In this special end-of-year reflection episode of The Sacred, we're slowing down and seeing the season out with some of Elizabeth's favourite poems. Take a moment to sit with darkness and light, to reflect on the year, and to rest in words that have carried us through conversations about grief, migration, identity, hope and moral courage.Elizabeth reads some of the poems that have steadied her this season, from William Stafford and W.H. Auden to John Donne and Alfred Lord Tennyson.Poem credits: 'A Ritual to Read to Each other' from book 'Ask Me' by William Stafford from Graywolf Press. 'September 1, 1939' by W.H. Auden.'Nativity' by John DonneExcerpt from 'In Memoriam' by Alfred Lord Tennyson.📝 We’d be so grateful if you could fill out out listener survey. If you’ve been nourished by The Sacred, we’d really love to hear from you. We'd love to know what’s helping, or what’s not and what you’d like to see more of. Here's the link: https://biblesociety.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3WMJCr2xnXcxIq2🌟Wherever you are, we hope you find rest and time to slow down in this season. We’re grateful to be on this journey with you and we’ll see you in the new year!
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
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
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
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
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
Award-winning journalist and filmmaker Mobeen Azhar and Elizabeth Oldfield to talk about his extraordinary career telling hidden and untold stories - from interviewing white supremacists, extremists, drug dealers, and killers; exposing police corruption, cults, and cover-ups; and told raw stories from inside prisons, mosques, and nightclubs.
In an age of outrage and dehumanisation, Mobeen's journalism combats hate and demonisation with empathy and understanding to reveal the human story beyond the headlines.
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🎙️ Follow The Sacred: linktr.ee/sacredpodcast
📖 Follow Elizabeth Oldfield: www.elizabetholdfield.com/
💡 Produced by the @thinktanktheos www.theosthinktank.co.uk/
👉 Follow Mobeen: https://www.instagram.com/mobeen_azhar/?hl=en-gb
Keywords:
His award-winning documentaries include Small Town, Big Riot (BBC), uncovering how racism and misinformation fuelled a violent protest in Merseyside; The Battle for Britney, going inside the global #FreeBritney movement; The Satanic Verses: 30 Years On, exploring faith, art, and offence; Hometown: A Killing, investigating a murder in his own community; The Men Who Sell Sex; The Mosque Next Door; The Black and White Killing; The Soldiers That Saved Britain; and The Kandahar Killings. In this episode of The Sacred, journalist and documentary filmmaker Mobeen Azhar talks about racism, faith, and moral courage. Known for BBC documentaries like Small Town, Big Riot, Hometown: A Killing, and The Battle for Britney, Mobeen shares what it’s like to be a Muslim journalist in Britain interviewing racists, extremists, and people on the margins of society. He discusses empathy over outrage, understanding hate, and finding transcendence on the techno rave dance floor. This powerful conversation explores race, religion, identity, decency, and compassion in a divided world — and asks how we can stay human in the face of injustice and polarisation.
Grief, peace, and the search for steadiness of soul - comedian, writer and Griefcast host Cariad Lloyd joins Elizabeth Oldfield to talk about the gift and absurdity of grief.
Cariad opens up about her father’s death, comedy as survival, and the small, sacred acts that keep her grounded. She also shares what it means to raise her kids with honesty about loss and how humour helps us stay human in the face of death.
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🎙️ Follow The Sacred: linktr.ee/sacredpodcast
📖 Follow Elizabeth Oldfield: www.elizabetholdfield.com/
💡 Produced by the @thinktanktheos www.theosthinktank.co.uk/
👉 Listen to Cariad's Griefcast Podcast: https://cariadlloyd.com/griefcast
Chapters
00:00 Intro
01:42 What is Sacred to you? Cariad Lloyd answers
11:43 Growing up spiritual
18:30 Grief, Spirituality and Doubt
24:32 Grief becomes a part of you
27:14 The Role of Comedy in Grief
35:00 Sharing Grief Stories
38:52 How to be there for people who are grieving
44:07 Are there gifts in grief?
50:02 Death in children's books?
