The Southwark Cathedral Podcast

To celebrate 100 years since the birth of Kenneth Williams, Bill Holland, author of Beyond Our Kenneth: The Continued Diaries discusses Williams' beliefs, friendships, anecdotes and a fictional future with Gyles Brandreth and the Dean of Southwark. The evening explores Williams’ Christian faith, upbringing as a Wesleyan, and the way faith, love, friendship, work, loneliness, and guilt intersected in his life. Kenneth Williams was one of the most distinctive voices in British entertainment, remembered for his scene-stealing turns in the Carry On films, his razor-sharp wit on radio's Just a Minute, and his memorable chat show appearances. His real diaries, published posthumously, captivated generations with their candour, humour and poignancy, ending abruptly with his final entry in 1988.  

In this episode of the Southwark Cathedral Podcast, the Dean speaks with American journalist and author Jack El-Hai about his book 'The Nazi and the Psychiatrist' and its film adaptation, 'Nuremberg.' They discuss the psychiatric investigations behind the Nuremberg trials, particularly the relationship between U.S. military psychiatrist Dr. Douglas Kelley and Nazi defendant Hermann Göring, and Kelley's search for a psychiatric condition that might explain the 'Nazi Mind.' The conversation connects these findings to modern authoritarianism, and what we can learn from Kelley's work now.   01:55 Book Origins and Research 04:36 Who Was Douglas Kelly 06:08 Building the Nuremberg Trial 08:09 Meet the Defendants 12:56 Goring and Mind Games 15:20 Are Nazis Mentally Ill 17:34 Authoritarianism Today 20:33 Leaders vs Followers 24:13 Film Adaptation Reflections 26:22 Goring's Death and Aftermath 29:50 Closing Thanks and Farewell

In this episode of the Southwark Cathedral Podcast, the Dean, Mark Oakley, is joined by writer and priest Carys Walsh for a recorded conversation of the author's talk exploring the poetry and theology of Gerard Manley Hopkins. Drawing on Walsh’s book Dappled Beauty, they reflect on Hopkins’ distinctive language and spiritual imagination. Together they consider how Hopkins’ vision of beauty, suffering, and renewal continues to speak to contemporary faith, offering a thoughtful and prayerful lens through which to approach the season of Lent.

In this episode of the Southwark Cathedral Podcast, the Dean speaks with American-British investment banker and philanthropist John Studzinski. As founder of the Arise Foundation, a charity working to combat modern slavery and human trafficking, John shares his conviction that modern slavery is a $250 billion organised crime industry: one that must be treated as a serious criminal issue rather than a “soft” social concern.   Together they explore the hidden reality of modern slavery, and the urgent need for accountability in the systems that sustain it. Grounded in a belief in human dignity, John frames the fight against modern slavery as both a moral and Christian imperative, calling for stronger legal accountability and collective action.   00:00 Meet John and Arise 01:42 How Arise Began 03:34 Lessons and Frustrations 04:04 Why Slavery Persists 06:39 What Governments Must Do 07:20 Supply Chain Reality Check 09:50 Consumers and Gen Z Power 15:16 The Myth of Slave Free 16:34 Treat It as a Crime 18:18 Policing and Prevention 20:04 Can We Be Optimistic 21:28 A Christian Call to Act

In this episode of the Southwark Cathedral Podcast, the Dean interviews Jo Berry, who shares her incredible journey of reconciliation and peacebuilding following the murder of her father, a Conservative MP, in the 1984 Brighton Hotel bombing. Jo discusses her vow to bring something positive out of her father's death, her meeting with Patrick Magee, the man responsible for planting the bomb, and the ongoing efforts of her charity, Building Bridges for Peace. The conversation also explores the broader themes of empathy, humanity, and the importance of creating a world where conflicts are resolved without violence. Jo's story is a powerful testament to the potential for transformation and healing, even in the face of profound trauma. 00:00 Introduction to the Southwark Cathedral Podcast 00:11 Jo Berry's Story 02:12 The Journey of Reconciliation Begins 05:05 Meeting Patrick McGee 11:14 The Impact of Reconciliation 14:32 Reflections on Peace and Violence 31:22 Building Bridges for Peace 33:48 Final Thoughts and Farewell

