The Sacred
The Sacred is a podcast about our deepest values, the stories that shape us and how we can build empathy and understanding between people who are very different. Each episode features a conversation with someone who has a public voice, from academics to journalists, playwrights and politicians. We ask them where they have come from, what they are trying to do and what might help heal our very divided public conversations. The Sacred is hosted by Elizabeth Oldfield, former director of Theos.
Episodes
The Ancient Wisdom in Fairy Tales | Dr Sharon Blackie
Why do stories matter? Why have human beings always told stories - and what if the oldest stories still have something vital to teach us?In this episode of The Sacred, Elizabeth Oldfield sits down with psychologist, mythologist and bestselling author Dr Sharon Blackie to explore why myths and fairy tales aren't just relics of the past, but tools for making sense of life today.From a childhood
The Economics of the Life We Want with Sam Bowman
Whether we know it or not, economics shapes almost every part of our lives - where we live, whether we can afford children, how much time we have with the people we love, and even the choices we think are available to us. But most of us rarely stop to ask what economics is actually for.In this episode, Elizabeth Oldfield sits down with economist and Works in Progress editor Sam Bowman for a conver
"I'm Painfully British": What it Means to be British and Muslim Right Now | Mehreen Khan
What does it mean to be visibly Muslim in British public life right now? Mehreen Khan has been living that question since she was eleven years old - when 9/11 turned her faith into something she had to defend.She's now Economics Editor at The Times, the first woman and first person of colour in the role, and one of the most outspoken Muslim voices in mainstream British journalism. We cover:• W
Boarding School Britain and The Things We Normalise | Hugo Rifkind
Hugo Rifkind has spent his career observing power. He also grew up inside it — and never quite felt he belonged there. In this episode, he talks about:• The Scottish boarding school where violence was a point of pride... until a public inquiry forced the question• About being Jewish in public life since October 7th, and what it felt like when the people his community relied on weren't there• T
Psychedelics, Consciousness and Changing Your Mind | Michael Pollan
Michael Pollan tried psychedelics at 55. What he found changed everything he thought he knew.Michael is not a mystic or a guru. He is the kind of writer that scientists, doctors and serious intellectuals trust - someone who changed the way millions of people think about food, farming and the natural world. So when Michael Pollan tried psychedelics at 55 and came back saying the certainties had sta
Bake Off, Alopecia & Learning to Be Yourself with Jasmine Mitchell
What happens after winning Bake Off? Jasmine Mitchell joins us to talk about perfectionism, alopecia, self-image, and learning to be fully yourself in a world obsessed with image.Jasmine reflects on growing up in a home shaped by hospitality, losing her hair as a teenager, learning to let go of perfection, and the unexpected journey that took her from medical school to winning British Bake Off 202
Why I’m Still Hooked On This Podcast (After 9 Years!)
Nearly a decade into The Sacred, we’re still doing the same thing: having honest and curious conversations with people who see the world differently.We're wondering why - like the return of spring - seeking to understand another person at a deep level never seems to get old. There's something about learning to truly understand people outside our “tribe” that feels challenging and pleasurable all a
The Myth of the Neutral Human with Leah Libresco Sargeant
The world wasn’t built for everyone. Leah Libresco Sargeant on feminism, care, and the myth of the “neutral” human.Join our community of people listening curiously to different perspectives: https://www.youtube.com/@thesacredpodcast/videos Leah has spent her life following philosophy to its limits, from Kantian questions of moral truth to reckoning with human vulnerability. Her journey reveals wha
Are You Living a Life You Didn’t Choose? With Dr Rangan Chatterjee
What actually shapes the life you’re living - your own choices, or the ones you inherited?In this episode of The Sacred, we are with Dr Rangan Chatterjee exploring the moments that force our values to the surface - births, deaths and major life events - and how they can reset the direction of our lives.An Indian immigrant doctor, his father worked relentlessly to give his family opportunities — bu