Keywords:
Cariad Lloyd interview, The Sacred podcast, Elizabeth Oldfield, grief podcast, grief and loss, dealing with grief, how to talk about death, finding peace, mental health, anxiety, parenting, motherhood, faith, spirituality, meaning, purpose, finding what’s sacred, inner peace, steadiness of soul, moral courage, emotional resilience, grief and comedy, using humor to heal, British comedian, Griefcast host, You Are Not Alone book, Where Did She Go book, grief for children, death in children’s books, coping with bereavement, mindfulness, self-compassion, anxiety and rest, the power of rituals, modern spirituality, finding calm, spiritual grounding, how to support someone grieving, death and culture, secular spirituality, community and loss, talking about death honestly, creative process, storytelling and healing, grief and art, grief and performance, how to live with loss, moral honesty, authenticity, being a decent human, emotional honesty, spiritual strength, learning from pain, comedy and tragedy, British podcasts about meaning
Why honest conversations about race, class and power make us defensive - and why should we face them anyway.
Author, teacher and broadcaster Jeffrey Boakye joins Elizabeth Oldfield to talk about truth, joy, race and power and why he believes we can’t fix what we’re too scared to face.
We speak about:
👊🏾 Jeffrey's fusion of Black British identities from growing up in Brixton
✏️ The role of a teacher and finding his voice in a mostly white education system
⚡ Learning how to challenge dominant power structures like whiteness, class and Britishness
This is a conversation about courage, fear, and how we can talk about race, class and identity without tearing each other apart.
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🎙️ Follow The Sacred: linktr.ee/sacredpodcast
📖 Follow Elizabeth Oldfield: www.elizabetholdfield.com/
💡 Produced by the @thinktanktheos www.theosthinktank.co.uk/
👉 Follow Jeffrey Boakye: https://x.com/jeffreykboakye
Chapters:
00:00 - Intro
01:06 - What is Sacred to you? Jeffrey Boakye answers
06:23 - Growing up in Brixton as a Ghanaian Catholic
15:30 - Cultural Identities: Black Britishness and Jamaican youth culture
26:00 - “I became a white woman” teaching while Black
33:00 - Why conversations about race make us defensive and what to do about it
42:00 - Power, fear, and the culture wars
50:00 - Why it’s race and class - not race or class
55:47 - Class and it's connection to the slave trade
56:27 - Anti-immigrant propaganda targeted at the working class
57:54 - Reflection by Elizabeth
Keywords:
Jeffrey Boakye delves into the complexities of power dynamics and the importance of challenging power through truth and joy. He explores cultural identity, drawing from his experiences growing up in Brixton, and discusses the intersectionality of race and class within the education system. The conversation touches on societal structures, the role of religion and community, and the need for empathy in public discourse. Boakye highlights the influence of Caribbean culture and the significance of language in shaping identity. As a teacher, he emphasises the importance of education as a tool for social change, advocating for educational reform and equity. The discussion also covers themes of privilege, patriarchy, white supremacy, colonialism, homophobia, and misogyny, while celebrating the richness of Black British culture and multiculturalism. Through storytelling and narrative, Boakye shares his personal values and life philosophy, encouraging social justice, diversity, and inclusion. The episode invites listeners to reflect on social norms, personal growth, and the power of dialogue, understanding, and compassion in fostering human connection and systemic change. With a focus on critical thinking, reflective practice, and educational equity, Boakye inspires empowerment, creativity, and collaboration, urging us to embrace curiosity, exploration, and authenticity in our pursuit of knowledge and wisdom
What can an ancient tradition like Druidry teach us about living well today?
In this episode of The Sacred Podcast, Elizabeth Oldfield speaks with Philip Carr-Gomm, psychologist, author, and longtime leader of the Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids.
They explore how trees and nature are sacred, the meaning of magic in everyday life, and why ancient wisdom traditions might be exactly what we need in an age of ecological crisis and polarisation.
🌳 Why trees, forests, and nature are sacred
🤝 Why Buddhism felt more appealing than Christianity in his early years
✨ What “magic” really means in psychology and spirituality
🌍 How ancient wisdom, Celtic spirituality, and eco-spirituality can guide us today
This conversation touches on modern druidry, earth-based spirituality, mindfulness, interfaith dialogue, and spiritual growth with insight into how we can find the sacred in everyday life and respond with wisdom to our times.
