Turning World

Opus Media

Turning World is a podcast about making sense of a world in motion. Politics, culture and faith are no longer fixed or familiar. Old certainties are shifting, institutions are changing shape, and public debate feels more polarised and unstable than ever. In the middle of all this, it’s easy to feel disoriented. Each episode brings together thoughtful voices from across politics, culture, faith and beyond for conversations that are open, curious and grounded. There are no rigid positions or ideological lines to follow, just an honest attempt to explore what’s changing, why it matters, and where it might lead. The discussions are rigorous but respectful. Questions are asked in good faith. Disagreement isn’t avoided as it’s part of the process of understanding. If you’re tired of shouty debates, fixed opinions and surface-level takes, Turning World offers something different by exploring ideas that don’t fit neatly into boxes. About the hosts Jon Egan is a writer and commentator who has worked as a musician, grave digger, comedy promoter, political researcher and campaign strategist. Jon was a founder member of the radical Christian art and music collective, The Revolutionary Army of The Infant Jesus, and is a member of the Orthodox Church, After many years in active politics, Jon is now convinced that the root cause of our political and cultural unraveling is a spiritual estrangement and a disconnection from the only durable source of meaning and value. Keith Hitchman is an Anglican priest and community leader based in Liverpool. As Vicar of St Michael-in-the-Hamlet and Hope Parish, his work centres on parish renewal, community engagement and the spiritual life of the city. He has previously worked closely with civic institutions and media, and brings a long-standing interest in how faith, identity and public life intersect. Produced by Opus Media. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episodes

  1. 4 Aug

    Why Stories Matter More Than Ever with Frank Cottrell-Boyce

    What role do stories play in shaping who we are? In this episode of Turning World, Jon Egan and Keith Hitchman are joined by Frank Cottrell-Boyce—award-winning author, screenwriter and former Children's Laureate—to explore storytelling as one of the foundations of culture, identity and community. Reflecting on a career that spans television, film and children's literature, Frank discusses why stories matter, how childhood has changed, and why reading remains one of the most powerful ways to cultivate imagination, empathy and hope. The conversation also explores faith, national identity and the role storytelling can play in helping Britain navigate an increasingly fragmented political and cultural landscape. Topics include: Frank's journey from television drama to children's fictionThe purpose of the Children's LaureateReading, literacy and childhood todayStorytelling in the digital ageWhy stories read aloud have such lasting powerChildhood, imagination and resilienceCatholic faith and hopeThe London 2012 Olympic Opening CeremonyStorytelling, politics and national identity Guest Frank Cottrell-Boyce is an award-winning novelist, screenwriter and former UK Children's Laureate. He has written bestselling children's books including Millions, Cosmic and The Astounding Broccoli Boy, as well as acclaimed screenplays such as Hilary and Jackie, Welcome to Sarajevo and the London 2012 Olympic Opening Ceremony. About Turning World Hosted by Jon Egan and Keith Hitchman, Turning World explores politics, culture, faith and public life through thoughtful conversations that go beyond headlines and ideology. Each episode asks not only what's happening in the world—but what stories shape the way we understand it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  2. 11 Jul

    Can Andy Burnham Rebuild Labour? | Kevin Meagher | Turning World

    Andy Burnham's rise to the Labour leadership has prompted renewed debate about the party's future, its relationship with working-class communities and whether it can reconnect with voters who have drifted away over recent decades. In this episode of Turning World, Jon Egan and Keith Hitchman are joined by political commentator and author Kevin Meagher to examine what Burnham's leadership might mean—not just for Labour, but for British politics more broadly. The conversation explores class, regional identity, faith, immigration and the changing political landscapes of both Britain and Ireland, asking whether Labour can once again become a movement rooted in community, belonging and shared purpose. Topics include: Andy Burnham and Labour's futureWorking-class identity and political representationNorthern England and WestminsterPolitical legitimacy and leadershipFaith, Catholicism and public lifeChristian nationalism in British politicsIrish reunification and political changeImmigration and populismRebuilding trust in democratic politics Guest Kevin Meagher is a political commentator, author and former government adviser. He has written extensively on British politics, Labour, devolution and Ireland, including the book A United Ireland: Why Unification Is Inevitable and How It Will Come About. About Turning World Hosted by Jon Egan and Keith Hitchman, Turning World explores politics, culture, faith and public life through thoughtful conversations that go beyond headlines and ideology. Each episode seeks to understand not just what is happening, but why—and what it means for the future. Produced by Opus Media Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  3. 1 Jul