I Don’t Believe in the Sacred | Doubt, Reading and Muddling Through with Stig Abell
We spoke to Stig Abell on how to live if nothing is ultimately sacred. Elizabeth Oldfield and Stig explore detective fiction and our longing for justice, the consolations of books in an age of infinite scroll, the quiet crises many of us are living through, and whether “muddling along” might be the most honest way live. This is a conversation about meaning and what remains when you’re not sure the
Can We Save the Family by Abolishing It? With Sophie Lewis
In this episode, Elizabeth Oldfield is joined by political theorist and author Sophie Lewis to explore one of the most provocative ideas: the abolition of the family.Reflecting on her own complicated adolescence, Sophie asks what it would mean to reorganise society around love and collective care rather than accumulation?Drawing on her book, Abolish the Family, Sophie argues that the nuclear famil
Why Love, Not Wealth, Changes Everything with Jo Colman
In this episode of The Sacred, Elizabeth Oldfield is joined by Jo Colman - great-great-great grandchild of the founder of Colman’s Mustard and now Chief Mint Officer of the family business, Summerdown - to explore a radically different story about generational wealth, power, business and belonging.Jo reflects on growing up with deep security and love, how that shaped his sense of responsibility, a
The Cost of Integrity: Inside the Trump Administration with Elizabeth Neumann
Elizabeth Neumann, a former senior official in the Trump Administration, reflects on why she felt called to serve, what she witnessed from inside government, and how her commitment to integrity ultimately led her to step away.In this conversation, she and Elizabeth Oldfield reflect on how extremism takes root, the role of integrity in polarised times, and why love, accountability, and formation ma
George Monbiot on Exposing Power and the Fight to Save Our Planet
In this episode Elizabeth Oldfield speaks with writer, environmentalist, and activist George Monbiot - a fiercely anti-establishment voice shaped by resistance, trauma, and a refusal to become what Britain’s elite institutions tried to make him.We discuss:- Why the language we use around the environment and climate change, isn't sufficient - Growing up with buried histories of English fascism
Let's Slow Down and Read Some Poems to See the Year Out | Elizabeth Oldfield
In this special end-of-year reflection episode of The Sacred, we're slowing down and seeing the season out with some of Elizabeth's favourite poems. Take a moment to sit with darkness and light, to reflect on the year, and to rest in words that have carried us through conversations about grief, migration, identity, hope and moral courage.Elizabeth reads some of the poems that have steadied
Why Good People in the Church Look Away: Abuse, Power and Protecting the Mission
Elizabeth Oldfield speaks with Andrew Graystone about his role in uncovering the serial abuser John Smyth and the institutional cover-ups within the Church that kept the truth hidden.Andrew is a Writer, Broadcaster and Activist. He shares the story behind his new book Bleeding for Jesus and the hidden patterns that shape the lives of Christian leaders. He reflects on why institutions so often cove
Cathy Newman on Truth, Whistleblowing, and Holding the Powerful to Account
In this live episode of The Sacred, Elizabeth Oldfield sits down with Channel 4 journalist Cathy Newman to the moments that guided her toward investigative journalism and a lifelong commitment to seeking truth. They talk about:✍️Investigative journalism and its role in holding power accountable ⛪ Investigating John Smyth's abuse in the Church of England✖️Navigating public scrutiny, social medi
How We Lost the Art of Listening - and How to Get It Back | The Sacred Podcast TRAILER
The world is overwhelming. Every day we’re bombarded with noise, outrage, and content designed to distract, numb, or divide us. It’s changing us...and not always for the better.We created the Sacred Podcast as a response to the chaos. It’s more than a podcast - it’s a space to slow down, reflect, and listen deeply. A place to practice empathy, curiosity, and understanding in a world that often rew
The Strangeness That Makes Us: David Bennett on Queerness, Polarisation & God
How can you reconcile all parts of your identity in an increasingly polarised landscape?After a mystical experience in a Sydney bar, David Bennett found himself shifting from queer theory and student politics towards a surprising new centre of gravity: the Christian faith. Today he describes himself as a gay celibate Christian, someone living between two tribes often assumed to be incompatible.In