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🎙️ Follow The Sacred: linktr.ee/sacredpodcast
📖 Follow Elizabeth Oldfield: www.elizabetholdfield.com/
💡 Produced by the @thinktanktheos www.theosthinktank.co.uk/
🌀 Follow Philip Carr-Gomm's work: https://philipcarr-gomm.com/
Chapters
00:00 Intro
01:10 What is Sacred to you? Philip Carr-Gomm answers
03:00 Why Trees Hold the Secret to Spiritual Enlightenment
09:00 The Influences of a Druid's Childhood
18:00 Diversity and Inclusivity in Druidry
27:00 Art and Nature Collide: The Untold Story of Druidry
36:00 Magic and The Transformative Secrets of Druidry
45:00 Masculine and Feminine Energies
54:00 Druidry's Historical Tapestry
01:03:00 The Divine Child: A Controversial Bridge Between Faiths
01:12:00 Gender in Spirituality: The Debate That’s Changing Everything
01:21:00 Can Spiritual Dialogue Break Down Barriers?
Keywords
In this conversation, Elizabeth Oldfield speaks with Philip Carr-Gomm, psychologist, author, and modern druid, about the wisdom of Druidry, Celtic spirituality, and the Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids. They explore why trees are sacred, the role of nature in spirituality, and how ancient wisdom traditions can guide us today. Philip explains the meaning of magic, the connections between Buddhism, Christianity, and earth-based spirituality, and how practices of eco-spirituality, mindfulness, and nature connection can help us find the sacred in everyday life. This episode of The Sacred Podcast is for anyone curious about spiritual growth, interfaith dialogue, ancient traditions, modern druidry, psychology and spirituality, exploring faith, and spiritual wisdom in an age of ecological crisis and cultural polarization, polarisation.
Elizabeth Oldfield and Rod Dreher tackle one of the most urgent and contentious questions of our time: how should nations, and individuals, relate to migrants in our midst? How do we balance compassion for migrants with the protection of vulnerable citizens? How does Christianity shape responsibilities to strangers? And why do honest conversations about these issues so often spiral into demonisation and division?
🤝This bonus episode is taken from Midwestuary 2025 and models honest disagreement without dehumanisation, showing a different way to engage with hard topics in our societies.
🎙️ Follow The Sacred: linktr.ee/sacredpodcast
📖 Follow Elizabeth Oldfield: www.elizabetholdfield.com/
💡 Produced by the @thinktanktheos www.theosthinktank.co.uk/
🎙️ Follow Midwestuary: https://www.midwestuary.com/
Keywords:
Immigration is one of the most divisive issues of our time, raising questions of compassion, fear, morality, and national security. In this conversation, Elizabeth Oldfield and Rod Dreher explore how Christianity shapes our response to the stranger, what it means to love our neighbor, and how to hold moral dilemmas around migration without demonizing each other. Together they model how to disagree well, listen across divides, and search for common ground in the middle of a polarized immigration debate, polarised immigration debate
In a world where half of young people UK dream of becoming influencers, Jade Bowler delves into the hidden costs of this career - from burnout and loneliness to the struggle for authenticity.
Jade Bowler (@UnJadedJade ) is an author, content creator, podcaster, and one of the UK’s first “StudyTubers.” Since starting her YouTube channel at 16, Jade has built a global audience and is shaping a generation interested in spirituality, self-discovery in your 20s, productivity and finding "casual magic" in your every day.
Elizabeth Oldfield and Jade Bowler talk about:
🎙️The hidden costs of being a content creator, the pressures of social media and the responsibility of influencers
🌿 How to live authentically online and build genuine connection when millions are watching
🌈Jade’s journey of coming out and navigating internalised homophobia
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🎙️ Follow The Sacred: linktr.ee/sacredpodcast
📖 Follow Elizabeth Oldfield: www.elizabetholdfield.com/
💡 Produced by the @thinktanktheos www.theosthinktank.co.uk/
✨ Listen to Jade's podcast @findingyourcasualmagic
Chapters
00:00 Intro
01:16 What is Sacred to you? Jade Bowler Answers
02:35 Craving connection and finding it online
08:30 Jade reflects on her parents’ contrasting influences
11:11 Bullied for being "too academic"
13:53 Starting StudyTube at
16:56 The weight of fame, influence and responsibility
20:15 Algorithmic pressure vs creativity
26:10 Authenticity vs. Performance online
32:15 Searching to fill the wisdom-gap
38:11 Coming out online and internalised homophobia
43:52 The hidden cost of being a creator
Keywords
Jade Bowler (known online as UnJaded Jade) is one of the UK’s first StudyTubers who built a global audience sharing study tips, motivation, and her journey as a student. In this episode of The Sacred Podcast, Jade reflects on what it’s really like to grow up online and live as a content creator in a world driven by algorithms, short-form video, and the pressures of social media.We dive deep into the hidden costs of being an influencer: from creator burnout, loneliness, and mental health struggles, to the constant pressure to stay relevant on platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram. Jade speaks honestly about the difference between being a StudyTuber at 16 and navigating life now as a young woman in her 20s.Jade also shares her coming out story as an LGBTQ+ creator, reflecting on her experience with internalised homophobia, the importance of authenticity online, and how to build genuine connection and community with an audience. She discusses what it means to be a Gen Z content creator, the challenges of making your personal life part of your brand, and how she finds balance, meaning, and even spirituality in the digital age.
