The Sacred

Theos
  • 4.8 (75)
  • 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. 13H AGO

    Why a Gay Atheist Still Believes Christianity Matters – with Jonathan Rauch

    We sat down with Jonathan Rauch - a gay, Jewish atheist - to explore his remarkable journey from accepting his sexuality and rejecting religion to becoming a key voice advocating for same-sex marriage and the vital role of Christianity in sustaining liberal, secular democracy. Key topics include: - Jonathan's personal wrestle with his sexuality and eventual acceptance - His commitment to gay and lesbian equality and the social conservative case for same-sex marriage - The negative effects of secularisation - The importance of Christian values in supporting liberal democracy and the need for a Christian revival --- 🎙️ Follow The Sacred: linktr.ee/sacredpodcast 📖 Follow Elizabeth Oldfield: www.elizabetholdfield.com/ 💡 Produced by the ‪@thinktanktheos‬ www.theosthinktank.co.uk/ ✍️ Follow Jonathan Rauch: https://x.com/jon_rauch?lang=en Chapters: 00:00 Intro 00:57 What is Sacred to you? Jonathan Rauch answers 02:48 Childhood Influences and Jewish Identity 05:58 Feeling on the outside 06:58 Trying to be religious 08:47 The Fight for Free Speech and Liberalism 11:52 The Journey to Same-Sex Marriage Advocacy 15:06 Navigating Personal and Public Identity 17:57 Understanding Anger and Tolerance in Debate 19:44 Denial and Acceptance of Same-Sex Attraction 34:28 Advocating for Christianity as an Atheist 36:14 The Consequences of Secularisation 38:19 The Role of Christianity in Democracy 40:42 Core Teachings of Christianity and Liberalism 47:21 The Need for Christianity in Secular Society 51:13 The Search for Transcendence 54:34 Messages for Secular Liberals and Christians Keywords: Jonathan Rauch, Liberal democracy, Christianity and politics, Gay rights, Same-sex marriage, Religious freedom, Secular society, American democracy, Political philosophy, Free speech, LGBTQ+ rights, Jewish identity, Atheism, Religious values, Social change, Political discourse, Minority rights, Cultural transformation, Civic engagement, Religious tolerance, Political liberalism, Social conservatism, Identity politics, Democratic values, Religious revival, Intellectual history, Cultural dialogue, Personal identity, Political belief, Social justice, Religious pluralism, American creed, Constitutional values, Community building, Interfaith dialogue, Political moderation, Cultural understanding, Religious institutions, Social cohesion, Intellectual freedom, Political compromise, Religious skepticism, Cultural diversity, Democratic principles, Social transformation, Religious critique, Political philosophy, Civic virtues, Cultural evolution, Intellectual honesty

    1h 8m

  2. JUN 4

    Caitlin Moran on the Masculinity Crisis, Raising Boys & the Manosphere

    Bestselling author Caitlin Moran made waves with her 2011 feminist classic How to Be a Woman. Now, she’s calling for an urgent conversation about the crisis of modern masculinity.In this special live episode of The Sacred, Elizabeth Oldfield and Daniel Turner sit down with Caitlin for a hilarious, moving, and deeply honest conversation that challenges what we think we know about men, women, gender roles, and society today. Together, they explore: ✖️ The masculinity crisis and the rise of the manosphere 📖 The cultural impact of 'How to Be a Woman' 😡 The intense backlash Caitlin received for writing about boys and men ♂️ Why men struggle with health, identity, and emotional development 🔄 The differences in how society handles midlife crises in men vs women🧠 How we can move beyond stereotypes toward a healthier, more compassionate vision of masculinity 🎥 Recorded at our Sacred Live event Chapters 00:00 Exploring Gender: The Unasked Questions 01:54 The Sacred Values: Making People Feel Better 04:53 Childhood Influences: A Unique Upbringing 09:51 The Journey of a Writer: From Music Journalism to Feminism 18:00 The Impact of 'How to Be a Woman' and Public Perception 27:01 The Responsibility of Influence: Navigating Public Opinion 28:49 The Art of Persuasion in Writing 30:42 Hospitality in Communication 31:36 The Importance of Awareness 33:13 Navigating Tone and Authenticity 34:54 The Journey to the Times 36:49 Exploring Feminism and Masculinity 37:47 Cultural Shifts in Gender Perception 39:41 Addressing the Crisis of Masculinity 41:31 Feminism's Role in Men's Issues43:16 The Backlash Against Men's Conversations 45:18 The Lack of Resources for Men 47:09 Expanding the Conversation 49:21 Finding Purpose in Modern Society 50:55 The Quest for Meaning 52:45 Cinematic Narratives for Boys and Heroic Archetypes 56:51 The Stiff Upper Lip Mentality 58:34 The Importance of VulnerabilityAudience Q+A 01:02:35 Are there unique differences between men and women? 01:07:21 The Interior Lives of Men 01:10:58 Why are kids terrified of their interior lives? 01:16:41 What is the role of men in modern society? 01:23:11 Navigating anxiety and self care 01:28:40 Elizabeth Oldfield's reflection Keywords: Why are teenage boys struggling today? What does it mean to be a man in 2025? Is masculinity in crisis, or just changing? What happened to male role models — and why are so many young men turning to figures like Andrew Tate or Jordan Peterson for guidance? How is red pill culture shaping boys' self-image? What does feminism have to say about men, and how can we raise emotionally intelligent boys in a world full of conflicting messages? Are boys being left behind in conversations about gender? What do they need that they’re not getting — from parents, schools, or culture? How is social media — especially TikTok — influencing masculinity, and what impact is it having on mental health? Why do boys struggle to express their emotions, and how can we help them develop emotional resilience? Should we parent boys differently than girls? And what can we learn from shows like Adolescence on Netflix about what it really means to grow up as a boy today?