Documenting Cults, Killers & White Supremacists with Mobeen Azhar
Award-winning journalist and filmmaker Mobeen Azhar and Elizabeth Oldfield to talk about his extraordinary career telling hidden and untold stories - from interviewing white supremacists, extremists, drug dealers, and killers; exposing police corruption, cults, and cover-ups; and told raw stories from inside prisons, mosques, and nightclubs. In an age of outrage and dehumanisation, Mobeen's journa
The Healing Power of Humour in Grief with Cariad Lloyd
Grief, peace, and the search for steadiness of soul - comedian, writer and Griefcast host Cariad Lloyd joins Elizabeth Oldfield to talk about the gift and absurdity of grief. Cariad opens up about her father’s death, comedy as survival, and the small, sacred acts that keep her grounded. She also shares what it means to raise her kids with honesty about loss and how humour helps us stay human in th
Why We Need to Talk About Class, Privilege, and Race with Jeffrey Boakye
Why honest conversations about race, class and power make us defensive - and why should we face them anyway.Author, teacher and broadcaster Jeffrey Boakye joins Elizabeth Oldfield to talk about truth, joy, race and power and why he believes we can’t fix what we’re too scared to face.We speak about:👊🏾 Jeffrey's fusion of Black British identities from growing up in Brixton ✏️ The role of a teach
Trees, Magic, and Why Ancient Wisdom Still Matters with Philip Carr-Gomm
What can an ancient tradition like Druidry teach us about living well today?In this episode of The Sacred Podcast, Elizabeth Oldfield speaks with Philip Carr-Gomm, psychologist, author, and longtime leader of the Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids. They explore how trees and nature are sacred, the meaning of magic in everyday life, and why ancient wisdom traditions might be exactly what we need in
Immigration: Fear, Compassion and the Real Enemy with Rod Dreher and Elizabeth Oldfield
Elizabeth Oldfield and Rod Dreher tackle one of the most urgent and contentious questions of our time: how should nations, and individuals, relate to migrants in our midst? How do we balance compassion for migrants with the protection of vulnerable citizens? How does Christianity shape responsibilities to strangers? And why do honest conversations about these issues so often spiral into demonisati
The Hidden Cost of Being a Content Creator | Jade Bowler (UnjadedJade) on Burnout, Loneliness & the Authenticity Battle
In a world where half of young people UK dream of becoming influencers, Jade Bowler delves into the hidden costs of this career - from burnout and loneliness to the struggle for authenticity. Jade Bowler (@UnJadedJade ) is an author, content creator, podcaster, and one of the UK’s first “StudyTubers.” Since starting her YouTube channel at 16, Jade has built a global audience and is shaping a gener
Ask Me Anything | Forgiveness, Comparison & Finding Community with Elizabeth Oldfield & Joe Downy
In this special Ask Me Anything episode, Elizabeth Oldfield sits down with our new producer Joe, to answer some of the most moving, interesting, and challenging questions we’ve ever received.We go deep into topics of loneliness, forgiveness, parenting, the risks and rewards of finding a community, the disappointment of unmet dreams and the question of representation on the podcast.We were surprise
Ask Us a Question👇
We’re putting together a Q+A episode and would love to hear what’s on your mind right now.If you're new here, we're all about deep conversations, exploring spirituality and our values, relational dilemmas and how to live together well, and of course talking about how to be when the world is in crisis.We welcome both big and small questions for Elizabeth and the podcast team!How to send👇 💌- Drop th
Why Connection Matters Most in Crisis
In this reflection episode, Elizabeth steps back from interviews to ask: what’s really staying with me from these conversations?We explore themes of gender, division, fear, and the deep longing for connection in a time when everything can feel like it’s falling apart - politically, socially and spiritually.We talk about:Why gender is so hard to talk about without blameThe “polycrisis” and our coll
From Republican Darling to Political Outcast with David French
What happens when standing by your principles means losing your community?David French was once a Republican darling - a military veteran in Iraq, a pro-life lawyer, and a defender of religious liberty. But when he publicly opposed Donald Trump in 2016, everything changed. His church turned on him, his family received threats, and he became controversial figure in political and religious debates.I