In this special Ask Me Anything episode, Elizabeth Oldfield sits down with our new producer Joe, to answer some of the most moving, interesting, and challenging questions we’ve ever received.We go deep into topics of loneliness, forgiveness, parenting, the risks and rewards of finding a community, the disappointment of unmet dreams and the question of representation on the podcast.We were surprised by how often we found ourselves nodding, laughing, and even a bit emotional in response to what you asked.🎙️ Follow The Sacred: linktr.ee/sacredpodcast 📖 Follow Elizabeth Oldfield: www.elizabetholdfield.com/ 💡 Produced by the @thinktanktheos www.theosthinktank.co.uk/ Keywords:Ask Me Anything, Q&A, listener questions, echo chambers, polarisation, loneliness, community, intentional community, community living, eating together, table fellowship, belonging, friendship, forgiveness, disappointment, unmet dreams, hope in hard times, parenting, parenting struggles, parenting with presence, faith and family, raising children with values, marriage and family life, sacred values, what’s your sacred, beauty and patriarchy, church and gender, patriarchy in the church, faith and patriarchy, loving your neighbour, loving enemies, neighbourhood, atomised society, building community, community resilience, honesty and vulnerability, vulnerable conversation, spiritual practice, faith in messy times, your questions answered, faith and doubt, community of listeners, living with hope, why forgiveness matters, how to find belonging, meaningful conversation, spiritual reflection.
We’re putting together a Q+A episode and would love to hear what’s on your mind right now.
If you're new here, we're all about deep conversations, exploring spirituality and our values, relational dilemmas and how to live together well, and of course talking about how to be when the world is in crisis.
We welcome both big and small questions for Elizabeth and the podcast team!
How to send👇 💌
- Drop them in the comments for this episode
- DM us a message / voice note / video on X, TikTok or Instagram
- Email us at thesacredpodcast@gmail.com
Speak soon,
Elizabeth & The Sacred Team
In this reflection episode, Elizabeth steps back from interviews to ask: what’s really staying with me from these conversations?
We explore themes of gender, division, fear, and the deep longing for connection in a time when everything can feel like it’s falling apart - politically, socially and spiritually.
We talk about:
Why gender is so hard to talk about without blame
The “polycrisis” and our collective fight-or-flight
How contempt sneaks in and empathy fades
Whether old spiritual traditions still have anything to offer
And what it takes to stay human (and stay open) in a polarised world
🎙️ Follow The Sacred: linktr.ee/sacredpodcast
📖 Follow Elizabeth Oldfield: www.elizabetholdfield.com/
💡 Produced by the @thinktanktheos www.theosthinktank.co.uk/
🌿 Take a break with us in August. Take time to be with your people and "unplug" yourself from the online world. We'll see you in September.
What happens when standing by your principles means losing your community?
David French was once a Republican darling - a military veteran in Iraq, a pro-life lawyer, and a defender of religious liberty. But when he publicly opposed Donald Trump in 2016, everything changed. His church turned on him, his family received threats, and he became controversial figure in political and religious debates.
In this conversation, David reflects on the cost of choosing virtue over political loyalty, why free speech still matters even when it's painful, and what it’s like to be exiled by your tribe.
We talk about moral courage, the state of American evangelicalism, and what it means to stay principled in a world that rewards tribalism.
🎙️ Follow The Sacred: linktr.ee/sacredpodcast
📖 Follow Elizabeth Oldfield: www.elizabetholdfield.com/
💡 Produced by the @thinktanktheos www.theosthinktank.co.uk/
✍️ Follow David French: https://x.com/davidafrench?lang=en
Chapters
00:00 Intro
01:07 What is Sacred to you? David French answers
01:29 Defining Virtue in American Society
06:26 When Have Your Virtues Been Tested?