    1h 41m

  3. MAY 21

    How to Find Meaning in the Life You Already Have | Joshua Luke Smith

    Driven by a hunger for more, Joshua Luke Smith opens up about his journey with ADHD, addiction, and the unraveling and deconstruction of his faith. In this honest conversation, he invites us to lay down hustle culture, live poetically, and rediscover the sacred in the life we already have.Together with Elizabeth Oldfield, Joshua reflects on his childhood as a missionary kid in Pakistan, the challenges of identity and belonging, and his path toward sobriety, stillness, and spiritual depth. This is a conversation about presence, recovery, and the radical power of living poetically in a world that never stops moving.---🎙️ Follow The Sacred: linktr.ee/sacredpodcast 📖 Follow Elizabeth Oldfield: www.elizabetholdfield.com/ 💡 Produced by the ‪@thinktanktheos‬ www.theosthinktank.co.uk/ ✍️ Follow Joshua Luke Smith: https://www.instagram.com/joshualukesmith/?hl=en / https://www.joshualukesmith.com/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAafB24IDAARfb0OoBIDxWdDgh2FEn4Gl0ybjetYKvrQUeP85UlcThuOY-jFwXg_aem_IUFrBFhG23YMfLvi2crXPgCHAPTERS00:00 Intro00:56 What is Sacred to you? Joshua Luke Smith answers03:12 Reflections on Childhood and Belonging05:57 Missionary Life and Its Complexities09:05 Navigating Identity and Spirituality12:12 The Legacy of Colonialism in Mission Work14:53 The Role of Community in Recovery18:04 Drugs, gluttony and ecstatic experiences 21:01 Joshua shares a poem22:24 Understanding Neurodivergence and Belonging29:52 Living Poetically34:00 Exploring Masculinity and Vulnerability40:05 The Role of Fatherhood in Healing46:01 Authenticity and Spirituality in Modern Times49:07 This is the Main Event: Embracing the PresentKEYWORDSsacred, friendship, belonging, missionary, identity, spirituality, colonialism, community, recovery, neurodivergence, poetry, poetry, masculinity, gender, vulnerability, fatherhood, spirituality, authenticity, healing, community, witness, belonging, Spirituality, belonging, masculinity, faith, missionary, ADHD, recovery, addiction, fatherhood, authenticity, identity, chaos, social media, polarisation, slow living, creativity, healing, vulnerability, transformation, purpose, Christian, Jesus, Creative, Addiction, present, writing, healing, meaning, storytelling, community, wounds, redemption, childhood, Pakistan, deconstruction, Christianity, trauma, self-discovery, mental health, inspiration, resilience, mindfulness, empowerment, relationships, spiritual journey, personal growth, emotional intelligence, art, performance, writing, spoken word, meditation, self-acceptance, overcoming, compassion, introspection, wisdom, courage, transformation, hope, T.S. Eliot, Raymond Carver, Tracy Chapman, Wendell Berry, St. Francis, Eugene Peterson, David White, The Fugees#podcast #poet

    1h 1m

  4. MAY 7

    Gen Z Christian Revival? What I Learnt Living Amongst Young Christian Converts

    Elizabeth Oldfield and author Lamorna Ash and take us on an unexpected journey through faith, doubt, and contemporary spirituality. Fresh from writing her groundbreaking book "Don't Forget We're Here Forever", Lamorna shares her search for meaning, her remarkable immersion in Christianity and her exploration of the surprising ways young people are rediscovering religion.--- 🎙️ Follow The Sacred: linktr.ee/sacredpodcast 📖 Follow Elizabeth Oldfield: www.elizabetholdfield.com/ 💡 Produced by the ‪@thinktanktheos‬ www.theosthinktank.co.uk/ ✍️ Follow Lamorna Ash: https://www.instagram.com/lamornaaash/?hl=en-gb CHAPTERS00:00 Intro00:48 What is Sacred to you? Lamorna Ash answers05:51 Childhood Influences and Imagination09:01 Navigating Adolescence and Anxiety12:00 The Journey into Writing14:58 Anthropology and Storytelling17:50 Community Values in Fishing21:11 The Process of Writing and Vulnerability23:48 Exploring Faith and Conversion26:56 The Intersection of Writing and Spirituality31:03 Encountering Christianity34:50 The Journey of Understanding Faith39:55 Community and Ritual in Spirituality44:33 The Role of Prayer and Longing49:53 Christian revival?55:01 Navigating Personal and Public Faith01:01:33 The Challenge of Representation in Writing KEYWORDSfaith, doubt, spirituality, meaning, purpose, storytelling, resilience, grief, healing, community, identity, culture, tradition, sacred, secular, introspection, transformation, journey, vulnerability, soul, renewal, belonging, connection, roots, heritage, modern life, inner life, existential, questions, personal growth, belief systems, hope, contemplation, reflection, truth, narrative, spiritual journey, emotional depth, cultural revival, human experience, wonder, curiosity, loss, solitude, silence, self-discovery, poetic, mindfulness, UK culture, literature, place, mystery, Christianity, religion, faith, revival, spiritual, God, theology, belief, resurrection, church, tradition, scripture, sacred, prayer, gospel, Jesus, Bible, hope, redemption, eternity, truth, meaning, purpose, culture, heritage, identity, community, soul, love, grace, sin, forgiveness, modernity, ritual, sacredness, divine, transcendence, reawakening, pilgrimage, devotion, miracles, liturgy, contemplation, mysticism, revelation, morality, salvation, silence, spirit, orthodoxy, renewal, spirituality, literature, UK culture, revolution, cultural revival.#podcast

