The official podcast channel of St Paul's Cathedral in London. It features sermons, talks, music, and other recordings from the cathedral's life and worship. Episodes offer teaching and reflections from one of the UK's most famous churches.
Episodes
Reading the saints: unlocking the story of sainthood in sacred art - Nov 2026
Saints were among the most recognisable figures in premodern visual culture, functioning as a shared “cast of characters” that connected viewers across regions, languages, and centuries.
Siobhán Jolley introduces the visual language associated with the saints, their dramatic lives which drove artistic innovation, and how this shaped how people prayed, imagined holiness, and understood ideals suc
Mark the storyteller: discipleship, challenge and revelation in the Gospel of Mark - Nov 2026
The Gospel of Mark — the earliest of all the Gospels — is a vivid, brisk, dynamic masterpiece. From its opening bold statement declaring the beginning of the Good News of Jesus Christ to its oddly abrupt ending of the women at the tomb running away terrified, Mark’s Gospel grasps our attention and draws us in.
Paula Gooder uncovers the power of Mark as a dynamic storyteller, introducing us to hi
Trust in the media: A conversation with Richard Coles and Ayesha Hazarika - Oct 2026
St Paul’s Cathedral Institute and the Associateship of King’s College London present the Reverend Richard Coles and Baroness Ayesha Hazarika as they discuss trust in contemporary media.
This lecture brings together two figures who are very familiar with the power and influence of media to explore how the media earns trust, how it loses it, and what is at stake when it fails. Drawing on their exp
Death, creativity and the longing for justice - Oct 2026
Reflecting on death and mortality may not sound like an obvious starting point to inspire social justice. Yet, Simon Cuff suggests that mortality and limitation can, in fact, serve as the grounds for creativity for those seeking justice. Here Simon Cuff explores a theology of mortality and considers how a recognition of ultimate human limitation can fuel those working for justice that enables the
The authority of women in the medieval church - Sept 2026
The founding of the first universities in the early 13th century led to the establishment of theology as an academic discipline. This had a profound impact not only on how we understand theology, but also on particular topics such as ordination.
In this talk, Lydia Schumacher explores the impact this had on women’s ordination, how women were ‘defined out’ of ordination, and how their prior roles
The Theological Gift of Friendship - Jul 2026
Friendship, with a few exceptions, is the human relationship that has received the least theological attention over the centuries. Friendship, both in Greek and Roman philosophy, and in some theological writings, has been treated with suspicion.
Steffan Mathias explores friendship in a positive light within the Bible, in theological tradition, and in the contemporary church. Steffan proposes frie
Exploring the challenges shaping our world - in conversation with Rory Stewart OBE - June 2026
In a wide-ranging conversation with Cumberland Lodge and the St Paul’s Cathedral Institute, The Rt Hon Rory Stewart OBE takes on on some of the most pressing questions of our time.
A former UK Cabinet Minister, diplomat, and bestselling author, Rory brings a unique perspective to the table from extensive experience across the Middle East, and as the MP for Penrith and the Border. His acclaimed bo
Faith, hope and courage: a conversation with Bishop Guli Francis-Dehqani - Jun 2026
To mark Refugee Week 2026, Paula Gooder chats to Bishop Guli Francis-Dehqani about her life, her faith, and her own experience as a refugee.
Bishop Guli was born in Iran and fled to the UK when she was a teenager following the murder of her brother during the Islamic Revolution. In this conversation, Bishop Guli reflects on her experiences, on the history of Christianity in Iran and the theme of
Wolsey and Tyndale: spies and espionage - June 2026
The story of William Tyndale and Cardinal Wolsey is a fascinating tale of spies and espionage. Tyndale was a wanted man – working in exile to complete his translation of the New Testament. In order to supress his work, Henry VIII and Cardinal Wolsey dispatched a diplomat-spy to make sure Tyndale’s writings were never imported to England. Yet Tyndale and his contacts found ways to smuggle his New T
St Francis's Female Followers: Clare of Assisi and Angela of Foligno - May 2026
This year marks the 800th anniversary of the death one of the most popular and well-known Saints – St Francis of Assisi. Francis inspired the life and work of Clare of Assisi and Angela of Foligno. Whilst Clare and Angela may not be as well-known as Francis, their theology gives us a glimpse into the intriguing world of mysticism and highlights the remarkable contribution of women theologians in t
William Tyndale and the making of the English Reformation - April 2026
This year marks the 500th anniversary of the publication of William Tyndale’s English translation of the Bible. Branded as heretical, this translation was a pivotal moment in the Reformation which had a lasting impact on the church in England.