14:42 Formative Experiences and Moral Foundations
18:40 Political Awakening and Conservative Values
27:27 The Role of Civil Liberties in Society
30:47 The Importance of Defending Difficult Speech
33:31 The Importance of Free Speech
36:39 Serving in the Iraq war
39:52 Transformative Experiences of War
44:10 Political Identity and Church Community Rejection
50:49 The Impact of Community Rejection
54:52 Staying True to Principles Over Tribes
Keywords:
David French - veteran, constitutional lawyer, political commentator, and lifelong conservative - joins The Sacred to talk about the cost of staying true to his values. In this episode, he shares how refusing to support Donald Trump led to being “cancelled” by his church, receiving threats, and becoming a controversial figure in conservative Christian circles. We explore free speech, religious freedom, evangelical politics, cancel culture, moral courage, integrity, and the crisis of virtue in public life. David speaks about his military service in Iraq, his time defending civil liberties, and why he believes principles should come before political parties. This conversation is for anyone wrestling with faith and politics, Christian identity, the culture wars, the evangelical church, or what it means to live with integrity in polarised times. Topics include: Christian conservatism, Never Trump, leaving church, freedom of speech, spiritual exile, republican, political pressure, and how to remain faithful under fire.
After three incredible years, we're saying goodbye to our producer, Daniel Turner. We sat down with him to reflect on his journey, asking what's making young men conservative?In this special episode of The Sacred, we debrief on what it's like to work on the podcast, explore how leadership failures challenged his faith, talk about masculinity, abortion and the influence of figures like Andrew Tate and Jordan Peterson on young men. We discuss generational divides in politics, and reflect on the guests who’ve shaped him most.
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🎙️ Follow The Sacred: linktr.ee/sacredpodcast
📖 Follow Elizabeth Oldfield: www.elizabetholdfield.com/
💡 Produced by the @thinktanktheos www.theosthinktank.co.uk/
✍️ Follow Daniel Turner's writing: https://etcet.substack.com/
Chapters:
0:00 Intro
1:19 What is Sacred to you? Daniel Turner answers
2:23 Fighting to remain curious
3:33 Growing up in a religious community
6:28 Why did you leave the community?
9:32 Moral failures within the church
10:30 Difficulty reengaging with church
12:10 Is there a "quiet revival" in church?
15:15 Getting married and having children young
20:36 Parenthood and purpose
22:58 The "manosphere" and masculinity
27:13 Thoughts on Jordan Peterson
28:28 Curiosity towards Andrew Tate
32:00 Choosing Sacred guests
34:00 Gen Z: apathy, escapism and polarisation
37:29 The Pro-Life Perspective: Community and Support
45:29 Final reflections on Three Years with The Sacred
Key Topics:
Faith crisis, church trauma, spiritual deconstruction, young Christian experience, masculinity crisis, religious leadership failure, pro-life perspectives, community healing, millennial faith journey, generational spiritual shifts, Catholic charismatic renewal, intellectual curiosity in faith, overcoming church hurt, Jordan Peterson influence, Gen Z spirituality, early marriage and faith, parenting and religious identity, radical forgiveness, navigating religious doubt, Christian masculinity, spiritual resilience, church culture critique, personal transformation, faith and family dynamics, religious community challenges, healing from spiritual abuse, authentic Christian experience, interfaith dialogue, moral complexity in faith, young men's spiritual journey, church leadership accountability, reconciliation after trauma, spiritual questioning, community support systems, religious identity exploration, emotional intelligence in faith, radical listening, intergenerational spiritual conversations, Christian identity reconstruction, spiritual mentorship, faith and cultural shifts, personal testimony, religious freedom, spiritual growth, church trauma recovery, authentic belief, millennial religious experience, spiritual resilience, faith-based personal development, sacred conversations.
In this bonus episode, Elizabeth Oldfield and Christine Emba dive deep into the heart of what it means to live a good life in turbulent times.
Recorded in Washington, DC, this intimate discussion explores vulnerability, community, and finding hope when the world feels overwhelming.
