Nomad Podcast

In this conversation, womanist theologian Selina Stone reflects on the hidden ways power is shaped by theology — and how theology, in turn, can be shaped by power. Drawing on her book A Heavy Yoke: Theology, Power and Abuse in the Church, she explores how divine calling, servant leadership, and spiritual authority can all become tools of control, especially in charismatic and evangelical settings. But Selina also gestures toward another way — one rooted in embodied wisdom, communal discernment, and a God who shares power rather than hoards it. Following the interview, Nomad hosts Tim Nash and Joy Brooks reflect on their own encounters with unhealthy uses of power in church, the theologies that enabled it, and the green flags that might help us discern healthier communities. Interview starts at 15m 54s  Books, quotes, links → The creation of Nomad’s thoughtful, ad-free content is entirely funded by our equally thoughtful and wonderful listeners. By supporting us, you gain access to Nomad’s online spaces—like the Beloved Listener Lounge, Enneagram Lounge, and Book Club—as well as bonus episodes such as Nomad Contemplations, Therapeutic Reflections, and Nomad Revisited. If you’d like to join our lovely community of supporters, head over to our Patreon page. You might even be rewarded with a Nomad pen or our coveted Beloved Listener mug! If a monthly commitment isn’t possible right now, a one-off donation is always deeply appreciated—you can do that here. Looking to connect with others nearby? Check out the Listener Map or join our Nomad Gathering Facebook group. And if you're up for sharing your own story, we regularly post reflections from listeners on our blog—all with the hope of fostering deeper understanding, connection and supportive relationships. If you'd like to share your story on the blog, contact us for more information here.

Halima Gosai Hussein is the former chair of the Inclusive Mosque Initiative. Giles Goddard is an Anglican priest and author of Generous Faith. On paper, their backgrounds could hardly be more different. But their paths converged through a shared commitment to inclusion — Giles in the work of building an open and affirming church, Halima through her leadership with the Inclusive Mosque Initiative. In this conversation, they reflect on the faith they inherited, the shifts and struggles that reshaped it, and what it means to remain rooted while reimagining what faith can be. They speak with honesty about belonging and exclusion, the tensions of staying within a tradition that can wound, and the unexpected common ground they’ve found across theological, cultural, and historical divides. This episode is an invitation to eavesdrop on a rare kind of dialogue: one that isn’t about winning an argument or defending a position, but about curiosity, respect, and shared hope for a more loving, just, and spacious spiritual landscape. Conversation starts at 15m 19s.  This conversation was recorded at Morley Radio studio.  Books, quotes, links → The creation of Nomad’s thoughtful, ad-free content is entirely funded by our equally thoughtful and wonderful listeners. By supporting us, you gain access to Nomad’s online spaces—like the Beloved Listener Lounge, Enneagram Lounge, and Book Club—as well as bonus episodes such as Nomad Contemplations, Therapeutic Reflections, and Nomad Revisited. If you’d like to join our lovely community of supporters, head over to our Patreon page. You might even be rewarded with a Nomad pen or our coveted Beloved Listener mug! If a monthly commitment isn’t possible right now, a one-off donation is always deeply appreciated—you can do that here. Looking to connect with others nearby? Check out the Listener Map or join our Nomad Gathering Facebook group. And if you're up for sharing your own story, we regularly post reflections from listeners on our blog—all with the hope of fostering deeper understanding, connection and supportive relationships. If you'd like to share your story on the blog, contact us for more information here.

Brian McLaren, an influential author and public theologian, discusses his new novel, 'The Last Voyage.' He explores the spirituality at the brink of societal collapse and questions whether faith can endure without institutions. The conversation delves into surrender as wisdom, the fragility of the future, and how spiritual practices can shift to survival strategies. McLaren's insights on morality and the role of literature in navigating crises resonate deeply, offering a thoughtful perspective on hope amid despair and the environmental turmoil we face.

Kira Austin-Young, an Episcopal priest and author of 'Pro-Choice and Christian,' dives into the intricate relationship between faith and reproductive freedom. She addresses the silence surrounding abortion in progressive churches, emphasizing the need for compassion and moral complexity. The conversation critiques biblical interpretations and societal norms, urging a shift towards open dialogue and understanding. Additionally, the hosts reflect on their own experiences with grief and discernment, advocating for a more nuanced discourse on reproductive choices.

Richard Beck, a Professor of Psychology and author of 'The Shape of Joy', dives into how modern misery often comes from self-centered living. He emphasizes that true joy and mental well-being can emerge when we focus on others and the world around us. The discussion distinguishes between helpful introspection and destructive rumination while highlighting transformative spiritual practices. Beck also explores the profound impact of unconditional love and community on our mental health, urging listeners to embrace outward-oriented spirituality.

Join Joy Brooks, a therapist and former podcast host, as she delves into spiritual bypassing—how well-meaning beliefs can sometimes mask deep emotional pain. She shares her journey from charismatic Christianity and highlights the importance of confronting discomfort for genuine growth. Joy discusses how faith communities may unintentionally silence suffering and the emotional toll it can take. Emphasizing vulnerability, she explores how Christianity can offer resources for embracing the full spectrum of human experience.

Rowan Williams, the Former Archbishop of Canterbury and a distinguished theologian, delves into faith as a journey of attentiveness, rather than certainty. He contrasts genuine faith with toxic religion, highlighting trust as a core element. Rowan shares insights on appreciating Buddhism while remaining committed to Christianity, and discusses the dual nature of the Church—its beauty and cruelty. The conversation also touches on how contemplation influences spiritual perception, encouraging listeners to embrace the mystery of faith.

In this conversation, writer Lamorna Ash shares her transformative two-year immersion in Christianity, exploring everything from conservative Bible studies to silent Quaker retreats. Inspired by friends' sudden conversions, she discusses her quest to understand faith's complexities, the beauty of ancient rituals, and the tension of institutional beliefs. Lamorna's journey embodies tentative openness and a movement towards mystery, prompting a deeper reflection on personal spirituality and the evolving nature of faith.

Dan McClellan, a Bible scholar and social media influencer, delves into the complex question of Jesus's divinity. He examines early Christian texts and suggests varied interpretations that challenge traditional beliefs. The discussion highlights how evolving theology and political contexts shaped ideas about Jesus. The hosts, Tim Nash and Anna Robinson, share personal reflections on their journey with questions of faith and the nature of God, emphasizing the importance of intellectual honesty and spiritual openness in these profound inquiries.

In this special Easter meditation, writer and storyteller Gareth Higgins invites us into a deeper experience of reality—one rooted not in fear, despair, or division, but in love. With characteristic warmth and clarity, Gareth reflects on the challenges of our time: overwhelming empathy, collapsing certainties, and the temptation to believe that love is unrealistic. Yet through all this, he offers a simple but radical reframing—what if we are not only capable of love, but made of it? Drawing from spiritual wisdom traditions and personal insight, Gareth gently calls us to see ourselves and one another as we truly are: not broken beyond repair, not merely surviving—but bearers of gifts and just a little lower than the angels. Following Gareth’s reflection, Anna Robinson leads us in a gentle stilling and examen practice, inviting us to pause, listen, and carry the meditation into our lived experience. Original music for this episode was composed and produced by Wilderthorn. Books, quotes, links → The creation of Nomad's thoughtful, wonderfully ad-free content is entirely funded by our equally thoughtful, wonderful listeners. Supporting us gives access to Nomad's online communities through the Beloved Listener Lounge, Enneagram Lounge and Nomad Book Club - as well as bonus content like Nomad Contemplations, Therapeutic Reflections and Nomad Revisited. If you'd like to join our lovely supporters head to our Patreon Page to donate and you may even be rewarded with a pen or Beloved Listener mug! If you're hoping to connect with others who are more local, you can also take a look at our Listener Map or join our Nomad Gathering Facebook page. Additionally, we share listener's stories on our blog, all with the hope of facilitating understanding, connection and supportive relationships.