What’s Driving Young Men to Conservatism? Daniel Turner on Masculinity, Abortion & A Crisis of Faith
After three incredible years, we're saying goodbye to our producer, Daniel Turner. We sat down with him to reflect on his journey, asking what's making young men conservative?In this special episode of The Sacred, we debrief on what it's like to work on the podcast, explore how leadership failures challenged his faith, talk about masculinity, abortion and the influence of figures like Andrew Tate
Seeking Goodness When Good is Losing with Christine Emba
In this bonus episode, Elizabeth Oldfield and Christine Emba dive deep into the heart of what it means to live a good life in turbulent times. Recorded in Washington, DC, this intimate discussion explores vulnerability, community, and finding hope when the world feels overwhelming. 🎙️ Follow The Sacred: linktr.ee/sacredpodcast 📖 Follow Elizabeth Oldfield: www.elizabetholdfield.com/ 💡 Produced by t
Why Western Wellness Can’t Heal Us: Fariha Róisín on Trauma, Islam & Capitalism
Fariha Róisín is a poet, Muslim, and survivor of extreme childhood trauma. In this raw, soul-baring conversation, they speak about the long road from abuse to healing - via Islam, queerness, Ayahuasca, and a radical reimagining of wellness.This is not your typical conversation about wellness, it's about what healing really takes and why the current wellness industry often gets it so wrong.🎧 In thi
Why a Gay Atheist Still Believes Christianity Matters – with Jonathan Rauch
We sat down with Jonathan Rauch - a gay, Jewish atheist - to explore his remarkable journey from accepting his sexuality and rejecting religion to becoming a key voice advocating for same-sex marriage and the vital role of Christianity in sustaining liberal, secular democracy.Key topics include:- Jonathan's personal wrestle with his sexuality and eventual acceptance- His commitment to gay and lesb
Caitlin Moran on the Masculinity Crisis, Raising Boys & the Manosphere
Bestselling author Caitlin Moran made waves with her 2011 feminist classic How to Be a Woman. Now, she’s calling for an urgent conversation about the crisis of modern masculinity.In this special live episode of The Sacred, Elizabeth Oldfield and Daniel Turner sit down with Caitlin for a hilarious, moving, and deeply honest conversation that challenges what we think we know about men, women, gender
How to Find Meaning in the Life You Already Have | Joshua Luke Smith
Driven by a hunger for more, Joshua Luke Smith opens up about his journey with ADHD, addiction, and the unraveling and deconstruction of his faith. In this honest conversation, he invites us to lay down hustle culture, live poetically, and rediscover the sacred in the life we already have.Together with Elizabeth Oldfield, Joshua reflects on his childhood as a missionary kid in Pakistan, the challe
Gen Z Christian Revival? What I Learnt Living Amongst Young Christian Converts
Elizabeth Oldfield and author Lamorna Ash and take us on an unexpected journey through faith, doubt, and contemporary spirituality. Fresh from writing her groundbreaking book "Don't Forget We're Here Forever", Lamorna shares her search for meaning, her remarkable immersion in Christianity and her exploration of the surprising ways young people are rediscovering religion.---🎙️ Follow The Sacred: li
Don't Stop Listening to Conservative Voices: a Sacred Reflection
Elizabeth Oldfield reflects on our latest episodes — and how the mood of our audience is changing in a world of wars, elections, and rising turbulence. She offers a powerful reminder: by choosing to listen, and stepping outside our algorithmic echo chambers, we can resist the forces driving us apart.---🎟️ Book your ticket for the SACRED LIVE: https://linktr.ee/sacredpodcast🎙️ Follow The Sacred: li
Israel-Gaza: Can two things be true? With Richard Allen Greene
How do we recognise the humanity on both sides of the Israel-Gaza conflict? Elizabeth Oldfield asks CNN's former Jerusalem Bureau Chief, Richard Allen Greene about journalism, his Jewish faith, and human understanding in the midst of the Israel-Gaza conflict.Key Moments:- Inside the CNN Jerusalem Bureau during October 7th- The challenge of reporting on the Israel-Gaza war- Navigating personal
From Foster Care to Olympic Gold with Kriss Akabusi
Elizabeth spoke to Olympic legend Kriss Akabusi reveals the extraordinary journey from a challenging childhood foster care during the Nigerian civil war, to becoming a world-class athlete and inspirational figure.We spoke about:💪 How discipline and sports became his pathway to self-discovery🇳🇬 Reconnecting with his Nigerian roots and identity after years of rejecting it🎙️ His spiritual awakening a
