Nomad Podcast is an independent, listener-supported show that has run for over 15 years, exploring open-hearted conversations about faith, doubt, and belonging. It offers a distinctly British perspective on Christian spirituality, drawing on voices from within and beyond the Christian tradition. Episodes feature interviews and discussions that wrestle honestly with questions of belief and community.
Episodes
Brian McLaren – What Is Spirituality For?
What is spirituality actually for?Public theologian, author and activist Brian McLaren returns to Nomad to explore that question through his new novel The Great Rift. We talk about ritual, belonging and the power — and danger — of trying to engineer spiritual outcomes. Along the way we ask whether spiritual practices need God, what happens when we borrow rituals from different traditions,
Roger Gottlieb – Loving a Wounded World
For generations, the natural world has been somewhere we go for refuge: to quiet the noise, regain perspective and feel held by something larger than ourselves. But what happens when rising heat, wildfire smoke and disappearing wildlife make that refuge itself feel less safe?Professor of philosophy Roger Gottlieb, author of Nature Spirituality and Environmental Crisis, explores ecological
Liz Bucar – Borrowing, Belonging & Religion After Belief (N378)
Wellness culture promises us healthier bodies, calmer minds and longer lives. But what if that still isn’t enough?In this conversation, Beyond Wellness author and religious ethicist Liz Bucar explores what gets lost when spiritual practices are detached from the traditions, communities and worldviews that gave them meaning. We discuss the difference between wellness and genuine flourishin
Carmen Acevedo Butcher - Love Beyond Certainty (N377)
For many of us, faith was handed to us as certainty: right beliefs, right answers, and a God who could be clearly defined, defended and explained. But what happens when certainty begins to fall away? In this conversation, Carmen Acevedo Butcher returns to Nomad to explore The Cloud of Unknowing, the anonymous medieval text that insists God “can be loved but not thought.”Together we ask wh
Pádraig Ó Tuama – Desire, Anger and Becoming Almost New (N376)
Pádraig Ó Tuama returns to Nomad for a conversation about the stories we inherit, the desires we’re taught to mistrust, and what happens when religious language gets tangled up with shame. We talk about scripture, poetry, anger, masculinity, friendship and the strange ways God can remain present even after religion has caused harm.Along the way, Pádraig reflects on exorcisms and reparativ
Bart Ehrman – Are We All Followers of Jesus? (N375)
In this conversation, bestselling historian Bart Ehrman argues that ideas we now take for granted—caring for strangers, helping those in need and expanding our moral concern beyond family and tribe—were anything but obvious in the ancient world.Bart has spent much of his career challenging traditional Christian beliefs. But in Love Thy Stranger he makes a surprising historical case for Ch
Shannon Kearns – Improvising Manhood (N374)
What does it mean to become a man? And who teaches us how? In this episode, Tim is joined by author Shannon Kearns to explore the stories, expectations and assumptions that shape masculinity. Drawing on his experience as a trans man, Shannon offers a unique perspective on what it means to consciously navigate a world that many assume comes naturally.Together they explore male loneliness,
Swami Padmanabha – Truth, Tradition and the Courage to Question (N373)
How do you hold onto a spiritual tradition after being deeply disappointed by the people who represent it? That's a question Swami Padmanabha — a Hindu monk, teacher and author of Evolution in Divine Love — has had to wrestle with more than once. Rather than walking away, those experiences led him into a deeper exploration of authority, uncertainty, love and the possibility that healthy t
Marissa Burt - The Myth of Good Christian Parenting (N372)
For many Christian parents, the message was simple: if you follow the biblical formula, your children will grow into faithful, flourishing adults. But what if those promises were never true? In this episode, Tim speaks with Marissa Burt, co-author of The Myth of Good Christian Parenting, about the rise of the evangelical parenting movement, the fears that fuelled it, and the hidden assump
Tina Schermer Sellers - Sex, Shame & Learning to Trust Our Bodies Again (N371)
In this episode, Tim talks with sex therapist and author Tina Schermer Sellers about the hidden legacy of religious sexual shame and the impact it can have on our relationships, our spirituality, and our sense of self. Drawing on decades of clinical experience, Tina explores how messages absorbed in childhood can shape the way we experience our bodies, desire, intimacy, and even our under