In this episode of The World Needs More Poetry on the Southwark Cathedral podcast the Dean is joined by Anna Rastelli, a writer, poet, theatre director, and a staff member at Southwark Cathedral. Anna discusses her role at the Cathedral and how she has organized queer poetry evenings to create a safe, inclusive space for LGBTQ+ individuals. The conversation then shifts to a seasonal poem, 'In the Bleak Midwinter' by Christina Rossetti, which Anna reads and analyzes. Anna shares her admiration for Rossetti's work, noting its blend of gothic and Christian themes, and reflects on the poem's deeper messages of humility and giving one's heart. The discussion touches on Rossetti's life, her crisis of faith, and her contributions to literature. Anna also speaks about the challenges and values of the younger generation, the importance of community in churches, and the enduring relevance of Rossetti's poetry.

In this episode of the Southwark Cathedral Podcast, Canon Kathryn Fleming and newly appointed Cathedral Safeguarding Officer Neil Morter discuss the critical role of safeguarding within the cathedral. The conversation highlights the necessity of maintaining and enhancing safeguarding measures, particularly in light of the upcoming audit covering all dioceses and cathedrals in the Church of England. Neil shares insights into his responsibilities, the importance of community involvement, and the positive reception he has received from the Cathedral community. Additionally, they emphasize that safeguarding is a collective responsibility, providing various training opportunities to ensure everyone is prepared to contribute. The discussion also touches on the challenges and vulnerabilities faced by the cathedral as a public and inclusive space. Overall, safeguarding is portrayed as a vital, ongoing commitment to ensure the well-being and safety of all members and visitors of the cathedral.

In the latest episode of our 'The World Needs More Poetry,' series, the Dean is joined by our new Director of Music, Helen Smee. Helen talks about her musical background, her family's artistic influences, and her roots in London, leading to her roles in Cambridge, London, and Oxford before returning to Southwark. She shares her deep connections with the Cathedral and her passion for her current role. Helen discusses her feelings about poetry, comparing its depth to music and other art forms. The conversation delves into the selected poem 'The Holy Communion' by Henry Vaughan, analyzing its themes, structure, and musical adaptations. Helen articulates her love for metaphysical poets like Vaughan and their influence on modern composers. 

In the latest episode of the Southwark Cathedral Podcast, the Dean, Mark Oakley, interviews Manni Coe, on his recently published memoir, Little Ruins: Rebuilding a Life which delves into topics like suicide, sexual abuse, and addiction. Manni shares personal stories about his upbringing in Yorkshire and Berkshire, his relationship with his brother Reuben, who has Down's syndrome, and how he built a life in the Spanish countryside.   Manni recounts finding a volunteer's body on his land, his own childhood abuse by a vicar, and the healing journey that followed. He also reflects on his strained relationship with his faith, the forgiveness he extended to his father, and his experiences with mental health. The dialogue emphasizes community, support, and the importance of confronting and healing from past traumas.   Copies of Manni's new book, Little Ruins: Rebuilding a Life can be purchased from the Cathedral Shop. 

The Dean recently gave a talk on ‘What are the Psalms?’ Listen now to explore what the psalms are, when and why they were written, and how they speak to our faith today. For those who wish to read more on this subject, the following books are recommended: Charlie Bell: Searched Me Out and Known Me John L. Bell: Living with the Psalms Walter Brueggemann: Spirituality of the Psalms Walter Brueggemann: Praying the Psalms Pula Gooder: Journalling the Psalms – A Guide for Reflection and Prayer CS Lewis: Reflections on the Psalms   You might also like to watch three talks on Youtube by Walter Brueggemann called ‘The Psalms: The Hard Road from Obedience to Praise’.

The latest podcast in our ‘The World Needs More Poetry’ series is a conversation between the Dean and Dame Mary Beard on her chosen poem ‘The Odyssey’ by Homer. Mary Beard is very well known as a Classicist and as a popular broadcaster and writer. In their dialogue together, we hear about the origin of the Odyssey, its main characters and themes, and are left to explore questions about the nature of heroism, the complications of returning home, of becoming an adult, and of understanding power.  

We recently hosted writer and activist Emily Kenway to give a talk aboout her first book, The Truth About Modern Slavery. Throughout the evening Emily addressed modern slavery, and its misrepresentation in political and cultural narratives. Kenway, an advisor to the UK's first anti-slavery commissioner, emphasises the difference between the real experiences of victims and the stories shaped for political motives. She discusses the conditions that foster exploitation, the misuse of the term 'modern slavery,' and how systemic issues like weak labour rights, poor regulation, and political convenience contribute to it. Emily uses examples like car washes, nail bars, and supply chains to illustrate inconsistent attitudes towards labour exploitation. She advocates for addressing systemic issues rather than focusing on sensationalized rescue efforts, stressing the need to understand and tackle the root causes of exploitation.