Diarmaid MacCulloch uncovers the importance of Tyndale’s translation, its place in the history of the English Reformation, and how these factors shaped the
Stories from St Paul's: St Paul's and Music
It's indisputable that music is a huge part of life at St Paul's, but many people don't know the full variety of what can be heard within our walls. In this episode we explore all things music at the Cathedral - from daily Evensong performed by our very own talented musicians, to musical guests past and present such as Paul Robeson who sang at Evensong in 1958 or even legendary poet and singer Pat
Decolonisation: a bad word? - March 2026
We live in a complex time in which conversations around decolonisation are growing. On the one hand, there is a deep suspicion for what is termed ‘woke’, seeing decolonial attention to the past as unnecessary and divisive. On the other, there is a sense in which the legacies of colonisation are so pervasive and deep that only a decolonial lens can address it. Carlton Turner suggests what a decolon
On the Translation of the Bible - Feb 2026
The Bible is rarely read it in its original languages, but usually in translation. Translating the Bible is a unique and complex task, which inspires an intriguing array of literary, historical, and theological questions for both translators and readers. In this conversation, John Barton and Paula Gooder discuss the fascinating history and challenges of biblical translation and inspire us to think
Stories from St Paul's: James Thornhill
Looking up under our iconic Dome, you'll see eight incredible murals by artist James Thornhill. Painted in monochrome to give the illlusion of sculptural relief, the murals depict eight scenes from the life of St Paul. Find out more about Thornhill and his lasting legacy on what is perhaps the most photographed part of the Cathedral in this episode.
Produced and presented by Douglas Anderson.
Dappled Beauty: Journeying through Lent with Gerard Manley Hopkins - Feb 2026
Gerard Manley Hopkins’ vivid, inventive language and profound spiritual insight make him a powerful companion for the Lenten season. His poetry captures both human frailty and divine presence, drawing us into the beauty of creation and the journey of Christ toward the Passion.
Carys Walsh will reflect on Hopkins’ rich imagery and rhythmic brilliance, and offer a fresh way to deepen reflection, de
The art of mysticism: Evelyn Underhill’s visual art and journeys in Europe - Dec 2025
[The images referred to in this talk can be found at https://www.stpauls.co.uk/sites/default/files/2026-01/2025%20-%207%20Dec%20St%20Pauls%20UNDERHILL%20SLIDES.pdf]
Evelyn Underhill is best known as a theologian, mystic, and spiritual director – remembered by the Church each year on the 15th June. In the 1900s, long before her fame, she travelled extensively in Italy and France, painting, drawing
From Francis to Leo: Continuity, Change and the Papacy in 2025 - Dec 25
This year has seen significant change for the Roman Catholic Church following the death of Pope Francis and the election of Pope Leo in May. In this conversation, Anna Rowlands and Paula Gooder reflect on a year of continuity and change for the Roman Catholic Church, looking back at the legacy of Pope Francis and exploring the shape of Pope Leo’s papacy so far.
Join us as they explore the legaci
Stories from St Paul's: Josefina de Vasconcellos
In this episode, we take a closer look at the life and legacy of Josefina de Vasconcellos, the remarkable sculptor responsible for 'Mary and Child' which can be found in the Crypt. 'Mary and Child' was the first freestanding sculpture by a woman to be installed at the Cathedral.
Produced and presented by Douglas Anderson.
The Art of Waiting: Advent Skills for Living - Nov 25
In this reflective evening, Paula Gooder offers a range of reflections for the Advent season around the theme of waiting.
For rights reasons, the music performed at the live event is not included in this recording. You can watch the pieces of music as they were performed elsewhere as follows:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CI1TrxsrTsA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QxXbcjiZLec
https://www.yout
Stories from St Paul’s: The Old St Paul's
Did you know the current St Paul's Cathedral is the fifth Cathedral on the site? Before today's building, there was Old St Paul's, a magnificent medieval cathedral with an enormous spire. Take a trip into St Paul's past and present with today's podcast episode all about the medieval Cathedral's birth, life and dramatic end.
Produced and presented by Douglas Anderson.
Possessed or Powerful? Reading the story of the Pythian slave girl afresh - Nov 25
Acts 16:16-18 tells the story of a slave girl who is said to have a ‘Pythian spirit’ which enables her to tell oracles, and we are told that the apostle Paul cast out the spirit from her.
