The Sacred

Theos

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. FEB 4

    Why Love, Not Wealth, Changes Everything with Jo Colman

    In this episode of The Sacred, Elizabeth Oldfield is joined by Jo Colman - great-great-great grandchild of the founder of Colman’s Mustard and now Chief Mint Officer of the family business, Summerdown - to explore a radically different story about generational wealth, power, business and belonging. Jo reflects on growing up with deep security and love, how that shaped his sense of responsibility, and why privilege doesn’t have to turn inward into status-seeking, but can instead become a platform for risk, generosity and service. Together, they talk about: • How power and privilege can be redirected outward rather than hoarded • Why Jo once rejected signet rings and why he now wears one • Building ethical, regenerative businesses that add value instead of extracting it • Adoption, family-making, and the real cost of inclusion • How to build families, institutions and communities that can truly hold human complexityThis is a conversation about the kind of wealth that doesn’t shrink the soul. -- 🎙️ Follow The Sacred: linktr.ee/sacredpodcast 📖 Follow Elizabeth Oldfield: www.elizabetholdfield.com/ 💡 Produced by the ‪@thinktanktheos‬ www.theosthinktank.co.uk/ 👉 Check out Summerdown: https://summerdown.com/?srsltid=AfmBOorjZKbSVC3rIhS42z-aqIhQWmr_CuCGtz24hUSKbzOuu8Lh_H-w -- Chapters 00:00 Intro 01:07 What is Sacred to You? Jo Colman answers 03:02 Staying Present in Parenting 05:49 Hope vs. Optimism: Embracing Life’s Paradoxes 12:14 Wealth as Formation: Privilege and Responsibility 15:14 Building a Regenerative, Ethical Business 31:26 Creativity, Purpose, and Social Responsibility 32:22 Our Adoption Journey 35:33 Training and Preparation for Adoptive Parenting 37:44 Parenting Adopted Children: Real Challenges 39:57 Trauma, Healing, and the Power of Love 45:31 Bureaucracy and the Adoption Process 47:35 Understanding the Stories of Biological Families 50:09 Adoption as Plan B: A Broader Perspective 51:53 Small-A Anarchism and Community Engagement 55:31 Listening, Assumptions, and Understanding Adoption 58:02 Slowing down in parenting Keywords: Jo Colman, Colman Mustard, Summerdown Mint, generational wealth, inheritance, privilege for good, ethical entrepreneurship, conscious capitalism, regenerative business, sustainable business, business with purpose, using wealth responsibly, family beyond blood, adoption stories, adoptive parenting, building family, radical generosity, love as action, belonging, human complexity, non-anxious presence, prophetic imagination, spiritual formation, formation through faith, stewardship of privilege, power and responsibility, ethical leadership, business for impact, social impact business, purposeful life, vocation and calling, family-making as vocation, living ethically, hope versus optimism, accompaniment, relational leadership, intentional parenting, high-needs adoption, inclusive families, inclusive communities, societal change, moral courage, compassionate leadership, human flourishing, social responsibility, giving back, life of service, risk for good, cultivating resilience, forming community, transformative love, radical hospitality

    1h 5m
  2. JAN 21

    The Cost of Integrity: Inside the Trump Administration with Elizabeth Neumann

    Elizabeth Neumann, a former senior official in the Trump Administration, reflects on why she felt called to serve, what she witnessed from inside government, and how her commitment to integrity ultimately led her to step away. In this conversation, she and Elizabeth Oldfield reflect on how extremism takes root, the role of integrity in polarised times, and why love, accountability, and formation matter more than outrage or power. Key moments: - Why Elizabeth Neumann worked in the Trump administration - and why she left - The difference between loyalty, obedience, and integrity - How fear drives polarisation and extremism - What 911 on January 6th revealed about institutional fragility - Why love is not soft, but essential for violence prevention - The cost of truth-telling inside communities you care about Chapters 00:00 Trailer 00:32 Intro 01:21 What is sacred to you? Elizabeth Neumann answers 03:34 Values in Hard Decision Making 08:47 Growing Up in the Bible Belt 14:06 Understanding Extremism and Fear 18:31 The Shift in Political Narratives 27:21 The Impact of 9/11 on National Security 32:02 The Psychological Drivers of Extremism 41:51 The Role of Love in Community Resilience 48:09 Navigating Political Loyalty in the Trump Administration 53:26 The January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol 01:00:18 Speaking Out Against Extremism 01:05:48 Engaging with Those at Risk of Radicalisation Keywords:John Kelly, Christian extremism, Bush, Trump, political extremism in America, faith and politics, Elizabeth Neumann interview, former Trump administration official, extremism and fear, radicalization and identity, preventing political violence, January 6 insurrection analysis, national security and extremism, Christian nationalism explained, moral courage in politics, integrity vs loyalty, obedience and conscience, fear-based politics, polarization in America, how extremism takes root, psychological drivers of extremism, love as violence prevention, community resilience against extremism, speaking out against extremism, truth-telling in polarized communities, cost of dissent, faith formation and identity, Bible Belt culture, 9/11 and national security policy, domestic extremism explained, religious identity and politics, political loyalty and integrity, navigating moral conflict at work, radicalization warning signs, de-escalation and prevention strategies, engaging people at risk of extremism, the role of fear in radicalization, democracy under threat, institutions under strain, January 6 lessons learned, Christian ethics in public life, power vs moral responsibility, extremism inside institutions, violence prevention strategies, faith-based approaches to peacebuilding, why people believe extreme ideologies, breaking cycles of outrage, love and accountability in community, political identity and belonging, courageous leadership in divided times, how narratives shape extremism, faith, fear, and power, rebuilding trust across difference

