183 episodes
The Sacred Theos think tank
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- Society & Culture
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4.8 • 172 Ratings
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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 think tank.
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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A massive thank you for being here from Elizabeth and The Sacred Team 🌿🤍 -
Two Couples, One Roof: The Power of Communal Living
Join Elizabeth Oldfield and her housemates as they dive into their unconventional living arrangement, where two couples share a home in a close-knit, intentional community.
In this episode, we explore the motivations behind choosing such a radically interconnected lifestyle and the profound impact it has on combating loneliness, pride and fostering connection.
We discuss the challenges and rewards of prioritising communal needs over personal comfort, and how this journey has unlocked a deeper sense of what it means to be Fully Alive.
🎙️ Follow The Sacred: linktr.ee/sacredpodcast
📖 Follow Elizabeth Oldfield: www.elizabetholdfield.com/
💡 Produced by the Theos Think Tank: www.theosthinktank.co.uk/ -
Tim Dixon: Finding Common Ground in a Polarised World
In this episode, Elizabeth Oldfield interviewed Tim Dixon about the limitations of politics in creating change, the tragic death of friend Jo Cox, and the importance of addressing the issue of polarisation and division in politics.
Tim Dixon is a social entrepreneur and the co-founder of More in Common, an organisation, in the US, UK, Germany and France, that is working to unite our increasing polarised and fragmented societies.
🎙️ Follow The Sacred: linktr.ee/sacredpodcast
📖 Follow Elizabeth Oldfield: www.elizabetholdfield.com/
💡 Produced by the @thinktanktheos www.theosthinktank.co.uk/
✨ Find out more about Tim's work: https://x.com/dixontim -
Subverting Culture Through Art with Lakwena Maciver
Elizabeth Oldfield speaks to Lakwena Maciver about processing emotions, navigating comparison and using her artwork to speak powerful messages to herself and wider culture.
Lakwena is a London-based artist who combines colour and bold text to inspire joy and the gentle subversion of cultural messaging. Her work has been shown internationally with brands such as H&M, Fiorucci & Mini, and at institutions including the Tate Modern, Somerset House, and the Rotterdam Kunsthal.
🎙️ Follow The Sacred: linktr.ee/sacredpodcast
📖 Follow Elizabeth Oldfield: www.elizabetholdfield.com/
💡 Produced by the @thinktanktheos www.theosthinktank.co.uk/
✨ Find out more about Lakwena's work: https://www.lakwena.com/ -
Peter Hitchens: Is Post-God Britain Beyond Saving?
Peter Hitchens, Conservative journalist and author, is interviewed by host of The Sacred podcast, Elizabeth Oldfield.
In this episode, we spoke about Peter's finding and losing faith in socialism, the role of journalism in forming our opinions, and his unexpected encounter with God.
🎙️ Follow The Sacred: linktr.ee/sacredpodcast
📖 Follow Elizabeth Oldfield: www.elizabetholdfield.com/
💡 Produced by the Theos Think Tank: www.theosthinktank.co.uk/
✨ Find out more about Peter's work: https://hitchensblog.mailonsunday.co.uk/ -
Caroline Lucas: Could Imagination Solve Our Political and Climate Crisis?
Caroline Lucas, British Politician and former leader of the Green Party is interviewed by host of The Sacred podcast, Elizabeth Oldfield.
In this episode, Caroline talks about the formation of an MP, the challenges of the political system, the role of imagination and spirituality in tackling the climate crisis, and how we can reimagine a different story about England.
🎙️ Follow The Sacred: linktr.ee/sacredpodcast
📖 Follow Elizabeth Oldfield: www.elizabetholdfield.com/
💡 Produced by the Theos Think Tank: www.theosthinktank.co.uk/
✨ Find out more about Caroline's work: carolinelucas.com/
Customer Reviews
Fabulous podcast with a great ethos
I only discovered The Sacred relatively recently but I wish I’d come across it before - have been catching up on old episodes. I’m someone who believes strongly in dialogue and understanding with those who differ - that’s very much this podcast’s ethos.
As a Christian who’s still working out how faith fits with all the complexity of the real world, am finding The Sacred really helpful. Particularly the conversations with people who are ‘spiritual but not religious’ - I interact with people from that tribe in HSP (Highly Sensitive Person) networks.
Elizabeth has a friendly and engaging manner, whilst not being afraid to probe and even gently challenge guests on occasion. She’s a great podcaster and this is a fabulous podcast.
Waking, driving, cooking companion
This has been a phenomenal season - loved all the episodes in different ways and have been hugely helpful in navigating cultural and theological ideas which bubble away in my life. Will miss it! Come back soon!
Wider range of voices needed
The conversations here are worth listening to and the way the interviews are handled is impressive. I am always left with something to think about as a result of listening. I don’t think the range of voices is as wide as suggested with most guests leaning to the right, even as they claim they do not or claim the label is redundant. Some space for other voices would be refreshing.