Maiden Mother Matriarch with Louise Perry

Jamie Franklin, the energetic priest at Holy Trinity Church and host of 'Irreverend', discusses the disheartening effects of COVID on the Church and highlights the disconnect between public health and spiritual needs. He delves into the cultural shifts caused by legalizing euthanasia and critiques the erosion of Christian values in society. Franklin also champions a fresh perspective on parenthood, viewing children as blessings, and calls for a renewed Christian approach to environmentalism that respects nature while fostering responsible stewardship.

Robert Wintemute, a Professor of Human Rights Law at King's College London and author, delves into the nuanced debate between trans rights and women's rights. He unpacks the slogan "trans rights are human rights" and reflects on his own change of perspective regarding the trans movement. Key topics include the housing of trans women in men's prisons, the complexities surrounding marriage laws and spousal consent, and the contentious definitions of womanhood. Wintemute advocates for dialogue amidst the evolving cultural landscape of rights.

Marlon West, father of Scarlett, bravely shares his daughter's harrowing experience with a grooming gang in Greater Manchester. He discusses the trauma from a violent Halloween incident that changed Scarlett's life and the systemic failures that left her vulnerable. Marlon emphasizes the urgent need for a national inquiry to address the inadequacies in protecting children. The conversation tackles the emotional challenges survivors face and calls for society to break the silence surrounding grooming, advocating for better resources and support.

Benjamin Goldman, an Assistant Professor of Economics at Cornell University, sheds light on modern marriage dynamics. He reveals the dramatic decline in marriage rates among non-college-educated Americans over the last century. Factors like sex ratios and socioeconomic challenges play key roles in this shift. Goldman discusses how educational attainment intricately influences partner selection and marriage patterns. He also dives into the complexities of interracial and interclass marriages, highlighting their growing challenges and evolving societal perceptions.

Michelle Stone, host of "132 Problems: Revisiting Mormon Polygamy" and mother of 13, shares her captivating insights into the complex world of Mormonism. She discusses the spiritual motivations behind large families and the challenges of motherhood within this unique community. The conversation touches on the historical evolution from polygamy to monogamy and the tensions surrounding fundamentalist practices. Stone also explores the enduring legacy of polygamy and the vital voices of women advocating for change in these traditions.

Esmé Partridge, a researcher at the crossroads of religion, philosophy, and politics, dives into Gen Z's evolving spiritual landscape. She critiques the Church of England's failure to engage youth, as many seek traditional worship over modern methods. The podcast explores trends like #witchtok, showcasing how young women navigate spirituality through eclectic practices. Esmé also highlights the need for genuine faith experiences and the complex relationship between spiritual beliefs and mental health, urging a balanced approach to spirituality.

Alex Mills, a Professor of Biology at York University, delves into the fascinating world of biological sex. He clarifies what 'male' and 'female' truly mean across species and discusses the complexities of intersex variations. The conversation explores why mammals often lack attentive parenting and presents a surprising theory about dinosaur extinction. Additionally, they examine mating behaviors and coercion in nature, drawing parallels to human relationships and societal structures.

Chine McDonald, Director of Theos and author of 'Unmaking Mary,' dives deep into the complexities of modern motherhood. She challenges the myth of perfect motherhood, discussing how societal norms shape feeding choices and the emotional turmoil they can cause. The conversation reveals the stark contrast between historical communal birthing practices and today's isolating experiences, especially in a post-pandemic world. They also explore the impact of technology on motherhood and address the anxieties surrounding infant care.

Julie Bindel, a radical feminist campaigner and journalist, discusses the current state of transgenderism in the UK and her views on accountability within the movement. She addresses a significant legal case affecting women's rights and the interpretation of trans identities. Bindel reflects on the emotional turmoil of public scrutiny while emphasizing the necessity of resilience in activism. Her personal journey into feminism reveals how early influences shaped her commitment to social justice, illustrating the complexities of navigating controversial alliances.

In this discussion, Thomas Chatterton Williams, a staff writer at The Atlantic and author of the upcoming book 'Summer of Our Discontent,' dives into the rise of the 'woke right.' He critiques the rejection of liberal principles across the political spectrum and explores the clash between woke movements and mainstream conservatism. Williams unpacks the complexities of race, class, and political affiliations, while addressing the global impact of wokeness and hip-hop culture. His insights challenge us to rethink our political narratives.