The Sacred

Theos
  • 4.6 (33)
  • RELATIONSHIPS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY
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. For more information about the people and ideas behind the podcast, visit https://www.theosthinktank.co.uk/about/who-we-are or follow us on Twitter @theosthinktank, @sacred_podcast and @ESOldfield.

  1. 9 APR

    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 and complex relationship with faith --- 🎟️ Book your ticket for the SACRED LIVE: https://linktr.ee/sacr... 🎙️ Follow The Sacred: linktr.ee/sacredpodcast 📖 Follow Elizabeth Oldfield: www.elizabetholdfield.com/ 💡 Produced by the ‪@thinktanktheos‬ www.theosthinktank.co.uk/ ✍️ Follow Kriss Akabusi: https://www.instagram.... CHAPTERS 00:00:00 Come to The Sacred Live! 00:00:32 Intro 00:01:32 What is Sacred to you? Kriss Akabusi answers 00:03:02 Childhood Influences 00:05:46 Family Background and Nigerian Heritage 00:09:40 Experiences in Children's Home and Care System 00:12:48 Turning Point: A Moment of Realisation 00:17:04 Reunion with Mother and Cultural Disconnection 00:22:14 Understanding Parental Sacrifices and Forgiveness 00:23:02 Transition to Adulthood and Name Change 00:25:32 Life in the Army and Discovering Athletic Talent 00:27:55 Finding Purpose Through Sport 00:29:04 The 1991 Relay Race: A Game-Changing Strategy 00:34:38 The Spirituality of Sport 00:41:19 Evolving Spirituality: A Personal Journey 00:47:23 Embracing Heritage and Identity 00:50:11 The Gift of Life Awareness Keywords: Kriss, Akabusi, Olympic, Champion, Resilience, Foster, Care, Sports, Motivation, Inspiration, Athlete, Success, Overcoming, Adversity, Personal, Growth, Nigerian, Heritage, Spirituality, Faith, Transformation, Life, Journey, Childhood, Trauma, Mental, Strength, Determination, Achievement, Empowerment, Diversity, Inclusion, Multicultural, Identity, Purpose, Mindset, Coaching, Mentorship, Leadership, Autobiography, Memoir, Triumph, Challenges, Breakthrough, Courage, Discipline, Self-Improvement, Motivation, Storytelling, Empathy, Racism, Survival, Resilience, Immigrant, Experience, Mentality, Willpower, Breakthrough, Potential, Mindfulness, Healing, Transformation, Empowerment, Ancestry, Cultural, Legacy, Perseverance, Vulnerability, Authenticity, Wisdom, Redemption #podcast #KrissAkabusi #Resilience #OlympicChampion #personalgrowth

    57 min

  2. 26 MAR

    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 referendum, explaining the complex motivations that drove the Leave campaign and reflecting on the societal divisions it created. 🎟️ Book your ticket for the SACRED LIVE: https://linktr.ee/sacredpodcast 🎙️ Follow The Sacred: linktr.ee/sacredpodcast 📖 Follow Elizabeth Oldfield: www.elizabetholdfield.com/ 💡 Produced by the ‪@thinktanktheos‬ www.theosthinktank.co.uk/ ✍️ Follow Matthew Elliott: https://x.com/matthew_elliott CHAPTERS 00:00:00 Intro 00:01:30 What is Sacred to you? Matthew Elliott Answers 00:02:54 Core Values and Life Mission 00:06:09 Political Perspectives and Pragmatism 00:08:54 Childhood Influences and Political Awakening 00:12:01 The Role of Education in Shaping Beliefs 00:14:54 The Intersection of Personality and Politics 00:18:09 Classical Liberalism and Social Responsibility 00:21:06 Government vs. Corporate Surveillance 00:24:01 The Role of Business in Society 00:26:06 Business and Social Responsibility 00:29:38 Brexit: A Journey of Skepticism and Change 00:36:14 The Role of Business in Society 00:43:43 Navigating Public Life and Backlash Keywords: Brexit, politics, personal values, data privacy, classical liberalism, social responsibility, corporate ethics, government surveillance, community, public policy, business, social responsibility, Brexit, polarization, Jobs Foundation, employment, community, public life, skepticism, social good