Abi Millar - Meaning, Mystery and Spirituality After Faith (N370)
Abi Millar grew up in a charismatic evangelical church where faith once felt vivid, immediate and full of certainty. But as questions about science, belief, heaven and hell began to press in, that certainty slowly unravelled. In this conversation, Tim talks with Abi about what it cost to leave, the freedom and loss that followed, and the spiritual hunger that eventually re-emerged after a
Damon Garcia - Calling, Capitalism & Becoming Yourself (N369)
In this episode, Damon Garcia joins us to explore the pressure of trying to find — and faithfully follow — God’s plan for your life. Growing up in a Pentecostal and charismatic church culture, Damon was taught that God had a specific calling for each person, and that missing it could mean missing the life you were meant to live. Damon reflects on the anxiety, striving, and self-surveillan
Mark Vernon - Silence and the Search for God (N368)
What if the deepest encounters with the divine are not dramatic or ecstatic, but quiet, steady, and hidden in ordinary life?Mark Vernon returns to Nomad to explore silence, mysticism, and the search for God after disillusionment. Reflecting on his own journey through priesthood, contemplative practice, psychotherapy and spiritual direction, Mark speaks about finding a form of Christianity
Giles Goddard, Halima Hussein & Natasha Chawla - Where Rivers Meet: Three Faith Traditions in Conversation (N367)
In this conversation, Giles Goddard and Halima Gosai Hussein are joined by Natasha Chawla for a wide-ranging exploration of faith, change, and the unexpected places where different spiritual rivers meet. Drawing on their journeys within Christianity, Islam, and Hindu philosophy, they reflect on the traditions they inherited, the moments that reshaped them, and what it means to remain root
Selina Stone – Why Do the Wicked Prosper? (N366)
In this special episode, theologian and author Selina Stone reflects on one of the oldest and most unsettling human questions: why do the wicked prosper?Drawing on scripture, history, and her own experience, Selina explores the anger, grief and moral disorientation that arise when cruelty and exploitation seem to flourish while justice is delayed.Rather than offering easy answers, she inv
Lucy Sixsmith - Soul Survivor, Surrender & the Cost of Being Special (N365)
Lucy Sixsmith joins Nomad to explore the world of Soul Survivor and the wider charismatic culture that shaped so many young Christians in the 1990s and 2000s. Drawing on her new book When the Music Fades, Lucy reflects on surrender language, “chosen generation” spirituality, and the subtle ways power can operate in spaces that feel warm, funny and down to earth.Together we ask what happen
Rupert Sheldrake - Psychedelics, Mysticism and the Mystery of Consciousness (N364)
Rupert Sheldrake joins us for a wide-ranging conversation that begins with psychedelics and quickly opens into bigger questions. Why do some experiences feel “more real than real”? What happens when the familiar boundaries of self dissolve, and the world returns charged with meaning, beauty, and presence?Along the way Rupert reflects on his own encounters with psychedelics, the long ritua
Meggan Watterson - Silenced Voices, Lost Christianities (N363)
In this episode, Tim speaks with feminist theologian and author Meggan Watterson about the Gospel of Mary and the Acts of Paul and Thecla — early Christian texts that didn’t make it into the New Testament. They explore what these stories reveal about the diversity of early Christianities, the formation of the biblical canon, and the ways women’s voices were preserved, reshaped, or silence
Hiroko Yoda – Half Belief Half Doubt and the Art of Paying Attention (N362)
In this gentle and quietly unsettling conversation, Hiroko Yoda invites us into a world where spirituality doesn’t begin with belief, but with attention. Drawing on her Japanese upbringing and her book Eight Million Ways to Happiness, Hiroko reflects on grief, ancestors, everyday ritual, and the idea of “half belief, half doubt” — a way of living that makes space for ambiguity rather than
![Rachel Mann — Identity, Darkness & Divine Mystery [Revisited] (N361)](https://img.transistorcdn.com/Ml2tqK0mbCRZJ27JqCs2kxCX-BysJMh7iWOGvNkai8M/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:1400/h:1400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS9lMWI1/ZWJkNGMxMWEwYTZl/YjVjYWFlYzk2YWMy/OTgzNC5qcGc.jpg)
Rachel Mann — Identity, Darkness & Divine Mystery [Revisited] (N361)
In this Nomad Revisited episode, we return to a 2017 conversation with Anglican priest, poet, and writer Rachel Mann. As the first trans person interviewed on Nomad, the exchange unfolds in a spirit of curiosity and vulnerability, with questions that are sometimes tentative and awkward, met by Rachel’s remarkable patience, clarity, and generosity of spirit.The conversation explores identi
Fundraiser Special – The Guests Get Curious (N360)
This episode began life as our 2025 Patreon fundraiser — but we’re releasing it here, freely, on the main feed, with a new intro and two additional questions!For this special episode, we invited last year’s guests to turn the tables and ask us whatever they liked. What came back was a rich, surprising mix of the playful, the personal, and the deeply searching. Questions came in from Rowan
Jarel Robinson-Brown – Love in a World on Fire (N359)
In this special episode, writer, priest and theologian Jarel Robinson-Brown reflects on the power of love in a world that so often feels fragile, unjust, and burning at the edges.Drawing on the story of his grandmother’s resilience and tenderness, the radical imagination of Mary, and the embodied life of Jesus, Jarel invites us to see Christian truth not as a text but as a life — love mad
Jayne Manfredi – Midlife, Menopause and Meaning (N358)
In this episode we speak with Anglican Deacon and writer Jayne Manfredi, whose work explores the female body as a place of truth-telling, theological insight and spiritual transformation. Jayne talks with striking honesty about midlife, menopause and the shifting experience of embodiment — the leaking, aching, changing realities many women learn to hide — and reflects on the Church’s pers
Helen Paynter - Faith, the Far Right and the Politics of Fear (N357)
As far-right movements gain visibility in Britain and beyond, many are drawing on Christian language, symbols and stories to justify exclusion and division. What happens when the gospel of love is co-opted by the politics of fear?In this conversation, theologian and Baptist minister Helen Paynter explores how theology, scripture and nationalism are becoming dangerously entangled. She refl
Sami Awad – Christ Consciousness Under Occupation (N356)
Palestinian peace activist Sami Awad has lived his whole life under military occupation. He’s witnessed violence, loss, and deep injustice. Yet rather than turning towards hatred or certainty, he’s journeyed into a spirituality rooted in compassion, healing, and what he calls Christ consciousness — a way of seeing that refuses separation and fear.In this conversation, Sami reflects on wha
Tim & Elliot Nash – A Year of Practice, Family & the Unexpected Sacred (N355)
Over the last year, Tim and his eleven-year-old son Elliot have been quietly experimenting with faith at home — exploring a different spiritual practice each month and discovering what happens when faith is lived, not just discussed. From gratitude and Sabbath to activism, creativity, and pilgrimage; from sawing coconuts and dismantling Hi-Fis to marching for their local library and hidin
John Philip Newell – Turning to Earth and Soul in the Quest for Healing and Home (N354)
Many of us have left behind the religion we inherited. But what, then, are we reaching for? In this conversation, Celtic teacher John Philip Newell reflects on what he calls the Great Search—a deep yearning for soul, earth, and home at a time of ecological breakdown and religious collapse. John Philip explores the tension between temple and wilderness, soul and ego, doctrine and direct ex
Jenny Biglands & Vicky Broadbent – Therapy, Nature and the Wild Within (N353)
In this conversation, Joy sits down with eco-therapists Jenny Biglands and Vicky Broadbent to explore the growing field of ecotherapy, where nature itself becomes a partner in the healing process.Jenny and Vicky reflect on their faith journeys, what led them into therapeutic work, and how moving outdoors has transformed their practice. They explore themes of power and vulnerability, showi
Selina Stone - Power Unmasked, Faith Reimagined (N352)
In this conversation, womanist theologian Selina Stone reflects on the hidden ways power is shaped by theology — and how theology, in turn, can be shaped by power. Drawing on her book A Heavy Yoke: Theology, Power and Abuse in the Church, she explores how divine calling, servant leadership, and spiritual authority can all become tools of control, especially in charismatic and evangelical
Halima Gosai Hussain & Giles Goddard - Two Faith Traditions, One Journey Toward Love and Justice (N351)
Halima Gosai Hussein is the former chair of the Inclusive Mosque Initiative. Giles Goddard is an Anglican priest and author of Generous Faith. On paper, their backgrounds could hardly be more different. But their paths converged through a shared commitment to inclusion — Giles in the work of building an open and affirming church, Halima through her leadership with the Inclusive Mosque Ini
Brian McLaren - Spirituality at the End of the World (N350)
In this episode, Tim chats with author and activist Brian McLaren about his new novel The Last Voyage, a provocative and emotionally rich exploration of what might happen when the powerful elite try to escape a dying Earth and build a new civilisation elsewhere. Drawing on decades of theological reflection and his recent work on collapse and ecological crisis, Brian reflects on what spiri
Kira Austin-Young - Compassion and Complexity: Faith and Reproductive Freedom (N349)
In this episode, Tim speaks with Episcopal priest and author Kira Austin-Young, about the moral, theological, and pastoral dimensions of abortion. Together, they reflect on the silence in progressive churches, the complexity of personhood, biblical texts often used in the debate, and how Christians might begin to hold space for compassion and moral complexity in conversations around repro
Richard Beck - The Joy of Moving Beyond Yourself (N348)
In this episode, Tim chats with psychologist and theologian Richard Beck about his book The Shape of Joy, which explores the idea that much of modern misery stems from a life turned inward—and that joy comes when we shift our attention beyond ourselves. Drawing on ancient theology, modern psychology, and lived experience, Richard challenges the dominance of a belief-centric, self-focused
Joy Brooks - Faith’s Shadow Side: Facing Spiritual Bypassing (N347)
In this episode, we speak with therapist Joy Brooks about spiritual bypassing—how well-meaning spiritual beliefs and practices can sometimes mask or avoid the difficult emotions and wounds we all carry. Drawing on psychology, contemplative traditions, and Joy’s own journey out of charismatic Christianity, the conversation uncovers why confronting pain honestly is essential for genuine gro
Rowan Williams - Christianity After Certainty (N346)
In this episode, we speak with former Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams about his vision of faith as attentiveness, not answers — a path not of mastery, but of mystery. Drawing on themes from his book Discovering Christianity, Rowan reflects on the difference between faith and toxic religion, and explores how trust, not certainty, might be the deeper thread that runs through the Chr
Lamorna Ash - Faith on the Edges (N345)
In this episode, we speak with writer Lamorna Ash about her two-year immersion in Christianity—an unexpected journey that took her from conservative Bible studies and charismatic worship to Quaker silence, Jesuit retreats, and the poetry of mystical experience. Inspired by the sudden conversions of two close friends, Lamorna set out to understand what faith might look like from the inside
Dan McClellan - Does the Bible Say Jesus is God? (N344)
In this episode we speak with Bible scholar Dan McClellan about one of Christianity’s most foundational claims: the divinity of Jesus. Drawing from his deep engagement with biblical scholarship, Dan invites us to consider whether the Bible actually presents Jesus as God in the way later doctrine insists. He explores how early Christian texts reflect diverse and competing understandings of
Gareth Higgins - A Little Lower Than the Angels (N343)
In this special Easter meditation, writer and storyteller Gareth Higgins invites us into a deeper experience of reality—one rooted not in fear, despair, or division, but in love. With characteristic warmth and clarity, Gareth reflects on the challenges of our time: overwhelming empathy, collapsing certainties, and the temptation to believe that love is unrealistic. Yet through all this, h
Shane Meyer-Holt - Unlearning Capitalism: Learning to Care, and Be Cared For (N342)
In this episode we speak with Shane Meyer-Holt—writer, speaker, and co-host of In the Shift podcast—about the impact of capitalism on our understanding of ourselves, our relationships and our need for care. Drawing from his own experiences of parenting, community and faith shifting, Shane reflects on the way neoliberal values have colonised our lives. He invites us to critique capitalist
Chine McDonald - Unmaking Motherhood: Faith, Family, and Feminism (N341)
What happens when the idealised image of motherhood meets the lived reality? In this episode, we sit down with Director of Theos, Chine McDonald to explore the complexities of motherhood and faith. Chine shares her personal journey, from growing up in evangelical churches with rigid gender roles to navigating the expectations and challenges of motherhood. We delve into the ways theology h
Helen Bond - Jesus: The Man, The Myth (N340)
Join us for a thought-provoking conversation with Dr. Helen Bond, Professor of Christian Origins and New Testament, as we explore the complex relationship between the Jesus of history and the Christ of faith. Helen unpacks the challenges of reconstructing Jesus’ life from the Gospels, revealing how early Christian communities shaped his story. We discuss the historical context of Jesus’ t
Justin Lee - Conversations for a Divided World (N339)
In this episode, we speak with Justin Lee about navigating difference and division in a polarised world. Justin shares his journey reconciling his identity as a gay man with his evangelical Christian upbringing, a path that led to his work fostering dialogue across divides. He explores the challenges of echo chambers, the instinct to fight or avoid disagreement, and the power of listening
Jennifer Bird - Deconstructing Biblical Sex and Marriage (N338)
In this episode, we sit down with biblical scholar Dr. Jennifer Bird to explore the Bible’s complex portrayals of marriage and sexuality. Jennifer shares her journey from conservative evangelicalism to a more nuanced, humanistic perspective, and helps us unpack, among other things, Jesus and Paul’s lack of enthusiasm for marriage, the Bible’s limitations as a guide for healthy relationshi
Munther Isaac - Gaza, God and Genocide (N337)
In this episode, we speak with Munther Isaac about the history of the Israel-Palestine conflict, and what led to the current crisis in Gaza. Munther, a Palestinian pastor and theologian, reflects on the intersection of theology and politics, and what faith, hope and love might mean in the face of such terrible suffering. Following the interview Nomad hosts Joy Brooks and Tim Nash reflect
Sally Douglas - Jesus Sophia (N336)
In this episode, we’re joined by theologian and minister, Sally Douglas. Sally helps us explore the idea of Jesus as Sophia, the embodiment of the female divine. Together, we unpack themes like righteous anger, justice, and the sacredness of all creation. Sally shares how reclaiming Sophia’s presence in the Gospels challenges patriarchal structures, inspires a deeper connection to the div
Noel Moules - Creation as Incarnation: A Christian Animist Perspective (N335)
In this special devotional episode, anabaptist, anarchist and animist Noel Moules explores the profound mystery of incarnation from his unique perspective as a Christian animist. He considers the interconnectedness of all things—seeing the sacredness in both creation and spirit, and how personhood extends beyond humanity to the entire cosmos. Noel reflects on how Jesus' life exemplifies t
Christmas Q&A (N334)
In this special seasonal episode, your Nomad hosts come together for a Q&A session filled with festive cheer and thoughtful reflections. As a heartfelt thank-you to our amazing supporters—whose generosity has made this year’s Nomadic journey possible—we’re diving into their most pressing (and quirky) questions. While our answers may not always be the most accurate or helpful, they’ll
![Brian Zahnd – Christians in the Age of Trump [Revisited] (N333)](https://img.transistorcdn.com/kBFSbR1T1lJP7Ylu-Le7Gy4qyZNFjlM-O2pXDbLM3j4/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:1400/h:1400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS80NmI1/NGQ4MWQ2MjBjZGQ5/NmYyNDdiNTdiMGVm/Yzg2Zi5qcGc.jpg)
Brian Zahnd – Christians in the Age of Trump [Revisited] (N333)
Back in 2019, Tim Nash and David Blower sat down with Brian Zahnd to explore the toxic entanglement between Church and Empire, and the resulting religion Zahnd calls "Americanism." From rethinking how we read Scripture to the deeply political implications of the cross, Zahnd offers a vision of living as citizens of God’s kindom amidst worldly empires. With Donald Trump, whom Zahnd identif
Karen O’Donnell - Radical Practices for Remaking the Self (N332)
No stranger to loss and trauma, feminist theologian, Karen O'Donnell helps us to reconsider some commonly held perspectives around spiritual practice. Sharing from research and lived experience, she offers insight into how we might benefit from reimagining our approach to rebuilding and remaking ourselves in the aftermath of difficult, or damaging, life experiences. Following the intervi
Dave Tomlinson - The Bad Christian’s Guide to Prayer (N331)
Dave Tomlinson joins us to reflect on his faith journey and how his evolving understanding of God has profoundly reshaped his approach to prayer. He explores the idea that prayer is for everyone, regardless of belief, advocating for the "democratisation" of prayer and sacraments. For Dave, these spiritual practices aren't confined to religious rituals but can be found in everyday moments,
Joanna Leidenhag - The Consciousness of All Things (N330)
In this episode Joanna Leidenhag explores the fascinating nature of consciousness and its implications for how we understand ourselves and the world around us. She challenges traditional views that separate mind and body, and instead advocates for panpsychism, an understanding that she believes better fosters environmental awareness, deeper respect for diverse cultures and a view of exist
Brian McLaren - Wisdom and Courage for a World Falling Apart (N329)
Author and activist Brian McLaren joins us again, this time to explore how we navigate the many current crises humanity is facing. He reflects on the role of art, spirituality, and indigenous teaching in fostering the wisdom and resilience we’ll need as we try to imagine a new world. It’s a profound reflection on how we can confront humanity’s greatest challenges with courage and hope. Fo
Thomas Oord - Reimagining the Divine After Omnipotence (N328)
Theologian Thomas Oord joins us again to explore a vision of God as radically loving but not omnipotent. We look at the implications of challenging this traditional notion of divine control and how it has reshaped Tom’s understanding of creation, evolution, suffering, liberation, the nature of God's power and the potential for hope without guarantees. Throughout the conversation Tom refle
Jon Bilbrough (aka Wilderthorn) - Soundscapes and Sacred Spaces (N327)
In this episode artist and musician Jon Bilbrough reflects on his spiritual and creative heritage and how it shaped his unique musical journey. From early memories of communal singing to the experimental sounds of the 90s, Jon shares his deep connection with music, nature, and place. He discusses the contemplative approach of his recent work, the role of improvisation, and the sacred spac
Elizabeth Oldfield - Tending to the Soul in Turbulent Times (N326)
On this episode Elizabeth Oldfield joins us to talk about what it means to tend to our souls during turbulent times. Elizabeth shares the practices that are helping her become a depolarising presence in a culture of outrage, tribalism, and division, and forming intentional community in an age of disconnection and isolation. She also reflects on what hope has come to mean to her, and how s
Keith Giles - The Secret Sayings of Jesus (N325)
In the canonical gospels, we’re told that Jesus met privately with his disciples to “explain everything”. Ever wondered what those teachings were? Teacher and author Keith Giles believes that the Gospel of Thomas could unveil these private teachings of Jesus. According to Keith, this gospel centres on non-duality and divine oneness, and might hold the key to addressing humanity’s greatest
Sophie Grace Chappell - Trans Figured (N324)
In this episode we welcome professor Sophie Grace Chappell, who shares her profound journey of faith, gender identity, and self-acceptance. Identified male at birth, Sophie Grace reflects on her early sense of being female, her experience of the evangelical church, and the reconciliation of her faith with her transgender identity. With compassion and insight, she discusses societal and re
Therapist Q&A (N323)
Host Joy Brooks has gathered a group of psychotherapists from the Nomad therapy network to see how they answer questions from members of the Beloved Listener Lounge. Considering questions such as "what makes therapy transformational?”, "what would you say to someone who was told to trust the bible not feelings?", “how can I function while feeling like I can’t live with God and can’t live
John Butler - Finding Stillness in a Chaotic World (N322)
Drawing on his life as an organic farmer and over six decades of meditation, contemplative John Butler gently guides us on a journey towards inner stillness. Born in the 1930’s, John reflects on the slow emergence of a spirituality shaped by years of deep connection to the natural world, mantra meditation, and an unexpected mystical experience of Jesus. He also reflects on his sadness at
Olivia Jackson - Deconstruction Myths and Accusations (N321)
When our faith is shifting we're often met with a variety of challenging responses from others. Drawing from her research, Olivia Jackson helps us to consider whether or not these responses reflect the lived experiences of those who are deconstructing. Afterwards Nick and Joy reflect on their own paths as they consider the impact of others' views on their evolving spirituality. Interview
David Hayward - Til Doubt Do Us Part (N320)
In this episode we chat with pastor turned artist David Hayward, aka Naked Pastor. David shares his journey from church leadership, through faith deconstruction, to a more expansive spirituality. The conversation focusses on David’s marriage, and how he and his wife navigated the complex dynamics of reimagining their relationship amid profound spiritual change. It’s a candid and thoughtfu
Anthony Reddie & Al Barrett - Deconstructing Whiteness (N319)
Professor Anthony Reddie and Revd. Dr. Al Barrett join us for a conversation about whiteness. Weaving personal experiences with theological insights, they reflect on privilege, power, empire, race and identity, and wrestle with the need for both critical deconstruction and hopeful reimagining. It’s a nuanced and inspiring conversation between two scholar activists about the pursuit of a m
Timothy Beal - Finding Hope at the End of the World (N318)
Faced with multiple existential threats in the coming decades, professor of religion Timothy Beal reflects on the possibility of human extinction and what hope might look like within that context. Timothy challenges the notion of perpetual optimism, advocating instead for a deeper, more grounded form of hope. Through insights from indigenous spirituality and palliative care principles, he
Vanessa Chamberlin - A Spirituality of the Land (N317)
In this Easter devotional podcast, Vanessa Chamberlin reflects on biblical narratives and personal mystical experiences as she navigates the intersection of theology, art, and ecological consciousness. Following Vanessa’s reflection, Anna Robinson creates a contemplative space for us to more deeply reflect on and experience this spirituality of the land. All this is beautifully woven toge
Selina Stone - Womanist Ways (N316)
Theologian Selina Stone joins us to share her experience of growing up in a black Pentecostal church, the questions and doubts she wrestled with, and the answers she found in womanist theology. Among other things, Selina reflects on the limitations of traditional theology, the role of spirituality in fostering well-being, her evolving relationship with the Bible, and why she now no longer
Mark Karris - Healing From Hell (N315)
Therapist and author Mark Karris joins us to discuss religious trauma and the path to healing. Drawing on his own personal experiences and professional insights as a therapist, Mark reflects on oppressive religious beliefs, in particular the doctrine of Hell, original sin, and the image of a wrathful God, and the harm this can cause us. Mark then shares therapeutic tools that can help us
Cole Arthur Riley - Black Liturgies (N314)
Poet and author Cole Arthur Riley joins us to talk about her desire for a spirituality that was more human and a more liberating expression of faith. This journey led to the emergence of Black Liturgies. From prayers and poetry to breath practices and ancestral writings, this digital project explores spirituality that embraces embodiment, lament, rage and rest. And draws deeply from both
Bethany Sollereder - Animal Suffering and the Love of God (N313)
In this podcast theologian and author Bethany Sollereder explores the complex intersection of animal suffering, the evolutionary process and divine love. She reflects on God's role in the face of suffering, the possibility of redemption for non-human animals, and creation's journey towards love and maturity. It's a fascinating conversation about theology, evolution, and the ultimate purpo
![Rachel Held Evans - Losing My Evangelical Religion [Revisited] (N312)](https://img.transistorcdn.com/8d6ti4ssZ1uEOmFoJbNUgfIJCBG_ec5d-1UJUUi3VZA/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:1400/h:1400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS80MzI0/ZjdhNjE3MzNjYzky/MTg4ZGI4MTIwNDEw/MzExMS5qcGc.jpg)
Rachel Held Evans - Losing My Evangelical Religion [Revisited] (N312)
To kick off 2024 we thought we’d share a Nomad Revisited episode with you. Each month on Revisited Tim and Nick raid the Nomad archives, dust off an old interview, and ponder where their faith was then, where it is now, and what influences shaped that transition. Nomad Revisited is usually tucked away behind a paywall on our Patreon page as a little thank you for the listeners who help us
Christena Cleveland - A Spirituality of the Womb (N311)
In this Christmas devotional podcast, Dr Christena Cleveland explores the symbolism of the Black Madonna. In times of dysregulation and uncertainty, the Black Madonna has provided Christena a powerful symbol of love, nurture and connection, allowing her to move from a spirituality of fear to one of trust. Following Christena’s refection, Anna Robinson creates a contemplative space for us
Christmas Q&A (N310)
In this special seasonal episode, all the Nomad hosts come together for a Q&A to infuse your holidays with festive cheer. As a thank you to our beloved listeners whose financial support made this year's 24 Nomad episodes possible, we've gathered around the virtual fireplace to wrestle with 24 of their burning questions. Everything from our favourite biscuits to whether Jesus is God!
