PODCAST · society
The Sacred
by Theos Think Tank
A podcast about our Sacred values and how we can talk to people who are different from ourselves.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 and produced in partnership with Comment Magazine, and with support from The Jerusalem Trust and Open Society Foundation
Episodes
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Art, Friendship and Trust Across the Israeli-Palestinian Divide | FeelBeit Founders
What Does It Take to Create a Shared Home in a Divided City? In Jerusalem, two women from opposite sides of the Israeli-Palestinian divide, Riman Barakat and Karen Brunwasser, have spent more than a decade building FeelBeit, a shared arts and cultural space where Israeli and Palestinian artists…
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Can Bourgeois Values Save Britain? James Vitali on Ownership and Obligation
Can you really vote your way to a good society - or does it have to be built house by house, street by street? Dr James Vitali - Head of Political Economy at Policy Exchange, a Sandhurst-trained army reservist, local councillor, and author of The Ownership Society: How Bourgeois Values Can Save...
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Preparing to Die, Then Learning to Live Again with Poet Christian Wiman
What does it mean to prepare to die—and then discover that you need to prepare to live again? In this conversation, poet Christian Wiman reflects on faith, poetry, love, mortality, and his experience of living for more than 20 years with cancer. He talks about his turbulent childhood, how poetry...
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Why We Need to Be in Our Bodies Together
What are we losing by spending so much of our lives behind screens? COVID-19 brought the whole world online, and as a podcast we kind of stayed there. This season, we made a commitment to only recording in person, mostly at Elizabeth’s community house in south London. As a result, we sensed a big...
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How to Belong When You’ve Always Been An Outsider with Rabbi Angela Buchdahl
What do you do when you feel like an outsider? We spoke to Rabbi Angela Buchdahl who turned her experience of being a cultural and religious outsider into a source of strength. Raised in a biracial, mixed-faith American-Korean family, her identity was both welcomed and questioned in Korean and...
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Why Are Our AI Conversations So Divided?
We talk a lot about the harms and benefits of AI, but we don’t talk enough about what the conversations about AI might actually be doing to us. Perhaps the biggest challenge in the mix may not be the technology itself, but how it changes the way we think, communicate, and relate to each other as...
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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...
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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...
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"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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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...
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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...
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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,...
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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...
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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…
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How We Lost the Art of Listening and How to Get It Back
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,...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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…
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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...
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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...
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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…
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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…
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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...
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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…
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
A podcast about our Sacred values and how we can talk to people who are different from ourselves.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 and produced in partnership with Comment Magazine, and with support from The Jerusalem Trust and Open Society Foundation
HOSTED BY
Theos Think Tank
CATEGORIES
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does The Sacred have?
The Sacred currently has 250 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is The Sacred about?
A podcast about our Sacred values and how we can talk to people who are different from ourselves.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...
How often does The Sacred release new episodes?
The Sacred publishes regularly with 250 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to The Sacred?
You can listen to The Sacred on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts The Sacred?
The Sacred is created and hosted by Theos Think Tank.
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