    55 min

  3. 19 MAR

    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, and how motherhood can serve as a case study to explore what it means to be human versus machine. Catch the new podcast "Motherhood vs. the Machine" Podcast here 👉 https://tr.ee/y2Z4kmLbNm🎟️ Book your ticket for the SACRED LIVE event: https://linktr.ee/sacredpodcast🎙️ Follow The Sacred: linktr.ee/sacredpodcast 📖 Follow Elizabeth Oldfield: www.elizabetholdfield.com/ 💡 Produced by the ‪@thinktanktheos‬ www.theosthinktank.co.uk/ ✍️ Follow Chine https://x.com/ChineMcDonaldCHAPTERS00:00 Introduction to the Motherhood vs. The Machine project02:22 Exploring Motherhood as a Lens 04:56 The Shift in Motherhood Discourse08:01 Embodied Experience of Motherhood10:06 Navigating Professional Life as a Mother13:25 The Particularity of Mothering15:46 Mothering as a Case Study for Humanity18:47 Theological Perspectives on Motherhood21:05 Conversations Across Different Experiences26:16 Reflections on the Podcast JourneyKeywords:motherhood, technology, AI, human experience, parenting, societal change, theological perspectives, maternal experience, work-life balance, grief, productivity, loss, Motherhood, Machine, Technology, Spirituality, Theology, Humanity, AI, Digital, Productivity, Work, Pregnancy, Birthing, Feeding, Death, Grief, Maternal, Identity, Philosophy, Chine, McDonald, Theos, Religion, Society, Podcast, Future, Experience, Personhood, Body, Embodied, Caregiving, Community, Interdependence, Sacred, Divine, Christian, Mysticism, Miscarriage, Loss, Shame, Vulnerability, Growth, Change, Feminist, Postmodernism, Family, Education, Healthcare, Society, Spirituality, Theology, Philosophy, Human, Flourishing, Meaning, Life, Nature, Personhood, Body, Mind, Connection, Caregiving, Community, Interdependence, Sacred, Divine, Christian, Mysticism, Miscarriage, Loss, Shame.#podcast #motherhood

    30 min

  4. 12 MAR

    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, what to challenge, and what bones to "spit out” along the way. 🎙️ Follow The Sacred: linktr.ee/sacredpodcast 📖 Follow Elizabeth Oldfield: www.elizabetholdfield.com/ 💡 Produced by the ‪@thinktanktheos‬ www.theosthinktank.co.uk/ ✍️ Follow Shane Claiborne: https://www.instagram.com/shane.claiborne/ CHAPTERS 00:00 Intro 01:00 What is Sacred to you? Shane Claiborne Answers 02:49 Shane Claiborne's Formative Years 06:02 Crisis of Faith and Theological Reflection 09:12 The Shift from Cultural Christianity to Authentic Faith 12:05 The Encounter with Mother Teresa 14:55 The Simple Way Community 18:12 Living in Community and Collective Ways 29:21 The Importance of Community in Faith 34:11 Activism and Moral Superiority 39:44 Navigating Injustice and Discomfort 44:14 Understanding the Middle East Conflict 52:40 The Role of Love in Activism Keywords: Gun violence, militarism, environmental stewardship, sacredness, humanity, values, childhood, faith, deconstruction, compassion, community, activism, church, communal living, activism, moral superiority, discomfort, Middle East conflict, love, community, social justice, empathy, collective living, Deconstruction, Deconstructing, Questioning, Rethinking, Expanding, Abortion, Sacred, Hypocrisy, Superiority, Nationalism, Religion, Religious, Pro-life, Pro-choice, Fundamentalism, Conservative, Politics, Playbook, Ethics, Activism, Nuanced, Conflict, Humanity, Empathy, Transformation, Justice, Idolatry, Weaponizing, Weaponising, Alliance, Agenda, Co-option, Compassion, Holistic, Systemic, Patriotism, Theological, Community, Expansive, Power, Nationalism, Interpretation, Political, Justification, Spirituality, Grip, Nationalist, Scripture, Tensions, Influence, Alignment, Boundaries, Monopoly, Controversy, Provocative, Challenging, Transformative, Redemptive, Intersectionality, Marginalization, Marginalisation, Oppression, Privilege, Reconciliation, Diversity, Inclusion, Intersections, Intersectional, Racial, Racial-Justice, Equity, Equality, Solidarity, Allyship, Advocacy, Resistance, Decolonization, Decolonisaton, Christianity, Evangelicalism, Faith, Belief, Discipleship, Theology, Scripture, Gospel, Denominationalism, Worship, Spiritual, Devotional, Discipleship, Apologetics.