    1h 24m
  3. JAN 7

    George Monbiot on Exposing Power and the Fight to Save Our Planet

    In this episode Elizabeth Oldfield speaks with writer, environmentalist, and activist George Monbiot - a fiercely anti-establishment voice shaped by resistance, trauma, and a refusal to become what Britain’s elite institutions tried to make him. We discuss: - Why the language we use around the environment and climate change, isn't sufficient - Growing up with buried histories of English fascism and Jewish refuge, and what Britain still refuses to face - Boarding school trauma, survival personalities, and opting out of elite power systems - Is faith needed for moral courage? - How real change happens without becoming the thing you’re fighting --- 🎙️ Follow The Sacred: linktr.ee/sacredpodcast 📖 Follow Elizabeth Oldfield: www.elizabetholdfield.com/ 💡 Produced by the ‪@thinktanktheos‬ www.theosthinktank.co.uk/ 👉 Follow George Monbiot: https://www.instagram.com/georgemonbiot/?hl=en Chapters: 00:00 Trailer and Intro 00:56 What is Sacred to you? George Monbiot answers 06:00 Language Shapes the Fight for Our Planet 09:00 Uncovering British Fascism and His Grandmother's Involvement 12:00 Boarding School and How Elitism Tried to Shape Him 15:00 Journalism and Environmental Campaigns 18:00 Why Society and Power Work the Way They Do 21:00 How to Speak Up as an Activist Without Losing People 24:00 Power, Purpose, and How to Live Differently Keywords:George Monbiot interview on The Sacred podcast, environmental activism and climate change discussion, how to live differently from the British elite, fighting for the living planet, rewilding and regenerative agriculture ideas, understanding neoliberalism and power, environmentalist’s guide to ethical living, grassroots activism for ecological justice, climate breakdown explained by George Monbiot, public luxury and private sufficiency philosophy, moral courage and personal growth stories, human nature and altruism debate, survival personality from boarding school trauma, family history of fascism and refugees, life lessons from an anti-establishment thinker, insights into environmental journalism, political resistance and direct action in Britain, lessons from activism in Brazil and West Papua, preserving biodiversity and ecosystems, transformative environmental philosophy, connecting with nature for mental health, environmental ethics for everyday life, how to persuade people about climate crisis, the role of empathy in social change, understanding the 1% and societal power, regenerative living and sustainable farming practices, ecological systems and life support functions, teaching community values and cooperation, overcoming fear and selfishness in society, personal transformation through nature, insights into British history and hidden fascism, activism strategies that work in practice, human impact on the natural world, fighting the system while staying honest, exploring moral and ethical values, climate emergency communication strategies, environmental storytelling for change, balancing anger and persuasion in activism, learning from liberation theology and social justice, life lessons from a radical environmentalist, tackling neoliberal myths about human nature, the role of courage in ethical action, George Monbiot on biodiversity recovery, understanding climate chaos, inspiring environmental leadership stories, how humans can live in harmony with the planet, the power of knowledge and curiosity in activism