    1h 11m

  5. APR 30

    Don't Stop Listening to Conservative Voices: a Sacred Reflection

    Elizabeth Oldfield reflects on our latest episodes — and how the mood of our audience is changing in a world of wars, elections, and rising turbulence. She offers a powerful reminder: by choosing to listen, and stepping outside our algorithmic echo chambers, we can resist the forces driving us apart. --- 🎟️ 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/ CHAPTERS 00:00:00 Intro 00:02:54 The Challenge of Listening to Different Voices 00:08:00 Our Audience is Finding Listening Harder Lately 00:06:07 Navigating Discomfort 00:08:58 Finding Common Ground in Complexity KEYWORDS Curiosity, dialogue, empathy, Trump, Biden, polarisation, algorithmic bubbles, social media, Brexit, diversity, open-mindedness, Middle East conflict, radicalisation, US politics, tolerance, perspective-taking, nuanced discourse, cultural complexity, listening skills, humanity, echo chambers, filter bubbles, political division, global understanding, compassionate communication, Westminster, Silicon Valley, algorithmic bias, cultural differences, world values, media manipulation, democratic discourse, international relations, generational perspectives, technological impact, societal connection, intellectual humility, cross-cultural dialogue, political spectrum, emotional intelligence, critical thinking, media literacy, global citizenship, personal growth, challenging assumptions, respectful disagreement, cultural empathy, systemic understanding, power dynamics, human connection.

    13 min

  6. APR 23

    Israel-Gaza: Can two things be true? With Richard Allen Greene

    How do we recognise the humanity on both sides of the Israel-Gaza conflict? Elizabeth Oldfield asks CNN's former Jerusalem Bureau Chief, Richard Allen Greene about journalism, his Jewish faith, and human understanding in the midst of the Israel-Gaza conflict.Key Moments:- Inside the CNN Jerusalem Bureau during October 7th- The challenge of reporting on the Israel-Gaza war- Navigating personal trauma and professional objectivity- The Jewish concept of holiness and human connection- Resisting extremism through empathy and understanding ---🎟️ 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 Richard Allen Greene: https://x.com/RAGreeneCNNCHAPTERS00:00 Intro 01:06 What is Sacred to you? Richard Allen Greene answers06:45 Childhood Influences and "Tikkun Olam"08:15 Family Background and Jewish Identity09:50 Assimilation and Cultural Identity12:05 The Nature of God and Divine Presence17:04 The Role of Journalism in Society21:08 Objectivity and the Challenges of Journalism28:48 Transitioning from Journalism to Rabbinic School30:03 The Role of a Bureau Chief in Crisis32:24 Navigating Personal Connections in Reporting35:01 Finding Meaning in Senseless Suffering37:23 The Impact of the war on Jewish Communities41:23 Antisemitism and Its Complexities43:50 What is Antisemitism?46:44 Holding Multiple Truths in Conflict49:07 The Importance of Diverse Perspectives53:03 Reflections on Humanity and JournalismKEYWORDSHumanity, Conflict, Sacred, Holy, Values, Tikkun Olam, Identity, Spirituality, God, Journalism, Objectivity, Rabbinical Studies, Media Ethics, Israeli Palestinian, Antisemitism, Community, Meaning, Perspective, Crisis Reporting, Connection, Trauma, Healing, Interfaith, Culture, Resilience, Compassion, Global Politics, Mental Health, War Reporting, Social Justice, Human Rights, Empathy, Reconciliation, Communication, Moral Courage, Hope, Understanding, Tolerance, Transformation, Storytelling, Wisdom, Peacebuilding, Critical Thinking, Experience, Growth, Leadership, Dialogue, Diversity, Humanity, Suffering, Survival#IsraelGaza #Journalism #Humanity #Empathy

    1h 3m

  7. APR 9

    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

  8. MAR 26

    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
See All (212)

Trailer

4.8
out of 5
75 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
    212
  • 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