Drawing on her Yorùbá heritage and her personal autobiographical experience of having a great-grandmother who was a powerful Oracle in Nigeria, Olabisi Obamakin will look at that this story in a new light and wi
A Master Class on Being Human; bridging divides for a better world - 21 Oct 2025
Dr Braxton is a Christian, whereas Dr Pinn is a Secular Humanist. While their respective traditions have often stood in bitter opposition, in a deeply divided world, Braxton and Pinn demonstrate that constructive dialogue is essential.
This “master class” offers a compelling model for engaging across religious, ethical, and cultural differences. Through frank, personal, and deeply informed discus
Stories from St Paul's: The Great Model
Today’s podcast episode is all about the Great Model hiding up in our Triforium. Designed by Sir Christopher Wren to demonstrate his plans for the new Cathedral to King Charles II, the Great Model is a fascinating insight into what St Paul’s might have looked like. Produced and presented by Douglas Anderson.
We believe... The Nicene Creed 1,700 years on - Oct 2025
[This talk makes reference to a handout which you can find at https://www.stpauls.co.uk/sites/default/files/2025-10/Ludlow%20Nicaea%20handout.pdf]
2025 marks 1,700 years since the formation of the Creed of Nicaea, and around the world many Christian churches from many different denominations are marking the anniversary. But what is so important about it and why do we still say it so many years on
Churchill and St Paul's: Icons of the finest hour - Sept 2025
Like Churchill himself, St Paul’s Cathedral defied the Blitz and stood as a beacon of hope in the darkest days of the Second World War. Allen Packwood revisits some of the key moments when their paths crossed and considers how they influenced one another.
A sermon by Ray Pentland CB from the Service of Evensong prior to this event is referenced several times in the talk. To read the sermon please
Living the Psalms today - Sept 2025
Some of the psalms were written as much as 3,000 years ago in a world very different to our own. So how do we read them? And what does a psalm read like when we read it today?
Martin Wroe reflects on what makes a psalm a psalm. Is there a distinction between psalms and prayer, or psalms and poetry?
One of the challenges of reading the Psalms is that they are populated so densely with shepherds a
Stories from St Paul’s: The Crypt
There are crypts, and then there are crypts. The largest crypt in Europe is none other than our very own here at St Paul's. But what is a crypt for, and why is ours so unique? Find out in the first episode of the new series of Stories from St Paul's. Produced and presented by Douglas Anderson
This is my body, broken for you, Jesus and trauma - July 2025
What has Jesus to do with trauma? Many people who experience trauma find solidarity in Jesus' experiences. Some would even claim that Jesus is a trauma survivor himself. Others may find the horror of Jesus' crucifixion to be re-traumatising. What do these perspectives mean for how we think about and relate to Christ? Karen O'Donnell explores these questions to enrich our understanding of Christ an
Flourishing? Women's bodies and the history of Christianity - June 2025
Over the course of Western history, how have religion and medicine worked together to tell women how their bodies work, and what they should do with them? How have Eve and Mary been used to convey these messages, and how has their role been challenged?
Helen King explores the potential of both Christianity and medicine to work towards a healthier approach to the body.
Helen King is Professor Eme
Truth , faith and politics in a post-truth world: exploring Bonhoeffer today - May 2025
80 years after Dietrich Bonhoeffer's execution in Flossenbürg concentration camp in 1945, Rowan Williams reflects upon how his legacy could help the church remain truthful in a post-truth world. In a time of uncertainty, what does it mean to live with courage, integrity, and radical hospitality?
Dr Rowan Williams is a poet and theologian, and was the 104th Archbishop of Canterbury.
Boys will be boys audio
Are men facing a "crisis," and what does that mean for us all? Will Rose-Moore explores what it really means to be a man today, how "masculinity" isn't one thing, but many, how the Bible portrays men, and new ways of thinking about masculinity, moving away from power and violence, and embracing diversity.
The Rev’d Will Rose-Moore is Assistant Curate at St John the Baptist, Loughton in Chelmsfor
Resurrection Hope: wrestling with questions of justice - Apr 25
‘Hope shows up when we are fighting for justice. Hope shows up when we show up making clear that the way things are is not the way they are destined to be, that the way things are is not God's promise for us.’
Join Kelly Brown-Douglas and Paula Gooder, as they reflect together on vocation and preaching, on racial justice and, most importantly, on hope.
