By Steven Phelps

I first heard Fish Stark speak at the American Humanist Association conference held in Chicago in June 2025. His charismatic dynamism was instantly evident. Sure, he’s earned degrees from both Yale and Harvard, so he knows his stuff, but he’s also lit up the stage as a stand up comic. From my little experience attempting to be funny, I’d wager that the comedy gig is the most impressive credential.

Anyway, his remarks to the AHA conference attendees were both enlightening and inspirational. So……why not ask him to come to Nashville and deliver that same enthusiasm to our Middle Tennessee Humanists group? With the co-sponsorship of the kind folks at First Unitarian Universalist Church of Nashville (F.U.U.N), and a few supportive local secular groups like “Secular Rising”, “Sunday Assembly Nashville” and “Americans United for the Separation of Church and State”, we were able to host Fish, the Executive Director of AHA, at F.U.U.N. on December 13th, 2025.

We also arranged a dinner with him that included representatives of the local secular organizations. It was a fantastic networking occasion. What a lively evening! We had music, short talks by local leaders, and our featured guest Fish headlined the event. The son of late congressman Fortney H. Stark Jr., Fish gave us a bit of personal history, including how his given name, Fortney Hillman Stark III became Fish. His affable nature made listening to his speech delightful.

But, interspersed with the lighthearted anecdotes, Fish also delivered a compelling endorsement of Humanism, explaining the momentous contributions humanists have made to society and humankind: both championing reason, science, and human rights as well as advancing universal education, public healthcare, global cooperation and civil liberties.

I came away from that special night with a renewed appreciation of how the Humanist Ten Commitments stand strong as a foundation on which to build a fulfilled and principled life. Plus, my determination to do my small part in making the world we all share just a little bit better was rekindled.

Thank you, Fish!

Fish also gave the message at F.U.U.N.’s Sunday service the following morning!

Here is the official recording of the message: