Melanie McDonagh
Journalist and frequent Spectator contributor, author of the forthcoming book on converts to Catholicism, contributing historical and cultural insights.
Top 3 podcasts with Melanie McDonagh
Ranked by the Snipd community
10 snips
Dec 6, 2025 • 52min
Melanie McDonagh, "Converts: From Oscar Wilde to Muriel Spark, Why So Many Became Catholic in the 20th Century" (Yale UP, 2025)
Join journalist and author Melanie McDonagh, who holds a PhD in medieval history, as she delves into the fascinating phenomenon of 20th-century British converts to Catholicism. Discover why iconic figures like Oscar Wilde and Muriel Spark were drawn to the Church during an era of increasing secularism. McDonagh discusses societal reactions, the allure of stability amid turmoil, and the notable influence of John Henry Newman. She also explores the impact of World War I and the subsequent fashion of conversion in the 1920s.
6 snips
Nov 14, 2025 • 37min
The Edition: BBC in crisis, the Wes Streeting plot & why 'flakes' are the worst
Join Lara Brown, Commissioning Editor at The Spectator, who delves into the BBC's culture of denial regarding bias. Arts Editor Igor Toronyi-Lalic critiques the corporation's arts coverage, while journalist Melanie McDonagh offers insights on the historical allure of Catholicism to unlikely converts. The trio also discusses the surprising Westminster coup plot and the modern phenomenon of social 'flakes'—those who back out of plans at the last minute. A blend of media analysis, cultural critique, and etiquette reflects the spirit of today.
Dec 6, 2025 • 52min
Melanie McDonagh, "Converts: From Oscar Wilde to Muriel Spark, Why So Many Became Catholic in the 20th Century" (Yale UP, 2025)
Join journalist and medieval history PhD Melanie McDonagh as she unravels the phenomenon of 20th-century British converts to Catholicism, from Oscar Wilde's poignant deathbed conversion to the artistic allure of the faith. Discussing over 600,000 conversions by Vatican II, she highlights the appeal of stability and authority amid an era of secular chaos. Explore the controversies, the social influences driving these choices, and how figures like John Henry Newman shaped their spiritual journeys—unveiling a captivating layer of cultural history.