The Man Behind Brexit: Online Privacy, Business and Backlash in Public Life
Matthew Elliott joins Elizabeth Oldfield in his first interview since Brexit to talk about how he became the man behind the Brexit campaign and now a champion of social mobility through business. Elliott shares insights into his family's influence, his political awakening, and the principles that have guided his controversial yet impactful career. He offers a candid look inside the Brexit refe
Could Machines Ever Replace Mothers? with Chine McDonald
Elizabeth speaks with Chine McDonald about her new "Motherhood vs The Machine" podcast, which explores the intersection of motherhood, productivity, technology, and what it means to be human.She discusses the shift in motherhood discourse, womanhood, the challenges of navigating motherhood in professional life, the focus on motherhood vs. parenting, confronting miscarriage and baby loss,
Where Evangelicalism Went Wrong with Shane Claiborne
Writer and activist Shane Claiborne calls out the hypocrisy within fundamentalist Evangelical Christianity in America, advocating for a return to the radical compassion of Jesus.Shane challenges what it means to truly be "pro-life," challenges its entanglement with Christian nationalism, and its allegiance to Donald Trump. As he unpacks these priorities, he wrestles with what to keep, wh
Trailer: Motherhood vs The Machine
Announcing a new four-part documentary podcast, Motherhood vs The Machine, where hosts Chine McDonald and Dr Madeleine Pennington look at what motherhood teaches us about what it means to be human.The work of motherhood has always been changed by technological advancement: from the nipple shield to the feeding bottle and breast pump. But as technological advancement accelerates and a future of art
Jameela Jamil: How Algorithms Are Breaking Society
Jameela Jamil joins us for a conversation about her rise to fame, the dangers of divisive echo chambers, and her decision to reject harmful beauty narratives.With her signature wit and vulnerability, Jameela’s dives into toxic beauty standards, the destructive anti-aging narrative that has plagued women for generations, and the deep-rooted values that inspire Jameela to use her platform as a force
The Problem with DEI and Why I Voted for Brexit with Conservative Philosopher James Orr
Elizabeth Oldfield and James Orr discuss the relationship between the sacred and the secular, and his conservative political views on Brexit, and his critique of Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion policies.James Orr is the Associate Professor of the Philosophy of Religion at the University of Cambridge.This episode offers a unique and insightful exploration of the sacred in the modern world, touch
Do We Inherit Mental Illness? with ABC Journalist James Longman
ABC Foreign News Correspondent James Longman speaks to Elizabeth Oldfield about the emotional toll he faces as a journalist reporting from war zones, the challenges of being a gay journalist in dangerous regions abroad, and the intergenerational impact of mental illness within his own family.
If you enjoy episodes of The Sacred don't forget to hit subscribe to be notified whenever we release an e
Why is Gen Z Having an Identity Crisis? With Freya India
Why are resilience and mental health such critical issues for Generation Z? Elizabeth Oldfield and Freya India discuss the influence of social media, individualism, left-wing ideas and changes in parenting on Gen Z.
We explore themes such as divorce and family breakdown, the pervasive influence of the mental health narratives on youth and the search for identity and spiritual meaning in a disenc
Q&A: Faith vs Doubt, The Loneliness Crisis, Will I Convert to Islam?
Elizabeth, Dan and Amari discuss various questions from their audience such as, How did Elizabeth find the Atheism debate? How do I navigate uncertainty and doubt in my faith? Will humans always be a bit lonely? Can Christianity be inclusive of other religions? How can we avoid constructing our own God?
And more!
Chapters
00:00:00 - Intro
00:01:08 - How did you find the Atheism panel debate?
00:0
Rethinking Sin with Clementine Morrigan (Bonus Episode)
In this special bonus episode of The Sacred, we are glad to share a conversation Elizabeth had with writer and podcaster Clementine Morrigan on her podcast 'Fucking Cancelled'.
In this conversation they discussed Elizabeth's book Fully Alive, taking a deep dive into her thinking around Lust, Wrath and what Christian's mean by 'God' at all.