Jay Hulme - A Queer Journey of Saints and Sanctuaries (N309)
Author and poet Jay Hulme joins us to talk about his literal and metaphorical search to connect with a variety of ancient and eccentric saintly figures. Weaving together themes of wilderness, faith, sexuality and decay, Jay speaks of the connections he discovered and the inspiration we might find when examining these lives from long ago. Following the interview Anna and Joy consider their
Dana Hicks - Reimagining Marriage (N308)
In this episode former pastor Dana Hicks guides us through the evolving landscape of marriage and relationships. Dana explores how our cultural perceptions of marriage are shifting and challenging established norms, and ponders the relevance of biblical images of marriage for our modern context. With a focus on reimagining relationships, Dana helps us explore ideas such as relationship an
Ilia Delio - The Primacy of Love (N307)
In this episode we’re joined by Franciscan sister and theologian Ilia Delio. Ilia guides us through the intersection of science, spirituality, and love. We explore the concept of God's love as a fundamental force in the cosmos, existing at the heart of everything, connecting us to God, each other and the physical structures of the universe. After the interview, Nomad hosts Tim Nash and A
Lindsay Munroe - Sexuality After Purity Culture (N306)
As part of her personal spiritual journey and theological master's research, Lindsay Monroe invited a group of women to explore the impact of purity culture on their sexuality. We invite her to discuss what she discovered, about the harm inflicted by this ideology and how we might be open to finding healthier and more authentic ways forward. Following the interview, Nick Thorley and Joy B
ChatGPT - In AI We Trust? (N305)
In this episode we speak with a non-human guest: the AI chatbot, ChatGPT. We quiz ChatGPT on the ethical complexities and moral implications of weaving AI into our lives and spiritual journeys. We discuss what safeguards need to be in place to ensure AI acts as a catalyst for human flourishing, what AI can teach us about what it means to be human, and whether it could create it’s own reli
Nicola Slee - Abba Amma: Improvisations on the Lord's Prayer (N304)
Reflecting on the Lord's Prayer, theologian, writer, and poet Nicola Slee delves into some of it’s problematic language, and through a process of improvisation reimagines the prayer as one that brings a universal message of hope in a world marred by injustice. After the interview, Nomad hosts Tim Nash and Anna Robinson reflect on their own journeys with the Lord’s Prayer, and ponder its
David Blower - Farewell and Godspeed (N303)
Well, this is it. After over six years of hosting, interviewing, music and creativity, David Blower is bowing out. In his final episode Tim and David reflect on David’s nomad journey, answer listener questions, and listen to some music. And, of course, talk about the Nah Box and signs of hope. So raise a glass, wipe the tear from your eye, and enjoy a final hour in the company of DBB.
Michael Frost - Deconstructing the Christian Narrative of Power (N302)
Host of the In the Shift podcast Michael Frost is a researcher, writer and theologian. In this episode he shares from his own experience of faith and church, as he unpicks the language that has so often been co-opted in Christian spaces to enforce power and perpetuate unhealthy systems of control. Afterwards Nick Thorley and Joy Brooks consider the impact of this misuse of power on their
Sam Ewell - A Convivial Faith (N301)
Theologian and community gardener Sam Ewell reflects on his years as a missionary and a neighbour, and how a radical priest called Ivan Illich led him back to the soil. After the interview, Nomad hosts David Blower and Anna Robinson ponder how the life and teaching of Illich might help shape their evolving faith. Interview starts at 10m 50s Books, quotes, links → The creation of Nomad’s