    1h 12m
  4. 2025-12-10

    Why Good People in the Church Look Away: Abuse, Power and Protecting the Mission

    Elizabeth Oldfield speaks with Andrew Graystone about his role in uncovering the serial abuser John Smyth and the institutional cover-ups within the Church that kept the truth hidden. Andrew is a Writer, Broadcaster and Activist. He shares the story behind his new book Bleeding for Jesus and the hidden patterns that shape the lives of Christian leaders. He reflects on why institutions so often cover up wrongdoing, what it really costs to tell the truth, and how ordinary people can resist cultures of fear. He speaks about his own experiences of humiliation and redemption, how shame shapes our public life, and why hospitality - opening your door, your life, your table - can be a radical spiritual act. This is a tender and hopeful conversation about what it means to live with courage and integrity when systems around us bend towards self-protection. Please could you fill out our listener survey? We’d be so grateful. https://biblesociety.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3WMJCr2xnXcxIq2 🎙️ Follow The Sacred: linktr.ee/sacredpodcast 📖 Follow Elizabeth Oldfield: www.elizabetholdfield.com/ 💡 Produced by the ‪@thinktanktheos‬ www.theosthinktank.co.uk/ 👉 Follow and Buy Andrew’s book ‘Bleeding for Jesus’: https://x.com/AndrewGraystone Support links: - Minister and Clergy Sexual Abuse Survivors (MACSAS)⁠www.macsas.org.uk⁠ - National Association for People Abused in Childhood⁠www.napac.org.uk⁠ - Samaritans⁠www.samaritans.org⁠ or by phone on 116 123 - The Survivors Trust⁠www.thesurvivorstrust.org⁠ - Safe Spaces⁠www.safespacesenglandandwales.org.uk ⁠or by phone 0300 303 1566 - British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy⁠www.bacp.co.uk/about-therapy/information-about-counselling⁠ Chapters: 00:00 Could you fill out our listener survey? 01:15 Trailer and intro 02:24 What is Sacred to you? Andrew Graystone answers 10:00 Navigating Privilege and Inequality 13:17 Principles of Living and Values 18:00 Challenges of Hospitality and Community 20:23 The Titus Trust and John Smyth Abuse Revelation 31:49 Understanding Abuse and Its Impacts 38:40 The Role of Institutions in Abuse 43:09 Bystander Effect and Institutional Failures 51:36 Anger, Gentleness, and Advocacy 56:43 Closing Reflections on Power and Presence Keywords: Andrew Graystone, Elizabeth Oldfield, The Sacred podcast, John Smyth abuse, Church abuse cover-up, Christian leaders accountability, False Profit book, exposing institutional abuse, faith and courage, standing up to power, moral courage, church scandals, abuse in Christian institutions, protecting the vulnerable, institutional failure, covering up wrongdoing, speaking truth to power, courage in faith, navigating shame, humiliation and redemption, pastoral accountability, moral imagination, ethical leadership, Christian ethics, religious institutions and abuse, confronting toxic power, survivors of abuse, advocating for victims, truth-telling in institutions, faith and justice, everyday courage, confronting secrecy, resisting culture of fear, hospitality as spiritual act, radical hospitality, opening your home to others, integrity and faith, walking with survivors, spiritual formation, institutional reform, uncovering abuse, moral responsibility, restorative justice, rebuilding trust, abuse survivors stories, church accountability, ethical decision making, courage under pressure, exposing wrongdoing, Christian leadership lessons, protecting the marginalized, personal integrity, confronting moral failure, courage in difficult times, learning from shame, Cathay Newman, Channel 4

    1h 8m
  5. 2025-12-03

    Cathy Newman on Truth, Whistleblowing, and Holding the Powerful to Account

    In this live episode of The Sacred, Elizabeth Oldfield sits down with Channel 4 journalist Cathy Newman to the moments that guided her toward investigative journalism and a lifelong commitment to seeking truth. They talk about: ✍️Investigative journalism and its role in holding power accountable ⛪ Investigating John Smyth's abuse in the Church of England ✖️Navigating public scrutiny, social media abuse, and global debates 🌍The importance of diverse perspectives in newsrooms for more accurate reporting Cathy shares candid insights about truth, bias, and the pursuit of justice in journalism, highlighting the human stories behind the headlines and why public service media matters now more than ever. 🎙️ Follow The Sacred: linktr.ee/sacredpodcast 📖 Follow Elizabeth Oldfield: www.elizabetholdfield.com/ 💡 Produced by the ‪@thinktanktheos‬ www.theosthinktank.co.uk/ 👉 Follow Cathy: https://x.com/cathynewman?lang=en Hosted by How the Light Gets In Keywords: Cathy Newman, Cathy Newman interview, Channel 4 News, Investigative journalism, Holding power to account, Accountability journalism, Truth in journalism, Media bias, Bias and perspective, Post-truth world, Public trust in media, Ethics in journalism, Moral courage, Whistleblowers, Abuse of power, Church abuse investigations, John Smyth investigation, Political scandals UK, Truth seekers, Journalism and justice, Cathy Newman The Sacred, The Sacred podcast, Elizabeth Oldfield, Courageous conversations, Speaking truth to power, Newsroom diversity, Media responsibility, Reporting on conflict, Gaza reporting ethics, War reporting challenges, Human nature and journalism, The human condition, Understanding truth, Misogyny in media, Online abuse journalists, Jordan Peterson interview, Public backlash, Investigative reporting stories, Exposing wrongdoing, Social justice journalism, Fact-based reporting, Trustworthy journalism, Impactful storytelling, Power dynamics, UK journalism, Female journalists UK, Journalism values, Holding leaders accountable, Media integrity, Hard-hitting interviews