Clementine is a former guest on The Sacred. Be sure to c
Ask us anything
Send us your questions and thoughts that you'd like Elizabeth (+ the wider team) to cover in an upcoming Q+A episode! 💌
Whether it’s a question relating to an episode or guest, questions for our production team or about the Sacred project, we'd love to hear your thoughts. We'd happily accept voice notes or videos too.
📩 How to Send Your Questions:
- Drop them in the comments below
- DM us on
Between God and Atheism with Alex O'Connor, Rowan Williams, Philip Goff and Jack Symes
Elizabeth Oldfield joins panel of leading thinkers from across the philosophical and religious spectrum come together to grapple with some of life's biggest questions on God, atheism, and the meaning of life.
The panelists - including Elizabeth Oldfield, Rowan Williams, Alex O'Connor, and Philip Goff - engage in a lively debate exploring the origins of the universe, the problem of suffering, and
Why we Stick to "People Like Us" (and Why That's a Problem) with Jon Yates
Why do we so often surround ourselves with people just like us? In this thought-provoking conversation, Elizabeth Oldfield speaks to author and social innovator Jon Yates about how 'people like me' syndrome plays out in our personal lives, communities, and society at large.
We have noticed this theme pop up numerous times in our latest series and so join us as we look back on series 11 and explo
Befriending the KKK and Dismantling Racism with Daryl Davis
Daryl Davis shares a unique perspective on the motivations behind white supremacy and what it takes to see the gradual transformation of KKK members.
Hosts Elizabeth Oldfield and Alex Evans, delve into the extraordinary story of Daryl Davis, a Blues musician who has spent decades befriending and dialoguing with members of the Ku Klux Klan. Driven by a deep curiosity to understand the roots of rac
Porn, Feminism and Misogyny in the Media with Sarah Ditum
Sarah Ditum delves into her journey through the strands of feminism, the misogynistic "upskirt decade" - the invasive celebrity culture of the late 90s and 2000s that often exploited and shamed young women, and her views on the role of pornography and its impact on mainstream culture.
Sarah is a critic and columnist for The Times and The Sunday Times, and author of the book "Toxic: Women and the
Scandals, Faith Crises & the Spiritual Realm with Rod Dreher
Rod Dreher and Elizabeth Oldfield delve into Rod's coverage of the Catholic sex abuse scandal, converting to Eastern Orthodoxy, his views on immigration and Donald Trump and supernatural experiences.
If you enjoy episodes of The Sacred don't forget to hit subscribe to be notified whenever we release an episode!
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Father James Martin on Chastity, Controversy & Building Bridges with LGBTQ Catholics
Father James Martin and our host, Elizabeth Oldfield discuss his journey to becoming a Catholic priest and the Jesuit motto of finding God in everything. We spoke about the difficulty of living a life of chastity, becoming a vocal advocate for LGBTQ inclusion within the Catholic Church and navigating backlash as a public figure.
If you enjoy episodes of The Sacred don't forget to hit subscribe to
Converting to Islam and the Pursuit of Meaning with Dr Timothy Winter (Abdal Hakim Murad)
Elizabeth Oldfield sits down with renowned Islamic theologian Dr. Timothy Winter (Abdal Hakim Murad) to explore his journey to Islam and the depth and richness that he finds within the Islamic spiritual tradition.
Dr. Winter shares the story of his own transformative journey, from attending a Christian school to a deep immersion in the world of Islam.
Beyond his personal narrative, Dr. Winter
Becoming the People We Need at the End of the World with Sarah Wilson
From two different spiritual perspectives, we explore what it means to remain connected, rooted and to live a meaning-filled life in these turbulent times.
Drawing from their personal experiences and spiritual journeys, they delve into the nature of the sacred, the importance of relationships and community, and the practical steps we can take to resist being poorly formed in these times of uncert
The Rise of Tarot, Astrology and New Age Spirituality with Psychic Dr Kate Tomas
We sit down with Dr. Kate Tomas, a philosopher and spiritual mentor, to discuss her experience as a psychic, and the rising discussion about younger generations and New Age/spiritual practices.
Elizabeth Oldfield speaks to Kate about her upbringing and what led her to psychic work, how 'intuitive wisdom' is used by many of the world's wealthiest people, why young people are drawn to astrology an
Can We Have Empathy in the Face of Evil? With Gwen Adshead
We sit down with Dr. Gwen Adshead, a renowned forensic psychologist and psychotherapist, to explore her remarkable approach to understanding and treating the most disturbing human behaviours and experiences.