🎙️ Follow The Sacred: linktr.ee/sacredpodcast
📖 Follow Elizabeth Oldfield: www.elizabetholdfield.com/
💡 Produced by the @thinktanktheos www.theosthinktank.co.uk/
✍️ Follow Christine: https://x.com/christineemba?lang=en
Keywords:
community, resilience, purpose, vulnerability, moral courage, spirituality, friendship, authenticity, connection, meaning, hope, personal growth, wisdom, integrity, social infrastructure, interdependence, faith, trust, compassion, transformation, belonging, self-discovery, empathy, community building, personal values, spiritual strength, emotional intelligence, social connection, mindfulness, resilience, personal development, human connection, inner growth, social awareness, emotional resilience, personal transformation, spiritual journey, community support, self-reflection, moral compass, human potential, personal evolution, social bonds, emotional depth, spiritual practice, personal integrity, community engagement, inner strength, vulnerability, meaningful living
Fariha Róisín is a poet, Muslim, and survivor of extreme childhood trauma. In this raw, soul-baring conversation, they speak about the long road from abuse to healing - via Islam, queerness, Ayahuasca, and a radical reimagining of wellness.
This is not your typical conversation about wellness, it's about what healing really takes and why the current wellness industry often gets it so wrong.
🎧 In this episode:
- What Western wellness won’t tell you about trauma
- How Islam became a radical site of healing and resistance
- Reclaiming the body, queerness, and spiritual power
- The deeper spiritual technologies beyond capitalism
⚠️ Trigger warning: This episode includes discussion of child sexual abuse and self harm.
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🎙️ Follow The Sacred: linktr.ee/sacredpodcast
📖 Follow Elizabeth Oldfield: www.elizabetholdfield.com/
💡 Produced by the @thinktanktheos www.theosthinktank.co.uk/
✍️ Follow Fariha: https://www.instagram.com/fariha_roisin/?hl=en
Chapters:
00:00 Intro
01:21 What is Sacred to you? Fariha Answers
04:51 Childhood Trauma and Its Impact
08:54 Islam and Personal Identity
15:26 Queerness and Faith
20:50 The Intersection of Wellness and Spirituality
29:10 Rituals and Agency in Modern Life
32:45 Discerning Wellness: A Critical Perspective
36:08 The Role of Spirituality and Healing Modalities
40:12 Ayahuasca: A Transformative Experience
50:07 Reflections on Faith and Historical Contexts
Keywords:
Transformative journey of healing, spirituality, and resistance: Ayahuasca, spiritual healing, trauma recovery, decolonization, decolonisation, Muslim spirituality, queer faith, wellness revolution, intergenerational trauma, plant medicine, indigenous wisdom, childhood abuse survivor, radical self-care, spiritual transformation, colonialism and healing, Islamic feminism, psychedelic therapy, ancestral healing, spiritual awakening, mental health recovery, cultural resilience, holistic wellness, trauma-informed healing, spiritual resistance, alternative medicine, intersectional spirituality, sexual abuse recovery, mindfulness practices, feminist spirituality, postcolonial healing, spiritual empowerment, trauma therapy, queer spirituality, indigenous medicine, wellness culture, spiritual journey, healing from abuse, cultural trauma, spiritual liberation, body-mind healing, radical wellness, spiritual resilience, trauma centred care, cultural identity, spiritual practices, healing rituals, emotional recovery, spiritual guidance, transformative healing, cultural empowerment, spiritual connection, trauma integration, holistic healing, spiritual awakening, cultural healing, trauma-informed spirituality, spiritual growth, healing modalities, cultural transformation, spiritual resilience, trauma recovery techniques.
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
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🎙️ 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
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 sits 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 eventChapters00:00 Exploring Gender: The Unasked Questions01:54 The Sacred Values: Making People Feel Better04:53 Childhood Influences: A Unique Upbringing09:51 The Journey of a Writer: From Music Journalism to Feminism18:00 The Impact of 'How to Be a Woman' and Public Perception27:01 The Responsibility of Influence: Navigating Public Opinion28:49 The Art of Persuasion in Writing30:42 Hospitality in Communication31:36 The Importance of Awareness33:13 Navigating Tone and Authenticity34:54 The Journey to the Times36:49 Exploring Feminism and Masculinity37:47 Cultural Shifts in Gender Perception39:41 Addressing the Crisis of Masculinity41:31 Feminism's Role in Men's Issues43:16 The Backlash Against Men's Conversations45:18 The Lack of Resources for Men47:09 Expanding the Conversation49:21 Finding Purpose in Modern Society50:55 The Quest for Meaning52:45 Cinematic Narratives for Boys and Heroic Archetypes56:51 The Stiff Upper Lip Mentality58:34 The Importance of VulnerabilityAudience Q+A01:02:35 Are there unique differences between men and women?01:07:21 The Interior Lives of Men01:10:58 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 care01:28:40 Elizabeth Oldfield's reflectionKeywordsWhy 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?