Kelly Brown-Douglas is an African-Ameri
Bonhoeffer and Discipleship following Jesus today Apr 25
On 9th April 1945, Dietrich Bonhoeffer was killed in Flossenbürg concentration camp. A German Lutheran pastor and theologian, he was imprisoned for his opposition to the Nazis during the 1930s and 40s.
80 years on, Bonhoeffer’s writings, especially his reflections on the Sermon on the Mount and what this means for discipleship, remain as inspirational as ever.
Join Andreas Loewe and Paula Gooder
The Girl from Montego Bay - Apr 25
Rose Hudson-Wilkin is the Church of England’s first black woman bishop. Overcoming challenging beginnings in Jamaica and discrimination in the UK, she became one of the first women to be ordained priest in the Church of England, going on to be the first black female priest to be Chaplain both to the Queen and the Speaker of the House of Commons. She will reflect on ‘a wonderful life and a wonderfu
Stories from St Paul's: Grinling Gibbons
Who was Grinling Gibbons? Not just a man with a fantastic name, but also the master carver behind the incredible carvings around the Cathedral, including those in the Quire stalls and the floral garlands on the North exterior of the building. Find out more about his life and his contributions to St Paul’s, as well as how they’ve evolved over time through numerous restoration projects, in today’s p
Stories from St Paul's: Edith Cavell
Edith Cavell was a nurse who became a symbol of courage around the world.
In 1915, she was executed for helping Allied soldiers escape - an act that shook many around the world. In the wake of her death, hundreds of nurses and mourners gathered at St Paul’s to honour her, and her legacy continues to inspire today.
Hear her extraordinary story in our latest Stories from St Paul's podcast episode.
The Sacraments: Responding to God's Loving Invitation - March 2025
Jane Williams says that the sacraments are a glorious expression of God’s love for the world in all its beauty and brokenness. They invite us into the mystery that the world has meaning and purpose, and that all things come together in Jesus. Though they can seem confusing and sometimes divisive, she says that by entering into them we can find ourselves not only refreshed but re-enchanted.
Dr Ja
Healing Wounds: an invitation to Lenten contemplation - Feb 2025
The question of suffering has always been something with which people have wrestled. In his 2025 Lent book, Healing Wounds, Erik Varden attempts to offer new reflections on this most challenging of themes.
Reflecting on the cross, on Jesus’ own suffering as well as on our own sufferings, he draws out the ways in which Jesus’ suffering on the cross can turn into sources of healing for ourselves a
Unmaking Mary - Feb 2025
For two thousand years, the Virgin Mary has been depicted throughout art, literature and culture as symbolising the perfect mother: chaste, beautiful, meek, mild and white. These supposed virtues and symbols have penetrated not just Christianity but wider popular culture, and contributed to harmful views about motherhood and what it is to be a woman.
Chine McDonald deconstructs the myth of perfec
Seeking The God Beyond: A Beginner's Guide to Apophatic Spirituality - Feb 2025
Janet Williams introduces the tradition of apophatic spirituality and explores its relevance to 21st century Christian life.
The Revd Dr Janet Williams is the Vice-Principal of St Hild’s College, Mirfield in Yorkshire, an Anglican centre for ordination training and theological study. Her latest book is Seeking the God Beyond: A Beginner’s Guide to Christian Apophatic Spirituality.
Stories from St Paul's: Walter de la Mare
Did you know that world famous poet and writer, Walter de la Mare was a one-time Chorister of St Paul’s? Born in Charlton, South London, in 1873, de la Mare attended the Cathedral School from the age of 10 to 16. Find out more about his life, and how St Paul’s may have shaped his literary work.
Produced and presented by Douglas Anderson.
Stories from St Paul's: The telescope in the tower
When is a cathedral not a cathedral? Answer: When it might also be the venue for a grand scientific experiment! Explore Sir Christopher Wren's vision - and whether is came to pass - in this, the strange tale of the telescope in the tower.
Produced and presented by Douglas Anderson.
Martin Luther King Jr: History Maker - Dec 2024
Martin Luther King Jr’s memory is revered, but in his time he was a radical, controversial figure, sharply critical of militarism, inequality and poverty, and racism in the US and elsewhere.