Elizabeth Oldfield speaks to Gwen about finding the sacred and the transcendent even in the darkest corners of the human experience. Through her unique lens, she bridges the divide between vi
What Does It Mean To Live Vulnerably? With Philosopher Sam Kimbriel
In this episode, recorded at the 2024 Aspen Ideas Festival, Elizabeth Oldfield chats with Sam Kimbriel about how nature shapes his worldview, the growing loneliness epidemic, and the power of vulnerable friendships. Discover why philosophy is more than just an academic exercise—it’s a tool for thinking deeply and living fully.
Sam Kimbriel is a political philosopher, author, and founding director
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Two Couples, One Roof: The Power of Communal Living
Join Elizabeth Oldfield and her housemates as they dive into their unconventional living arrangement, where two couples share a home in a close-knit, intentional community.
In this episode, we explore the motivations behind choosing such a radically interconnected lifestyle and the profound impact it has on combating loneliness, pride and fostering connection.
We discuss the challenges and rewa
Tim Dixon: Finding Common Ground in a Polarised World
In this episode, Elizabeth Oldfield interviewed Tim Dixon about the limitations of politics in creating change, the tragic death of friend Jo Cox, and the importance of addressing the issue of polarisation and division in politics.
Tim Dixon is a social entrepreneur and the co-founder of More in Common, an organisation, in the US, UK, Germany and France, that is working to unite our increasing po
Subverting Culture Through Art with Lakwena Maciver
Elizabeth Oldfield speaks to Lakwena Maciver about processing emotions, navigating comparison and using her artwork to speak powerful messages to herself and wider culture.
Lakwena is a London-based artist who combines colour and bold text to inspire joy and the gentle subversion of cultural messaging. Her work has been shown internationally with brands such as H&M, Fiorucci & Mini, and at instit
Peter Hitchens: Is Post-God Britain Beyond Saving?
Peter Hitchens, Conservative journalist and author, is interviewed by host of The Sacred podcast, Elizabeth Oldfield.
In this episode, we spoke about Peter's finding and losing faith in socialism, the role of journalism in forming our opinions, and his unexpected encounter with God.
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📖 Follow Elizabeth Oldfield: www.elizabetholdfield.com/
💡 Produce
Caroline Lucas: Could Imagination Solve Our Political and Climate Crisis?
Caroline Lucas, British Politician and former leader of the Green Party is interviewed by host of The Sacred podcast, Elizabeth Oldfield.
In this episode, Caroline talks about the formation of an MP, the challenges of the political system, the role of imagination and spirituality in tackling the climate crisis, and how we can reimagine a different story about England.
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Leading Psychologist on The Transformative Power of Awe
Dacher Keltner is interviewed by Elizabeth Oldfield about counter-cultural upbringings, individualism awe, and the benefits of connecting to something bigger than yourself.
Dacher is a Professor of Psychology and a leading Emotion Scientist. He hosts a podcast and has written the book 'Awe', calling us to cultivate lives that are guided by the powerful force of awe.
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Luke Turner on Sexuality, Overcoming Shame, and Surviving Abuse
Luke is a Music Journalist, Co-Founder of The Quietus and Writer of 'Out of the Woods', a memoir about sexuality, shame and the lure of the trees.
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📖 Follow Elizabeth Oldfield: www.elizabetholdfield.com/
💡 Produced by the Theos Think Tank: www.theosthinktank.co.uk/
✨ Find out more about Luke's work: https://twitter.com/LukeTurnerEsq
Gretchen Rubin on How to Find Happiness in the Ordinary
In this episode, Gretchen speaks about her love of children's literature, why St Therese of Lisieux is her spiritual teacher, and why we might need a seminary for accidental gurus.