    Is Labour Facing an Existential Crisis? | Neal Lawson | Turning World

    The Makerfield by-election has been described as one of the most significant political moments in recent years. But what does it really tell us about the future of British politics? In this episode of Turning World, Jon Egan and Keith Hitchman are joined by political thinker Neal Lawson to explore the questions beneath the headlines. The conversation examines whether Labour can reconnect with its traditional working-class roots, the rise of Reform UK, the possibility of a progressive alliance, and whether modern politics has become disconnected from the people it claims to represent. Moving beyond electoral tactics, the discussion also considers whether Britain's political crisis is ultimately cultural and moral rather than simply economic. Topics include: The significance of the Makerfield by-electionAndy Burnham and Labour's futureReform UK's electoral challengeProgressive alliancesWorking-class identity and political belongingThe legacy of neoliberal economicsPolitics beyond left and rightMorality, faith and Labour's ethical traditionWhether politics has lost its sense of purpose Guest Neal Lawson is a political commentator, campaigner and founder of Compass. He has spent more than two decades arguing for democratic renewal, political reform and a more plural, collaborative approach to British politics. About Turning World Hosted by Jon Egan and Keith Hitchman, Turning World explores politics, culture, faith and public life through thoughtful conversations that go beyond headlines and ideology. Each episode seeks to understand not just what is happening, but why—and what it means for the future. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  4. 18 May

    Long Covid, Chronic Pain & Mind-Body Healing | Prof Paul Garner

    In Episode 3 of Turning World, Jon Egan and Keith Hitchman are joined by Professor Paul Garner for an in-depth conversation on long Covid, chronic fatigue, chronic pain and the evolving science of mind-body medicine. As both a researcher and patient advocate, Paul offers insight into the scientific, social and personal dimensions of chronic illness — from predictive coding and psychosomatic symptoms to fear, avoidance and pathways to recovery. Topics include: • Long Covid and post-Covid illness • Chronic fatigue syndrome and ME/CFS • Predictive coding and neuroscience • Mind-body approaches to healing • Psychosomatic illness and pain • Fear, stress and trauma • NHS and systemic healthcare failures • Community support and local resilience Guest bio: Professor Paul Garner is professor emeritus at Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, member of the Oslo Chronic Fatigue Network, contributor to Fatigue Science Talks, and advocate for improved understanding of chronic fatigue and post-viral conditions. Paul Garner, professor emeritus, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine And member of the Oslo Chronic Fatigue Network   Links: Raelan Agle interview on the post covid condition (Nov 2025)  Failed by the NHS on chronic fatigue illness (Oct 2025) Patients with severe ME/CFS (May 2025) Long covid in Manchester Evening News (March 2025) Fatigue Science Channel Orcid 0000-0002-0607-6941 About Turning World: Turning World is hosted by Jon Egan and Keith Hitchman and explores politics, culture, faith and public life in an age of uncertainty and transformation. Produced by Opus Media. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Turning World is a podcast about making sense of a world in motion. Politics, culture and faith are no longer fixed or familiar. Old certainties are shifting, institutions are changing shape, and public debate feels more polarised and unstable than ever. In the middle of all this, it’s easy to feel disoriented. Each episode brings together thoughtful voices from across politics, culture, faith and beyond for conversations that are open, curious and grounded. There are no rigid positions or ideological lines to follow, just an honest attempt to explore what’s changing, why it matters, and where it might lead. The discussions are rigorous but respectful. Questions are asked in good faith. Disagreement isn’t avoided as it’s part of the process of understanding. If you’re tired of shouty debates, fixed opinions and surface-level takes, Turning World offers something different by exploring ideas that don’t fit neatly into boxes. About the hosts Jon Egan is a writer and commentator who has worked as a musician, grave digger, comedy promoter, political researcher and campaign strategist. Jon was a founder member of the radical Christian art and music collective, The Revolutionary Army of The Infant Jesus, and is a member of the Orthodox Church, After many years in active politics, Jon is now convinced that the root cause of our political and cultural unraveling is a spiritual estrangement and a disconnection from the only durable source of meaning and value. Keith Hitchman is an Anglican priest and community leader based in Liverpool. As Vicar of St Michael-in-the-Hamlet and Hope Parish, his work centres on parish renewal, community engagement and the spiritual life of the city. He has previously worked closely with civic institutions and media, and brings a long-standing interest in how faith, identity and public life intersect. Produced by Opus Media. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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