Marking 60 years since Dr King spoke at St Paul’s Cathedral, Richard Reddie will explore his profound and subtle theology, philosophy and politics, and the challenge he leaves us to work for justice in our o
Stories from St Paul's: Our nativity scene
Found in the Cathedral every festive season is the St Paul’s nativity scene. Discover its very special story which begins in 1989, when former Master Carver Tony Webb and assistant Hannah Hartwell got to work on a new crib – one that has been seen and enjoyed ever since.
Produced and presented by Douglas Anderson.
Lower than the Angels: A History of Sex and Christianity - Nov 2024
Few matters produce more public interest or division than sex and religion. Revolutions in attitudes in the last generations have brought liberation to some, fear and fury to others.
Diarmaid MacCulloch, Emeritus Professor of the History of the Church at the University of Oxford, will seek to calm fears and encourage understanding by telling a 3,000-year-long tale of Christians encountering sex,
Eternal Rest Grant Them: Music, faith and grief - Nov 24
Grief and grieving are universals, and on All Souls’ Day we hold before God those we hold dear in death as in life. Requiem settings for the Eucharist, named after the Latin text which begins 'Eternal rest grant them O Lord, and let light perpetual shine upon them', are some of the most powerful music ever written.
Using music by Victoria, Mozart, Charpentier, Verdi, Fauré and Duruflé, Andrew Car
Stories from St Paul's: The Gunpowder Plotters
‘Remember, remember, the 5th of November: Gunpowder, treason and plot.’ The Gunpowder Plot of 1605 is synonymous with the Houses of Parliament in Westminster, but the fates of some of the conspirators are inextricably linked to St Paul’s. Find out how in this podcast episode.
Produced and presented by Douglas Anderson.
Money, race and climate: challenging the extractive economy - Sept 2024
Themed around ‘Money, race and climate’, this film is of an event organised by the Just Money Movement and hosted by St Paul's Cathedral during Good Money Week 2024. The Just Money Movement is an education and campaigning organisation that aims to equip Christians and churches to connect faith and finance.
Gen Z And The City - Oct 2024
A panel discussion to launch a new partnership between St Paul’s Cathedral and the educational charity Cumberland Lodge, which examines the values driving young people (18 to 25 years old) and their work practices, to further understand how this impacts on the corporate, social and creative sectors of the City of London.
A Manifesto For Hope - Oct 24
Steve Chalke talks about his work in communities and education that changes young people’s lives.
Marilynne Robinson: Reading Genesis - September 2024
Marilynne Robinson’s new book 'Reading Genesis' is a profound meditation on the first book of the Bible. In it she explores both its greatness as literature and its rich articulation of themes that resonate through the whole of scripture and human history – the problem of evil, God’s relationship to humanity, the nature of creation.
In this conversation with Paula Gooder, they explore why she tur
Three Dimensions of a Complete Life: Martin Luther King for this moment - Sept 2024
On 6th December 1964, Dr Martin Luther King Jr preached to a packed St Paul’s Cathedral. On a flying visit on his way to Norway to collect his Nobel Peace Prize, he addressed a congregation of 4,000 people on The Three Dimensions of a Complete Life, providing the British public with a rare opportunity to hear him in person. Afterwards he gave a press conference in the Cathedral’s Chapter House abo
Bede and the Theory of Everything - Sept 2024
The Venerable Bede (c. 673 – 735) was the foremost scholar of the Middle Ages. A saint, historian, scientist, social reformer and translator of the Bible into English, he never left Northumbria but his impact was felt all over the Christian world. Fascinated by human nature, his writing reveals a man of vibrant curiosity with deep empathy for humanity and love of nature. Michelle Brown will explor
Stories from St Paul's: The Light of the World
Autumn 2024 will see one of the most significant pieces of art in our collection back on display inside St Paul’s following a period of conservation work: William Holman Hunt’s The Light of the World. Discover the story behind this beloved and well-travelled painting in this podcast episode.
The Spirituality of Jane Austen: a workshop at St Paul’s Cathedral (Part Two)
The Revd Paula Hollingsworth examines Jane Austen’s spirituality, faith and values through her novel 'Pride and Prejudice'.
Paula Hollingsworth is Chaplain at St Paul’s Cathedral, and the author of 'The Spirituality of Jane Austen' https://www.eden.co.uk/christian-books/christian-living/christianity-and-the-arts/the-spirituality-of-jane-austen/
The Spirituality of Jane Austen: a workshop at St Paul’s Cathedral (Part One)
The Revd Paula Hollingsworth explores Jane Austen’s life and faith, looking at her major novels and the spiritual themes that run through them.