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📖 Follow Elizabeth Oldfield: www.elizabetholdfield.com/
💡 Produced by the Theos Think Tank: www.theosthinktank.co.uk/
✨ Find out more about Gretchen's work: https://gret
How to Become Fully Alive with Elizabeth Oldfield
Elizabeth Oldfield, writer and host of The Sacred podcast, alongside The Sacred producer Daniel Turner introduce a brand new series of The Sacred. Themed around her latest book ‘Fully Alive’, Elizabeth speaks about finding steadiness in our turbulent times, community and the desperate need for a rebranding of the word ‘sin’. She also discusses her hopes and fears for the release of her book.
🎙️
Elizabeth Oldfield on Values, Vulnerability, and the Limitations of Social Media
This series of The Sacred Elizabeth spoke with eight fascinating individuals about their core values, and how the messages, philosophies and experiences from their childhood shaped them into the people they are today.
She spoke with Greg Wise, Clementine Morrigan, Chris Packham, Katherine May, Freddie Sayers, Elizabeth Alker, Sunder Katwala and Jonathan Haidt.
In this reflection episode, Elizab
Jonathan Haidt on Religion, Psychedelics and the Anxious Generation
Jonathan Haidt is a social psychologist, author and professor at New York University Stern School of Business. He is the author of a number of highly influential books including The Happiness Hypothesis (2006), The Righteous Mind (2012), The Coddling of the American Mind (2018), and The Anxious Generation (2024).
Jonathan spoke about the importance of truth, his atheism, experiences of using psyc
Sunder Katwala on Race, Identity and Reimagining Patriotism
Sunder Katwala is the Director of the think tank, British Future. who have worked on issues such as immigration and identity. He was formerly General Secretary of the Fabian Society, and before that, he was a journalist and a leader writer for The Observer.
Sunder spoke about growing up Irish Catholic, why he's broadly optimistic about the trajectory around race and identity in the UK, and why
Elizabeth Alker on Fairness, Foster Care, and Accent Stigma
Elizabeth Alker is a BBC Radio 3 presenter, and previously spent several years working at BBC Radio 6 Music.
Elizabeth spoke about growing up with parents who fostered, the role of faith in her life, fairness as a sacred value and her reflections on being northern.
Read the full transcript here: https://www.theosthinktank.co.uk/comment/2024/03/13/elizabeth-alker-on-fairness-foster-care-and-accen
Freddie Sayers on Political Tribalism and Questioning the Status Quo
Freddie Sayers is Editor-in-Chief of UnHerd and host of the podcast UnHerd with Freddie Sayers. He was the former Editor-in-Chief of YouGov and founder of Politics Home.
Freddie spoke about his sacred value of beauty, his unconventional path into political journalism, why he began to question some of the underlying logic and culture of liberalism, his outspoken criticism of lockdown policy's duri
Katherine May on Everyday Wonder and How to Not Be a Guru
Katherine May is the author of multiple books, both fiction and memoir, including the much celebrated Wintering and The Electricity of Every Living Thing. She most recently authored the book Enchantment: Reawakening Wonder in an Exhausted Age, and is the host of the very popular podcast How We Live Now.
Katherine spoke about seasons of life, finding wonder in the everyday, class, autism, the weir
Chris Packham on Love, Grief, and Autism
Chris Packham is a naturalist, nature photographer and TV Presenter best known for his 40 years of work in television on programmes such as CBBC's The Really Wild Show and the BBC's Springwatch.
Chris spoke about his childhood, and the challenges of growing up with undiagnosed autism, the influence punk had, and has, on him, and experiences of religious diversity in the home.
Find out more abou
Clementine Morrigan on Trauma, Alcohol Recovery, and Challenging Cancel Culture from the Left
*Content Note*
This episode briefly touches on early chapters of Clementine's life where she was sexually abused as a minor. Listener caution, especially if listening with young children around, is advised.
Clementine Morrigan is a writer and podcaster known for her active challenging of cancel culture from a leftist perspective. After her own cancellation in 2020 she began the Fucking Cancelle
Greg Wise on the Transcendent Dimensions of Nature, Death, and Acting
Greg Wise is an actor and film producer best known for his roles in Sense and Sensibility and The Crown. In 2018 he published Not That Kind Of Love, a memoir co-written with his sister Clare about the process of her dying and him taking care of her. He is also known for standing next to his wife, Emma Thompson on the red carpet.
Greg spoke about his love for rock climbing and solitude in nature,
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