    59 min

  5. 6 MAR

    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 artificial wombs and ‘bio bags’ does not seem as far-fetched as it once did, what of the humanity of motherhood might be lost if it is outsourced to machines? What might we miss when the maternal doorway is closed to profound and rarely expressed spiritual ideas - such as sacrifice, love, care, value, dignity, and hope? Out weekly from 13 March. Find it on all podcasting platforms. 🎙️ Follow Chine McDonald: @ChineMcDonald 🎙️ Follow Dr Madeleine Pennington: @mlmpennington 💡 Produced by the ‪@thinktanktheos‬ www.theosthinktank.co.uk/

    2 min

  6. 26 FEB

    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 for positive change. 🎙️ Follow The Sacred: linktr.ee/sacredpodcast 📖 Follow Elizabeth Oldfield: www.elizabetholdfield.com/ 💡 Produced by the ‪@thinktanktheos‬ www.theosthinktank.co.uk/ ✍️ Follow Jameela’s Substack ‘A Low Desire to Please’: https://jameelajamil.substack.com/ CHAPTERS 00:00 What is Sacred to you? Jameela Jamil answers 03:10 Childhood Influences and Personal Struggles 05:52 Navigating Fame and Misogyny 09:03 The Impact of Public Perception 11:58 The Journey of Nonviolent Communication 15:09 Understanding Human Behaviour and Accountability 17:52 The Role of Compassion in Change 33:46 Navigating the Middle East Conflict 34:00 The Impact of Algorithms on Perception 35:20 The Algorithm Swap Experiment 39:31 Understanding Polarisation and Loneliness 41:09 Building Communities of Care 44:01 The Dangers of Short-Form Communication 48:02 Understanding Eating Disorders 52:00 The Pressure of Beauty Standards on Women 56:51 Embracing Aging and Wisdom 01:00:15 Finding Freedom in Self-Acceptance Keywords: Sacred Values, Justice, Childhood Trauma, Public Vulnerability, Misogyny, Nonviolent Communication, Human Behaviour, Social Justice, Personal Growth, Emotional Intelligence, Love, Understanding, Echo Chambers, Algorithms, Loneliness, Community, Eating Disorders, Beauty Standards, Aging, Societal Pressures, Fairness, Authenticity, Vulnerability, Resilience, Advocacy, Nonviolent Communication, Algorithmic Bias, Beauty Standards, Ageism, Eating Disorders, Mental Health, Empowerment, Inspiration, Personal Growth, Social Issues, Feminism, Intersectionality, Public Figure, Celebrity, Self-Acceptance, Body Positivity, Societal Change, Human Connection, Nuance, Complexity, Storytelling, Trauma, Overcoming Adversity, Childhood Experiences, Privilege, Marginalization, Marginalisation, Diversity, Inclusion, Activism, Social Media, Public Perception, Personal Branding, Courage, Honesty, Beauty Norms, Ageism, Challenging Systemic Inequities, Danger, Echo Chambers, Empathetic Communication, Self-Development, Self-Help, Vulnerability, Authenticity, Courage to Redefine Success, Justice, Change.