Paula Hollingsworth is Chaplain at St Paul’s Cathedral, and the author of 'The Spirituality of Jane Austen' www.eden.co.uk/christian-books/c…y-of-jane-austen/
Stories from St Paul's: The bells of St Paul's
The bells of St Paul’s are a sound familiar to many who find themselves in the City of London, and the stories behind them reflect our rich history. Great Paul, Great Tom, the clock bells, the 12 change ringing bells, and the service bell – find out about them all in this podcast episode.
Produced and presented by Douglas Anderson.
A Talk by the Revd Professor Wilda C. Gafney - May 2024
A talk by renowned biblical scholar and womanist theologian, the Reverend Professor Wilda C. Gafney on the story of Hannah and Peninnah in the Hebrew Bible.
Professor Gafney is the Right Rev. Sam B. Hulsey Professor of Hebrew Bible at Brite Divinity School in Fort Worth, Texas. She is also the author of 'A Women’s Lectionary for the Whole Church' and translator of its biblical selections, and '
A Liberation Movement For The Earth - May 2024
How do we build a movement of the people of God? If we turn to the earliest days of Christianity, we can find wisdom for how we can mobilise as Christians working for social justice today.
Drawing as well from the great Liberation Theologians including Gutierrez, Cone and Black feminist theologians, Anupama Ranawana examines the connections between climate, poverty, race and colonisation, and on
Have A Little Faith - April 2024
Kate Bottley talks about her own life and faith; about hope, being human, having doubts, getting through life’s hard bits, celebrating the great bits, and finding meaning and connection in it all.
Stories from St Paul's: Canon John Collins
Canon of St Paul’s Cathedral for 33 years, John Collins was a remarkable priest and social reformer who was one of the world's leading proponents in the causes of justice, freedom and peace. Discover more about Collins’ life, work and activism in this podcast episode.
Produced and presented by Douglas Anderson.
Stories from St Paul's: Jane Brewer
When St Paul’s was constructed under the stewardship of Sir Christopher Wren, it was by a male dominated workforce – almost exclusively male – except for one woman: Jane Brewer, who cast and polished the golden pineapple found on the Cathedral’s south west tower. Find out more about Jane, and the curious pineapple architectural details to be found all over London!
Produced and presented by Dougla
Belonging: A Theology Of Place (2024)
Why do some places feel full of spiritual meaning and some feel desolate? There is a rich understanding of place in the Bible, which is full of stories of the surprising places where God is encountered, often interwoven with hospitality and welcoming the stranger.
Andrew Rumsey will explore what place means in our spiritual lives, in the search for meaning and identity, in the Bible, as well as
Tarry Awhile (2024)
Selina Stone and Paula Gooder explore the practice of tarrying - waiting on God – which is at the heart of Selina Stone’s Lent book Tarry Awhile: Wisdom from Black Spirituality for People of Faith, the Archbishop of Canterbury’s Lent book for 2024.
They talk about favourite Bible stories about tarrying including Gethsemane, Jacob and the Angel, and Hagar in the desert, as well as the importance o
Stories from St Paul's: The Suffragettes and the failed St Paul’s bomb plot
On the 7th May 1913, the Suffragettes brought the fight for women’s votes to St Paul’s, when a plot to blow up the Bishop’s throne was narrowly foiled – after a Virger found the ticking bomb at the Cathedral’s east end. This podcast episode explores this fascinating story, and how it was reported at the time.
Produced and presented by Douglas Anderson.
James Baldwin's Life And Thought (2024)
James Baldwin is best known as a novelist and essayist, but he grew up in the church, steeped in scripture, and was a celebrated preacher when he was young. Though he later criticized the church, it gave him his vision of the world. Jarel Robinson-Brown introduces his life and work, and explores how he can help us as Christians to broaden our horizons, to be more honest, more imaginative and chall
Jesus On The Margins (2024)
Anderson Jeremiah and Paula Gooder talk about Jesus in the Bible, in history, and in our lives. They explore his suffering, death and resurrection, how much stories and images of him matter, and how we can live as disciples of Jesus today.
Stories from St Paul's: John Donne
John Donne is one of England’s greatest poets and preachers, famed for lines such as, ‘No man is an island…’ and ‘Never send to know for whom the bell tolls, it tolls for thee.’ He is also a former Dean of St Paul’s, and certainly one who lived many lives in one lifetime.
Produced and presented by Douglas Anderson.