    48 min
  6. 2025-11-26

    How We Lost the Art of Listening - and How to Get It Back | The Sacred Podcast TRAILER

    The world is overwhelming. Every day we’re bombarded with noise, outrage, and content designed to distract, numb, or divide us. It’s changing us...and not always for the better.We created the Sacred Podcast as a response to the chaos. It’s more than a podcast - it’s a space to slow down, reflect, and listen deeply. A place to practice empathy, curiosity, and understanding in a world that often rewards the opposite.In each episode, we sit down with someone who has a public voice and ask them: What’s sacred to you? We explore their ideas and practice genuine curiosity and engagement. No rage bait or arguing. Along the way, we’re learning to build our tolerance, understanding, and empathy for people who see the world differently to us.If you feel you need this too, come join us at The Sacred 💛🔔 Make sure you're subscribed to us to never miss an episode!🤝 Find us on IG:   / sacred_podcast  🎥 Liike Agency Keywords:The world feels overwhelming right now, too much noise, too much division, too many opinions. Many of us are searching for calm, meaning, and a deeper kind of strength. The Sacred Podcast is a space to slow down, listen deeply, and reconnect with what truly matters. It’s for anyone feeling anxious about the state of the world, craving stillness, or seeking emotional and spiritual resilience. This film shares our vision: to find steadiness amid chaos, to rebuild empathy, and to remember our shared humanity. If you’re longing for grounding and hope in uncertain times, you’re in the right place.Echoes of the Rift by Author Fields of Ethera, licensed under Track Club by Marmoset LLCEclipse" by Khamsin, licensed by The Music Bed LLC

    1 min
  7. 2025-11-19

    The Strangeness That Makes Us: David Bennett on Queerness, Polarisation & God

    How can you reconcile all parts of your identity in an increasingly polarised landscape? After a mystical experience in a Sydney bar, David Bennett found himself shifting from queer theory and student politics towards a surprising new centre of gravity: the Christian faith. Today he describes himself as a gay celibate Christian, someone living between two tribes often assumed to be incompatible.In this deep and tender conversation, theologian David speaks with Elizabeth Oldfield about his long wrestle with desire, queer identity and Scripture; why he believes celibacy can be liberating rather than repressive; and how he hopes to build bridges across an increasingly polarised landscape.They explore what happens when your story becomes symbolic in the culture wars, how to refuse weaponisation from both left and right, and what it means to live as a pilgrim - someone always on the way, always becoming.---🎙️ Follow The Sacred: linktr.ee/sacredpodcast 📖 Follow Elizabeth Oldfield: www.elizabetholdfield.com/ 💡 Produced by the ‪@thinktanktheos‬ www.theosthinktank.co.uk/ 👉 Follow David: https://www.instagram.com/davidacbennett/?hl=enChapters:00:00 - Intro 00:48 - What is Sacred to you? David Bennett answers02:00 - Growing Up and Not Fitting In 05:00 - Coming Out & the Shockwaves at Home 08:00 - Searching for Meaning: A Tour Through Belief Systems 11:00 - Encountering God: The Moment Everything Shifted 17:00 - Queer and Christian: Living in the Tension 20:00 - Queer Side A and B Explained 23:00 - Love, Honesty, Humility: The Values That Ground Him 26:00 - Navigating criticism from Progressives and Conservatives 29:00 - Living authentically with both identities 32:00 - Final Reflections: Hope, Courage & Spiritual Belonging 49:00 - David's message to the LGBTQI+ community58:30 - Elizabeth's reflectionsKeywords:David Bennett, gay Christian, celibate gay Christian, Side B Christianity, Side A vs Side B, queer Christianity, queer theology, queerness and faith, LGBTQ and religion, gay and Christian, Christianity and sexuality, Christian celibacy, re-sublimation of desire, same-sex attracted Christian, spiritual pilgrimage, faith and identity, culture war debates, progressive vs conservative Christianity, gay celibacy debate, queer identity and church, sexual ethics in Christianity, Romans 8:20 interpretation, Christian views on sexuality, LGBTQ inclusion in church, modern Christian ethics, religious trauma, faith deconstruction, faith reconstruction, conversion experience, encountering God, Christian testimony, reconciling faith and sexuality, Christian community rejection, building bridges across divides, Christian identity struggles, Oxford theology, queer theory and Christianity, celibacy as vocation, Christian friendship and community, Augustine and pilgrimage, Christian witness, culture wars and faith, LGBTQ spiritual journeys, progressive Christian critique, conservative Christian critique, Christian ethics of desire, healthy celibacy, alternative Christian vocations, strangeness of God’s love, living between two tribes

    1h 9m

Trailer

4.5
out of 5
25 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.

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