pericles the dog heroically survived cancer and was zooming along the beaches with me today to see off 2025! 🐾🙏
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Niki Seth-Smith @nikisethsmith.bsky.social · 17/12/2025
This is a wonderful gift, beautifully designed and full of thought-provoking articles, and a steal at £21. Give a gift that lasts all year!
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Niki Seth-Smith @nikisethsmith.bsky.social · 03/12/2025
I endorse performative reading. Please feel free to read New Humanist as shamelessly and publicly as you like, particularly this latest issue: newhumanist.org.uk/articles/647...
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Niki Seth-Smith @nikisethsmith.bsky.social · 26/11/2025
Finally, the two child benefit cap is scrapped. A good time to revisit James Ball’s reflections on why the policy has proved so central to the fight over the soul of the Labour Party newhumanist.org.uk/articles/639...
newhumanist.org.uk
What’s the point of politics?
Labour’s feud over child benefits points to a deeper question: how to balance strategy with doing the right thing
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Niki Seth-Smith @nikisethsmith.bsky.social · 25/11/2025
I often pass Lindisfarne island, on my way from London to my mum’s in Scotland. This charming piece is a guide to walking there (you can!) and an exploration of what it means to be an “atheist pilgrim”. Read more and buy the issue at newhumanist.org.uk
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Niki Seth-Smith @nikisethsmith.bsky.social · 24/11/2025
Give me your ideas, which people make you feel inspired - or at least keep you sane?
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Niki Seth-Smith @nikisethsmith.bsky.social · 20/11/2025
We have to now make a choice to “work the muscle” of our brains, just like we hit the gym where once we laboured in the fields. Beat the brainrot! Start by buying this issue on our website or at the shops 🧠
newhumanist.org.uk
Stay smart in a changing world! New Humanist's Winter 2025 edition is out now
From the rise of AI to attacks on universities, are we all getting dumber? Or is society transforming and discovering new ways to be smart?
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Niki Seth-Smith @nikisethsmith.bsky.social · 19/11/2025
The word of the year is “Parasocial”. Perhaps not unrelated to last year’s “Brainrot”? 🧐 Look out for the *How to Stay Smart* issue of @newhumanist.bsky.social, OUT TOMORROW
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Niki Seth-Smith @nikisethsmith.bsky.social · 19/11/2025
It’s your last chance to buy our “Battle over Space” issue, in your local shop or on our website. Here’s one of my faves, on NASA’s sexist history and how to talk to aliens
newhumanist.org.uk
Sexism in space
How should we represent humankind to aliens? With Pioneer 10 and 11, Nasa fell short. Next time, we must do better
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Niki Seth-Smith @nikisethsmith.bsky.social · 28/10/2025
It’s flu and Covid season again, and many of us are guiltily avoiding each other. Read this about how normal it is to have health anxiety, it will make you feel (paradoxically?) better 🤧 newhumanist.org.uk/articles/647...
newhumanist.org.uk
Inside the world of health anxiety
It's Covid season again. Two books have lessons on how to navigate health anxiety
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Niki Seth-Smith @nikisethsmith.bsky.social · 02/10/2025
@siobhan.bsky.social Hi Siobhan, I’d like to contact you re a potential opportunity with New Humanist, could you email editor@newhumanist.org.uk if interested, thanks
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Niki Seth-Smith @nikisethsmith.bsky.social · 26/09/2025
I interviewed an expert on space warfare. We need more public awareness he says, “it’s a democratic issue”
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Niki Seth-Smith @nikisethsmith.bsky.social · 26/09/2025
A fascinating piece of reportage from Japan on the nuclear choices all countries must make
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Niki Seth-Smith @nikisethsmith.bsky.social · 09/09/2025
A last late summer trek along the river Ouse… farewell cerulean skies
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Niki Seth-Smith @nikisethsmith.bsky.social · 09/09/2025
A lot of people telling me they’re bored of contemporary fiction. Check out the small indie Fly On The Wall Press. These novels are brave and tender, and definitely bucked the tendency towards flat, anhedonic prose
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Niki Seth-Smith @nikisethsmith.bsky.social · 01/09/2025
Any science feature writers? We pay £350-450, send your pitches today or tomorrow!
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Niki Seth-Smith @nikisethsmith.bsky.social · 21/08/2025
This is out! A much-needed shot in the arm and antidote to space pessimism. With contributions on the African Space Agency, indigenous “Sky grief” and my interview with Mark Hilborne on the need for regulation in our age of space warfare
newhumanist.org.uk
Look up! New Humanist's Autumn 2025 issue on the battle for space is out now
How the battle over space affects all of us
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Niki Seth-Smith @nikisethsmith.bsky.social · 18/07/2025
"Existential psychotherapy rises to the challenge of finding something to live for." Author and clinical psychologist Frank Tallis writes clearly and powerfully on why therapists should take the quest for meaning more seriously:
newhumanist.org.uk
Minds in search of meaning
Therapists need to do more to help the many people today who feel their lives lack purpose
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Niki Seth-Smith @nikisethsmith.bsky.social · 14/07/2025
How concerned should we be about our inability to consistently replicate studies? It’s an issue that cuts to the heart of our ideas about truth and science, as I discovered hosting this eye-opening debate:
iai.tv
Unmasking the mind
“Psychology should be based on empirical evidence and scientific methods,” claimed the founder of its modern form, cognitive psychology.  Yet critics argue it's unknown whether psychology really has m...
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Niki Seth-Smith @nikisethsmith.bsky.social · 15/06/2025
Fantastic energy at #Humanists2025 in Sheffield, on a weekend otherwise marked by dark news. A reminder of the many inspiring freethinkers who might just help get us out of this mess
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Niki Seth-Smith @nikisethsmith.bsky.social · 29/05/2025
I spoke to @nickfish.me, president of @atheists.org, about the ordinary Americans coming together to fight white Christian nationalism
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