Stories from St Paul's: Christmas 1940
Christmas at St Paul’s in 1940 was as normal as it could be, considering it was wartime. This, however, would all change on the night of the 29th December during a bombing raid of the city. This was the time when one of the most famous photographs of the Second World War was taken – one of St Paul’s appearing through the smoke of the surrounding fires.
Produced and presented by Douglas Anderson.
Entertaining Angels Unawares: Angels in the Bible (2023)
The Bible is full of angels, from the cherubim in Ezekiel’s visions, to the strangers appearing to Abraham, to the messengers that bring the good news of Jesus’s birth to Mary and the shepherds in the Christmas stories.
Paula Gooder explores what angels are and what they do in the Old and New Testaments.
Dr Paula Gooder is Canon Chancellor of St Paul’s Cathedral and a distinguished Biblical Scho
Sticking With Love: Advent with saints of every tribe and nation (2023)
Bishop Arun Arora and Canon Paula Gooder share their passion for Advent, explore why Advent is the season for a ‘spiritual MOT’, and also reflect on some of the inspiring stories of faith, from Stormzy to Santa, in his new Advent book 'Stick With Love'. They talk about the difficult questions to be faced about unanswered prayer, finding hope instead of despair in a deeply troubled world, and why s
The Everyday Wild: A Spirituality of Urban Nature (2023)
Bob Gilbert talks about the wonders of inner-city nature, the pleasure and inspiration to be drawn from observing and connecting with the everyday, and explores whether it's possible to feel as close to God in the ordinary streets of a city as in the natural world.
Bob Gilbert is an urban naturalist, broadcaster, author and a long-standing campaigner for inner-city conservation. His book 'Ghost T
Stories from St Paul's: Sir Alexander Fleming
‘One sometimes finds what one is not looking for…’
Undoubtedly one of the greatest in a pantheon of great Scots is Sir Alexander Fleming, whose discovery of penicillin in 1928 revolutionised medicine, and has saved millions of lives. Today, a memorial plaque in the Crypt of St Paul’s marks the place where his ashes were laid to rest.
Produced and presented by Douglas Anderson.
Robot Souls: AI and what it means to be human (2023)
Artificial intelligence is in the news. Eve Poole and Paula Gooder talk about what AI really is and whether we should be frightened by it, hopeful, excited or all three.
They explore the role that philosophers and theologians need to have in developing AI, and why it draws us into the big questions about existence: What does it means to be human? What is a soul? What really matters about human l
God Is Not A White Man (2023)
What does it mean when – from our internal assumptions to our shared cultural understandings – God is presented as white? Chine McDonald reflects on what happens when we face hard and painful truths about race, identity and the imago Dei - the idea that every human, no matter what their colour, has a special quality that resembles the divine beauty of God.
Chine McDonald is the Director of Theos
Stories from St Paul's: The Great Fire of London
In September 1666, five days would change the history and future of London - and St Paul's Cathedral - forever: The Great Fire of London. The medieval Cathedral of Old St Paul's was at first considered safe, however it would not remain so. This episode explores what happened during this catastrophic fire - and just what came next.
Produced and presented by Douglas Anderson.
My Spirit Rejoices: Mary, the Mother of Jesus (2023)
[The text of the pieces of music in this audio file can be accessed at https://www.stpauls.co.uk/sites/default/files/2023-09/Texts%20and%20Tranlations.pdf]
Rowan Williams explores Mary’s life in the Gospels, from the Annunciation to the Cross and Pentecost: a story where heaven and earth come close together. He says that her story frames the life of Jesus, inviting us to ponder, as she does, the
Holy Imagination: poetry and authority in the Bible - Sept 2023
What does it mean to bring our imaginations to reading the Bible? Professor Judy Fentress-Williams says the Bible is there to guide us, challenge us, confuse us, inspire us, and that bringing our honest questions to the text can lead us into deeper truths and a deeper relationship with God.
Biblical scholars Judy Fentress-Williams and Paula Gooder talk about the beautiful, inspiring and difficu
Julian Of Norwich: Environmental Wisdom for the 21st Century (2023)
Julian of Norwich was a 14th century mystic, theologian and writer. Her revelatory visions of God’s love for all creation went against the prevailing and sometimes harsh doctrine of the times, and have inspired many since.
Claire Gilbert explores how Julian’s spirituality can help awaken and transform our ecological consciousness, showing us how to live in such a way that we cease to do harm to c
