Nomad Podcast

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.  

Shane Meyer-Holt, a writer and speaker, delves into the profound effects of capitalism on our sense of self and relationships. He critiques how neoliberal values can overshadow our inherent need for care and belonging, particularly highlighting the emotional toll on caregivers, especially women. He advocates for community support and interdependence as alternatives to exploitative capitalist systems. The discussion also touches on the nuances of faith within capitalist frameworks, urging a shift towards inclusivity and genuine connection in spiritual communities.

Chine McDonald, Director of Theos and author of "Unmaking Mary," challenges the idealized image of motherhood shaped by rigid religious narratives. She shares her journey from evangelical upbringing to motherhood, discussing how cultural perceptions of figures like Mary influence expectations. The conversation highlights the emotional toll of striving for perfection, grappling with maternal guilt, and embracing imperfections as grace. Emphasizing an inclusive theological perspective, McDonald advocates for a broader definition of motherhood that acknowledges diverse experiences.

Join us for a thought-provoking conversation with Dr. Helen Bond, Professor of Christian Origins and New Testament, as we explore the complex relationship between the Jesus of history and the Christ of faith. Helen unpacks the challenges of reconstructing Jesus’ life from the Gospels, revealing how early Christian communities shaped his story. We discuss the historical context of Jesus’ teachings, the differing portrayals across the Gospels, and what scholars can confidently say about his life and mission. Finally, we ask: is it possible to build a meaningful spirituality around the historical Jesus, separate from traditional Christian doctrine? Following the interview Nomad hosts Tim Nash and Anna Robinson ponder what all this means for the evolution of their faith and role the historical Jesus might play in it.  Interview starts at 11m 36s  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.

In this conversation, Justin Lee, an author focused on bridging divides, shares his compelling journey reconciling his identity as a gay man with his evangelical upbringing. He discusses the importance of listening and storytelling in navigating disagreements and building empathy. The challenges of echo chambers and the need for constructive dialogue in a polarized world are central themes. Justin's advocacy for understanding and hope highlights the courage required to hold space for complexity and connection.

Dr. Jennifer Bird, a biblical scholar with a PhD, discusses the Bible's complex portrayals of marriage and sexuality, revealing her journey from conservative evangelicalism to a nuanced understanding. She examines the lack of enthusiasm from Jesus and Paul regarding marriage and questions the Bible's effectiveness as a guide for healthy relationships. The conversation challenges traditional interpretations, highlighting the importance of self-compassion and a more inclusive approach to faith that accommodates contemporary perspectives on intimacy and partnership.