The conversation delves into Davey's personal experiences as a young caregiver following the deaths of his parents, his role in caring for his son with disabilities, and his advocacy for family carers through his political work. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing and supporting family carers, sharing stories and insights from his book. The podcast touches on the societal undervaluation of care work, the bureaucratic challenges carers face, and the need for systemic changes to better support carers and those they care for. Davey argues that integrating care more centrally into policy could lead to a more compassionate and prosperous society. Listen wherever you get your podcasts.

The latest episode of the Southwark Cathedral Podcast is the second in our The World Needs More Poetry miniseries. This time, the Dean is joined by the Bishop of London, The Rt Rev'd and Rt Hon Dame Sarah Mullally, for a moving and deeply personal conversation. Bishop Sarah reflects on William E. Stafford’s poem “Ask Me” — a piece that has accompanied her through moments of challenge, both as an ordained woman in the Church of England and as someone who lives with dyslexia. With honesty and grace, she explores how poetry can hold space for vulnerability, strength, and the questions we don’t always have answers to. If you’ve ever found comfort in poetry or are simply curious about how a single poem can speak into a life, this episode offers a powerful and thoughtful listen.

Michael Amherst regularly attends Southwark Cathedral, loving the building and the beauty of Evensong. His debut novel, 'The Boyhood of Cain', which has just been published by Faber, made The Times excitedly report that 'a literary star is born'. It is a novel about Danny, a boy on the precipice of adulthood, struggling to understand how he might give and deserve love. 'People are just like books', thinks Daniel, ' - full of hidden meanings that need to be unearthed by an attentive reader'. In our latest podcast, the Dean talks with Michael about the book and its themes, and why the story of Cain and Abel intrigues him.

Later than planned, but a great conversation nonetheless...In this episode of the podcast as the Cathedral prepares for Holy Week and Easter, the Dean of Southwark, The Very Rev'd Dr Mark Oakley, is in conversation with the Cathedral’s Precentor, Canon Kathryn Fleming, about the services, traditions, and theology of Holy Week.  

In the Cathedral’s latest podcast, the Dean, Mark Oakley, discusses Laurence Rees’s latest book, ‘The Nazi Mind: 12 Warnings from History’, a book which combines history and the latest research in psychology to help answer some of the most perplexing questions surrounding the Second World War and the Holocaust. Ultimately, he delves into the darkness to explain how and why people were capable of committing such abhorrent crimes. Rees traces the rise and eventual fall of the Nazis through the lens of ‘twelve warnings’ – from talk about ‘them’ and ‘us’ to the escalation of racism – whilst also highlighting signs to look out for in present day leaders.

Welcome to the first programme in a new Southwark Cathedral Podcast mini-series. The series asks invited guests to choose a favourite poem and then chat to the Dean about why it is important to them. Our first guest is Stella Kanu, Chief Executive of Shakespeare’s Globe, who has chosen Roger Robinson’s ‘A Portable Paradise’. The poem: A Portable Paradise - Poetry Archive

In this episode of the Southwark Cathedral podcast, the Dean of Southwark - The Very Rev'd Dr Mark Oakley - is in conversation with Irish poet and theologian Pádraig Ó Tuama. Ahead of an event held at the Cathedral, Pádraig sat down with the Dean and a copy of his latest book 44 Poems on Being with Each Other and discussed a couple of his favourite poems from the collection. 

In the second of two conversations launching our focus on modern slavery and exploitation, the Dean is in conversation with the CEO of Hestia, Patrick Ryan. Together they discuss Hestia and the support it provides to survivors of modern slavery, the extent of slavery in London and Southwark today, how we can detect signs of slavery and where we can find more information.

Novelist Amanda Craig spoke with the Dean about why modern slavery is such an important topic and why she is grateful that the Cathedral has taken up this injustice for exploration. She speaks about her novel ‘Hearts and Minds’ in which she tells of the story of various individuals who find themselves in London, some exploited and abused, and how their lives interact with the dark underbelly of the city, as well as the good it offers.