    1h 9m

  7. 12 FEB

    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, touching on themes of tradition, community, and the human condition. It's a must-listen for those interested in philosophy, religion, and the deeper questions of our shared existence! As promised here is a link to Swinburne'sHymn to Prosperine: https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/45292/hymn-to-proserpine-after-the-proclamation-in-rome-of-the-christian-faith If you enjoy episodes of The Sacred don't forget to hit subscribe to be notified whenever we release an episode! 🎙️ Follow The Sacred: linktr.ee/sacredpodcast 📖 Follow Elizabeth Oldfield: www.elizabetholdfield.com/ 💡 Produced by the ‪@thinktanktheos‬ www.theosthinktank.co.uk/ ✍️ See James' work: @jtworr Keywords: sacred, secular, enchantment, ordinary, values, virtues, tradition, formative influences, multilingual, boarding school, religion, faith, journey, conservatism, political beliefs, Brexit, class divide, equality, diversity, inclusion, social cohesion, institutional resilience, metaphysical, human dignity, quantitative, philosophy, religion, theology, Christianity, Catholicism, Anglicanism, moral philosophy, ethics, community, belonging, identity, culture, modernism, postmodernism, transcendence, immanence, sacred-secular divide, spiritual, intellectual, cultural, political, social, personal, formation, transformation

    1h 5m

  8. 29 JAN

    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 episode! 🎙️ Follow The Sacred: linktr.ee/sacredpodcast 📖 Follow Elizabeth Oldfield: www.elizabetholdfield.com/ 💡 Produced by the ‪@thinktanktheos‬ www.theosthinktank.co.uk/ ✍️ See James' new book 'The Inherited Mind': https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/211026628-the-inherited-mind CHAPTERS 00:00 Intro 00:54 What is Sacred to you? James Longman responds 07:03 Childhood Influences and Family Dynamics 14:07 The Impact of Mental Health in Family History 18:58 The Journey into Journalism and Conflict Reporting 24:11 Ethics and Responsibilities in News Reporting 29:51 Cultural and Spiritual Influences on Identity 31:48 Navigating Identity in Hostile Environments 38:02 The Interplay of Genetics and Environment 45:11 Understanding Mental Illness and Suicide 48:30 The Power of Compassionate Support 52:00 Elizabeth's reflection Keywords: kindness, journalism, family, mental health, ethics, conflict reporting, Ukraine, storytelling, hope, authenticity, Catholicism, LGBTQ+, mental health, genetics, suicide, community, love, support, healing, identity, journalist, ethics, war, trauma, resilience, empathy, responsibility, mental, illness, family, spirituality, identity, sexuality, reporting, hope, grief, healing, understanding, community, compassion, depression, suicide, schizophrenia, bipolar, epigenetics, environment, genetics, inherited, sacred, values, storytelling, bearing, witness, gay, international, danger, intergenerational, legacy, support, care, privilege, resources, authenticity, vulnerability, forgiveness, redemption, transformation

    1h 2m
See All (206)

Trailer

4.6
out of 5
33 Ratings

About

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. For more information about the people and ideas behind the podcast, visit https://www.theosthinktank.co.uk/about/who-we-are or follow us on Twitter @theosthinktank, @sacred_podcast and @ESOldfield.

Information

  • Creator
    Theos
  • Years Active
    2017 - 2025
  • Episodes
    206
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Theos
  • Show Website
    The Sacred

You Might Also Like

To listen to explicit episodes, sign in.

Stay up to date with this show

Sign-in or sign-up to follow shows, save episodes and get the latest updates.
Select a country or region

Africa, Middle East, and India

Asia Pacific

Europe

Latin America and the Caribbean

The United States and Canada